Ravishing Rick Rude – mywarriorwritings.com

Steel Cage Survivor ⛓️

“ The caged bird sings…of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard…and he names the sky his own.”

~~~ Caged Bird by

Maya Angelou

I have paraphrased that popular poem above as it relates to the photo of Ultimate Warrior used today. Once looking at it, I decided if any references fit and that poem came to me. I had forgotten Maya wrote a book titled that as well, so I did some research just to “rope” it all in. I think those stanzas above fit with Warrior, don’t you? No, I’m not thinking of “ The Birdman” Koko B. Ware here! The WWF years were known for many steel cage matches. One I thought about (of course) was SummerSlam ‘90 when UW got that IC belt back from “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Another was mentioned in my book: “ Spirit and Belief” involving “ Macho King” Randy Savage and “ Sensational” Queen Sherri. UW lost that match but slammed Sherri at the end. I know there were others and he wasn’t always the “survivor” like my title implies, but we all can be~~ even without a WWF (E) Survivor Series.

We all tend to be in those steel cages of sorts~~~ is yours blue? Think about it just a moment. When we’re young, we get raised in our parents’ home (hopefully most do) and have their values, rules, and all that they teach us. It’s not really a cage but we learned from those four walls first before anywhere else. It’s like a fortress nobody can bend or break, until we want out. I’m not saying all of us totally rebel but there will come a time when we need and should be out on our own to begin a new.

I feel like a caged animal with all this winter snow we are still having! I love my home life and like to be comfy, but then have to just get out. We all need to do that at times despite the outside world. For me, I still have those moments like a caged bird singing hoping someone hears me. That can act as a metaphor with these writings to all of you but I mean something deeper. I know I am of service but often ask myself if there is more. Are there more ways I can break out of my steel cage to serve? Quite possibly when we move in a few years, I will receive new downloads in a new environment. It is desperately needed as who knows what the future will bring. For right now, maybe my life is to remain in this cage of sorts like I said before with the presence to just be. When we know we should change something, we’ll feel it but if not, perhaps that’s OK for the time being. We all don’t contribute to life in the same way and shouldn’t.

I have studied much spiritually these last 11+ years (yes, a few before Warrior passed) and I’ve learned A LOT. I can do so much more or get certified in other forms of energy healing, but don’t feel compelled to do so. Maybe later in my life there will come a time for that. For me though, I’m seldom a creature of habit in that way. My meditations are pretty consistent with how I practice and what I use, but in other areas ~~~ I tend to stray out of my cage. Yoga studios changed, how I approached the Fairs changed as I seek out speakers now instead of vendors, and all this is good. Life needs to be kept moving. I’m not a “lifer” in many paths except a few. Warrior was the same. We became multi passionate seekers. I have said before how wrestling wasn’t going to be his entire career with nothing else, and my life went in that direction as well. I never returned to teaching preschool and have no desire to do that again. I feel more like a student and not a teacher so much anymore.

Do any of you feel caged in a way waiting for the escape hatch or door to open? There’s a chance you wanna break through those bars but aren’t sure how. We might not have that tag team partner to tap us in or out really, and we have to decide on our own. There is a no scripted wrestling match pre-decided for us, but we are still performers acting in our life with free will. Sometimes we need a blank slate, canvas, (or even cage,) to truly see what lies before us.

I am realizing how that fits for me. “ Life is like a dress rehearsal” which Warrior said and we don’t always have the answers or it all figured out. Let that be how it needs to be for a while. You can decide without rushing to get out of the cage before the match ends. You can ring your own 🔔 and know your worst opponent is yourself. We are free to come and go in our cage without it feeling like a trap keeping us locked in. Be that co-creator you are meant to be as the Universe isn’t going to do all the work for you. If you rush into something~~~ that is not your soul, but the ego deciding for you. Yes, sometimes it’s OK to be spontaneous but big changes require much thinking. Just don’t overthink and talk yourself out of a new thing. Follow those passions warriors so your cage is a safe haven, but not one you are stuck in forever.

My caged bird sings for more but what that is has yet to be determined. She is searching, but it remains unknown for now. I know I’m heard and when a time arises, I will be ready. All this prep work isn’t for nothing! You need to believe in that too despite what isn’t working in your life right now or if you feel a bit frustrated. We might lose direction and want the old cage, but birds need to fly (even out of nests) and explore. Remember~~~ it’s the journey, not the destination.

P.S. Be the Ultimate Survivor of your own cage match, you deserve to be the victor! Come and go as you please or begin again. It’s all up to you…🤼‍♀️💪🏻🫵🏻

Redemption or Revenge? 👏🏻💙💪🏻

I have a few things to mention before getting into today’s topic. First off, last week marked the 37th anniversary with the television debut of Ultimate Warrior. Yes, I do bring this up every year but it’s always worth a mention. How is it getting to be close to 40 years, oh my… I was 15 and a sophomore in high school as that began all this for me. Do you lifelong fans remember that time? No milestone but still a time to look back on if you are or were a fan of his and following the old WWF in the 80s. *** What WAS a milestone yesterday though was my husband and I remembering 25 years ago when we first met! I can still picture all the details. I know he does too… 🥰. ***Lastly, a few days ago here in the US was Veterans Day. I did an entire post on that several years back. I honor and salute all of those vets, including many in my family who have served this great nation of ours while defending our land. Thank you for your service… 🇺🇸🗽🕊️

Moving into today, you’ll see that pic below of when UW got his IC belt back from “ Ravishing Rick Rude” in SummerSlam 90. It was his redemption after losing it in WMV earlier that year because of “ The Weasel” Bobby Heenan’s interference. I won’t call him a brain but Warrior one could also say got his revenge. To me, it can be both. Let’s stick to this scenario in the WWE. Did you miss me talking about wrestling, fans? How about this past WMXL? I can describe Cody Rhodes’s win as redemption AND revenge against Roman reigns. If you follow or watch, you’ll know what I mean. We want and need a positive word like redemption but then with sports in particular, we want that negative word of revenge.

Case in point with it being a little personal for me. 8 years ago, if anyone had been reading my blog or even purchased my book: “ Spirit and Belief,” you may remember this story. I think it was one of the longest in the book actually! My Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team 🏀FINALLY became the NBA champions after beating those Golden State Warriors. I still can’t call them that… They stretched at all 7 games and it was super close. The year before both teams had faced each other for the first time but my Cavs lost in game 6 (on Warrior’s birthday.) The following year they won it all in 7. 2015 could not have repeated! Redemption and revenge all at once. I think the cherry on top for me was when LeBron James stepped off that plane back home in Cleveland wearing an Ultimate Warrior T-shirt. He “claimed” it was his last one in the suitcase but many knew he was a fan when younger. It just so happened that part of UW’s name belongs to that CA team so was that worn by LBJ on purpose? 🤔We will never fully know, but it made me feel pretty ultimate to see that revenge. We shouldn’t be that way but with sports, it comes out in us.

I won’t get political on here ever but feel the need to mention our next President elect~~~ once again Donald Trump. He had been associated with WWE and the McMahon family for years. He even had Linda on his cabinet. Him winning this recent US presidential election also begs the question of what his victory truly is. Redemption or revenge~~~ for a second term, years apart. You can decide that on your own but it’s another example here as it does get “roped” in with talk of WWE and his history with the company. Several WM’s were held at his venues through the years too.

Let’s get back to Warrior for a moment. His return to WWE in 2014 ignited an intense possible reunion. Many expected him to perhaps bash others in the business during his time in NOLA at WMXXX or just to avoid some altogether. He could’ve gotten his revenge for the past in how he was portrayed. Instead, none of that happened at all. He got redemption by surprising most spectators there during his HOF speech and beyond. He evolved in such a way few ever would’ve known or believed to be true. All of the old vengeful acts were behind him and now it was his turn to be redemptive. He always shocked people back in his prime with many actions and still was upon his return to the business that made him a superstar, only in a new way.

How do those two words fit in your life? Can you think of times where both mattered? I’m not condoning revenge in regards to evil of course but just other areas where you felt that desire to maybe “get even” or let them know what it feels like to be on the other side of a situation. Maybe you couldn’t accomplish a goal but then at a later time, you did. That’s good redemption and one you could be proud of. It can just be a personal dream or something similar. We shouldn’t get so bent on hate that we play the “eye for an eye” game and yet many times, that emotion surfaces and we succumb to it. We are human after all and nobody’s perfect. Just be aware and try to course correct if you can for a future time. Don’t expend your energy on what doesn’t matter. Leave that bad karma alone and focus on the good. It’s super hard to do this in some aspects but it’s truly the best and healthier way to be.

Redemption or revenge? Both strong words that are part of our lives. Let’s bring forth more redeeming qualities we can be proud of and leave the revenge part. You will be grateful you did. UW’s matches were “scripted” but I know he felt those words too in his life many times. Warrior opted for the good near the end of his time here. I hope someday I will do the same… 🤍

P.S. Tomorrow marks yet another very memorable day as well. 1992 brought the final match between the Ultimate Maniacs vs Money Inc. on SNME for the tag team belts. I always remember this time not just because it was Warrior’s last appearance for many years but also because I had a very special moment happen to ME that night shortly before the match. I will always remember~~~ although before, I had forgotten. 🤭 🅾️

***That date of November 14 also brings my 2016 memory that is mentioned in my book. 📗 That was when I went to Toys “R” Us and saw some Ultimate Maniacs action figures plus a car with New Mexico plates on my drive home. Warrior lived there for any wondering….The same date with references 24 years apart…Yep, I will always remember those special times too.

🥹❤️💛

“Hi Kathy” of 35 years! 👏🏻💪🏻

You might not know what that saying in the title references, but you will soon. I am not super vain, ha ha! I wanted this month’s “selfie” to be kind of crazy 🤪 but then thought to end my 3️⃣ count. I had done 3 pics with either UW or W in the past and this is my 4th. Oh my goodness, I mentioned the number 4 after all~~~ who would’ve guessed that? The end of August brings up all the past SummerSlams since that was when they were always held. Yes, it is still summer warriors but now we are in the Astro season of Virgo, ♍️ my birth sign. That pic of UW below was from SummerSlam ’89 with its 35th anniversary being TODAY. Yet another milestone on my blog day. With that in mind, I just had to pose with UW winning back the belt from “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Tomorrow, marks the 36th of the very first SummerSlam ’88 when UW won the IC title after HTM’s long reign…

OK, do you wanna know the title reference? Maybe longtime readers will remember. Near the beginning of the match as UW is standing on the ropes acknowledging the crowd, someone holds up a sign. I had mentioned it years ago while almost choking on my lunch! 😯Maybe some of you have seen your name on a sign but me? Never. It’s not common nowadays as most ladies would seem older. There are some words underneath but I could never make them out. I would love to know. So, whoever that other Kathy was (and spelled the same,) she got a shout out at the second biggest PPV then in the WWF (E.) It is right in view along with UW but I had used that pic back in 2019. Yes, I did check.

I also did a little more math as I tend to do sometimes on here. All you guys or gals who were young when you watched WWF, well~~~ it is generational for sure. If you watched and actually remember matches, promos, characters, or any of it from the past, then you’d have to be at least 40~~~ AT LEAST 40 to have those memories. Any younger would not. 43 to possibly remember “Hulkamania!” I am not referring to the early 80s much here, just late 80s. They say we have our earliest memories at around age 3 so UW debuted there in 1987. You can do that easy math. I had just started my senior year in high school (probably anyway) so I was almost 17. To get those spiritual signs several years back and then to see an actual sign on ” The Ultimate Collection” DVD was just amazing to me. 🤭

May and August fly by or should I say RUN 🏃🏻‍♀️ fast for me. It’s a lot with the kids as those months are swamped with so much stuff, I feel like I’m in a wrestling 🤼 match sometimes! Do you have those moments when activities seem the busiest? I bet you do. We are getting a heat spell now after a colder week. Our pool is still open so we aren’t always the ones to automatically close it Labor Day weekend. I talked my husband out of that a few years back. Even though it technically isn’t that holiday weekend here yet, it does make me think of what WAS happening in my family 35 years ago. Just after SummerSlam a few days later, we headed to Michigan for a family reunion on my Dad’s side. It was also to celebrate the early birthday of my Grandma who was turning 75 in October. I have that special evening on tape, but unfortunately it is on VHS. 😕 Such a great memory it was. A few years ago, my youngest aunt just turned that age and HER kids along with the grandkids threw her a big birthday bash too! Almost 35 years in between with her mom, but not quite. 🥳

If old enough readers, can you recall something significant in your life of 35 years ago? Anything that happened would be back in 1989. Hard to believe 1990 will turn 35 next year. 😳 I can imagine many things which takes me back to living in my childhood home and it seems like a lifetime ago. It’s just like I always say, it can be feelings of yesterday and then ages passed all rolled into one. I’m sure you know what I mean as this becomes our emotions on everything. I’m not trying to be a downer or anything but just to think back and reflect on a different time.

I do hope this month has given you special times as well. We take it all in, however it is but I wish you all the good your heart can hold. September will be here soon as that brings my birthday month. I have photos lined up so stay tuned for those. One I just did research on recently as yet more info was sent my way. You’ll read all about it next time. 😉How are we almost done with 2024? Well, when you are crazy busy like I’ve been~~~ it blasts like a rocket all loaded up with fuel! 🚀 A few family milestones are left as I finally find it winding down some. Both kids are getting more adjusted to college as I can breathe a little more easier. This year has been so incredibly packed, there’s no more room in the gear bag!

Happy 35th to SummerSlam ’89 (among all those other events of that year,) but especially any in the WWF (E.) I do still watch some matches or promos and YES~~~ a few in September will be talked about as they connect to me. Enjoy the end of the month and soon fall will be upon us here in my “arena.” College football games are coming too! 🏈Hi 👋to all or any Kathys out there reading. There could be some! Let me know if you are one. I wonder what happened to the girl who was mentioned on the sign? She made history too and she might not even have known it…

P.S. Let’s just not remember WMV of ’89, shall we UW fans? 😬🙄

Turn the Page 📖💚💜

Yes, OK warriors~~~ I DID sing the Bob Seger song in my head when today’s title came to me but it kind of fits for a New Year, don’t you think? We have to keep turning the pages of our “book” because that’s what life is all about. Some of us even have to rewrite an entirely new one over time but one chapter always leads into the next. Don’t panic, this isn’t another post on a book for all of you still absorbing last week’s. No, no, no. This one is a culmination of sorts with all that will be happening in my life during 2024 plus some other wrestling dates mixed in. Oh, and then there’s THIS… My husband and I were walking into Costco’s the other day and “Turn the Page” was playing on the speaker! I have never paid attention to see if music is played in there. I can’t make this stuff up… 😮🤭

This time of year always fills me with nostalgia, as I reflect on those bigger signs which started much on this warrior journey for me. I just celebrated 8️⃣ years of meditation in late December. Not a milestone, but it certainly culminated in bringing forth the DREAMS that began in 2016 and continue today. I often find myself rereading those passages from my book, “Spirit and Belief.” I had little signs after Warrior passed (which most of you know) but January 2016 brought a year full of ultimate surprises. Let’s stay within a timeframe if I can here. I read on a few social sites how Jimmy Hart just turned 80! How has he not aged? I wish him so much happiness in that new decade he is beginning. Both of my parents will be joining Jimmy with that age this year. Those are ***BIG*** milestones indeed. 🎉

It will be 10 years in a few days on the 13th since it was announced that the Ultimate Warrior would be part of the 2014 WWE HOF class. (see pic ⬇️) His other dates are coming but I’m not getting into those today. Staying in January, we have the Royal Rumble coming soon. I pay little attention but know enough as previously stated. I just remember years past in the WWF days but CRINGE 😬 moment for 1991. Ah well, then we wouldn’t have had that great match at WMVII between Ultimate Warrior and “Macho King” Randy Savage. Speaking of which, WrestleMania will be turning 40 this year so that is another HUGE event. There’s so many possibilities as fans look to Roman Reigns maybe beating Hulk Hogan’s “reign” as champ soon. I’m thinking that will be around SummerSlam but you never know. Hulkamania also turned 40. I’m feeling old now…… 😳 This year is crazy and it isn’t even halfway through yet. Another sidenote here is (and I’ve done this before) but anything that happened in 1989 was 35 years ago this year. You can think of your life and not just my wrestling dates. This time in 1989 I was a junior in high school! Some of you readers might not have even been born… Of course I am biased to SummerSlam that year when U.W. got back the I.C. Belt from Ravishing Rick Rude. 35 years ago in August. My, oh my.

I’m mixing up the year now so all the pages turned are out of order but wanted to touch on some WWE events first. My family year is another busy one for sure. My son will no longer be a teen in March and my daughter will turn 18 in May. She will graduate high school and begin college in the fall. 🥺Time really does make us turn the page whether we want to or not just like reading a book. I’m reading another goodie, but no mention on here this time…

By November, my husband and I will have known each other 25 years. We met on a blind date and I had to do the math to remember that one but it’s coming. There will be 2️⃣ weddings in my family also. My brother’s second along with one of his daughters, (my niece.) No dates on those but both will be this year. Think I need to catch my breath for a few moments. 😮

Do any of you have a big year with events coming up in 2024? We all do but sometimes it’s nice to have them spread out more, right? Whatever comes your way~ just gear up and be the warrior you need to be. It does make the year go fast when we have much going on but life needs to keep moving. I just don’t want it running by as fast as the Ultimate Warrior did to the ring! Emotional times need to be cherished and I so hope despite my crazy year, I will have those moments to just *BE* which I need to do. Reflections are nice, and we need to pause through them if we can but just don’t buy a ticket to the arena of your past.

I do have the lyrics to “Turn the Page” in front of me as Metallica also recorded that song after Bob Seger years later. If there were others, I’m not sure but I do hear it sometimes during my workout. We are all up on that stage, (wait…that was another dream…) playing star again on the pages of our lives. We might not be in the spotlight like Ultimate Warrior and wrestlers were or are, but we all use every ounce of energy to perform as characters in books written by ourselves.

From January to December~ , it’s a brand new year filled with ups, downs, joys, and sorrows, but live it well instead of just going through the motions. Challenge yourself, even in adversity. Set new goals. Become a new YOU in various ways. You might not have the huge events coming like me but this year of 2024 will never happen again so make it count. It adds up to 8️⃣ so if you’re into it spiritually~~~ all positivity for sure. It is infinity sideways so take that as you will. Turn the page always warriors even though it might be hard. Life is about choices but like I said last week- “It’s your Soul’s chance to be HERE.” … That’s worth repeating. Look back in December and say “I turned the page and truly LIVED this year.” 🤍

P.S. Don’t get me started on a BIG milestone of a certain WM next year!

P.P.S. I DID find my elf pic and Diana doll in the attic cleaning for those wanting to know! Read that post a few weeks back… 🥰

Building the Hype

This photo you see was from WWF’s (now WWE’s) Royal Rumble of ’89 when the Ultimate Warrior agreed to do a pose down with Ravishing Rick Rude. That built the hype for their WrestleMania V match and then SummerSlam later in the year as their feud continued. Warrior also had hype the following year at the Rumble only that time it was between Hulk Hogan which of course led to their WMVI Ultimate Challenge. This can also be said for many of those wrestling Superstars of back then and today. We need to build hype because it’s part of us in every area of life professionally and personally.

Have you ever planned something for a while – even months or more perhaps and then it’s all over just like that? Think about the hype for a wedding which can be stressful but also exciting. When the big day finally comes, it goes so fast and then the hype is all a memory. Sure, you’ll have more hype throughout a marriage but the wedding stuff is done. What about the hype before a new baby comes? That’s true too. You have 9 months of building and planning and then after the baby’s born, more hype begins as their life starts.

For me as a teacher, there was always hype before many special events with those littles. Christmas parties, art shows, and of course graduation were all built up. We never used “Pomp and Circumstance” though! That was a few weeks ago. Another memory of mine was high school choir. I know, that again but it fits here. We would start practicing and building hype for a Holiday Christmas concert in mid-October! Yep, some songs were quite difficult but when you receive a standing ovation for “Hallelujah Chorus,” the hype was well worth it. It is not the destination, it’s the journey. Remember that warriors.

You can apply this to other smaller topics like watching a movie, reading a book, or studying for a test. The hype needs to happen or we miss the middle. You can’t be at a finish line without running the whole race either. What hypes have been built up in your life where the planning was longer than the actual event? I look to my kids now and all their hard work with Marching Band. They practice and rehearse all these songs for shows and then after about 20 minutes or so, it ends. Sure, they repeat performances at different football games but by then, they know it well.

For some of you, maybe the hype or planning is missed when your big event is over. Guess what though? You’ll always be planning for the next best thing with more hype so don’t worry. O.K., you’ll fondly look back on the past but as with everything, we must continue moving forward- new hype and all.

I cannot imagine being a pro athlete with all that hype. How would I be? Warrior amped up his character to get fans all hyped on the excitement. Our brains thrive on the adrenaline rush we get from building hype but then feel let down when it ends. Warrior was always thinking of what’s next but then finally left the wrestling hype behind for family hype. It was still there, just in a new way as it is for all families. In sports, that hype is on a whole other level. If on a team, you want that championship cup, trophy, belt, or ring. Once won- do you keep going down that road together or go separate ways? You probably want to win more and once hype gets on you, it’s hard to get it off. Much more is expected and the hype continues to build.

Being a single performer is sorta the same only with one mind to think of. After winning a title, that hype gets celebrated but then you need to think of your next career move. Your title reign may end faster than it built up. The journey becomes in how you continue staying relevant with more new hype on your future step.

So, warriors let’s build our hype for a goal but keep pushing ourselves to more adventures and excitement. We do need downtime though. Warrior did too but rarely took any before his next hype got built up again. My hype with this blog was unexpected. Once I decided to publish my stories, the hype built into a book called Spirit and Belief. That wasn’t a dream at all in the beginning.

You’ll know your stories in life with much hype too and for Warrior, us fans know it all. O.K., maybe I don’t know it ALL but the big stuff- OH YEAH! Thanks Randy… Enjoy the hype because we should. Our emotions matter because without them, the buildup wouldn’t exist. Life is about hype – the big and small. Let’s take it all because as warriors, we thrive on it…

P.S. I did post to the U.W. Facebook groups but how about this? Sept. 17th marked 5 years of the batteries 🔋 🔋story in my book and I got another sign that day this year. It had also been 5 years since I had seen that blue U.W. shirt which Lebron James wore when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA title in 2016. A guy was wearing it around my neighborhood. Well, at my son’s Senior Night last week, a guy passed me with that shirt on! 👕💙👏🏻

www.spiritandbelief.com

*** Find me here for book info on how Warrior’s energy inspired me to trust signs I was getting! You can find it on Amazon and other retailers… Let me know your feedback!!! I am also on some U.W. fb groups, Twitter and YouTube (: I just posted a NEW video of me reading the batteries story so check it out!!

The Whole Time 💙🏋🏻‍♂️🤼‍♀️

The WWE just had their annual SummerSlam event which got me thinking. I have never used a photo of the Ultimate Warrior gorilla slamming anyone! There was one time of Sherri on here but he’s only in that pic I took. How could I forget his famous move before the splash? You also see “Ravishing Rick Rude” and the Ultimate Warrior had a few SummerSlams with him. The whole time I was missing a slam pic so here one finally is. Another first once more.

I bet you’ve had some moments of something in your life being there the whole time only you didn’t entirely notice. That could be hard for some of you and of course I have my story but here we go again to the movies 🎥 ! Get your popcorn 🍿 ready warriors since these references really explain the whole time and what it meant for the characters.

*** Spoiler Alert!*** Sorry but I do need to explain so if you haven’t seen “Mrs. Doubtfire” or “The Santa Claus 2,” skip ahead. I bet most of you have so please follow along.

Let’s begin with the 1993 movie “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Oh, so good… It’s the restaurant scene for Miranda’s birthday and Stuart starts choking. From a distance, Daniel as Mrs. Doubtfire sees this and comes to his rescue. While applying the Heimlich maneuver to Stuart, his “mask” begins to peel off. Hey, I did a post similar but anyway, Mrs. Doubtfire is then exposed as Daniel. Shocked, Miranda says:” The whole time, the whole time, the WHOLE time!” 3 times. Yep, she had to leave after that. I loved the scene also when Miranda is having tea with Mrs. Doubtfire and she seems to notice some familiarities. “She” covers the truth but sometimes it starts like that.

The next scene is about “The Santa Clause 2” from 2002. Another great one and my favorite out of the 3. I have referenced the first one and readers may remember a few years back of this movie being in a post. This time though, it’s not the magic of the staff Christmas party gifts. This time, it’s when Charlie shows Lucy who Santa is up close. First she asks:” Uncle Scott?” He looks at her and says: “Do you have any twos?” She replies back:“Go Fish, you ARE Santa, I knew it was you all along!” O.K., not exactly phrasing of the whole time but close enough. Lucy wondered earlier in the movie when she questions if her Uncle Scott is Santa. He seems puzzled but to her, only Santa has reindeer and he brought Comet with him from the North Pole. So, both Miranda and Lucy had some earlier thoughts before knowing for sure it was true the whole time or all along.

Well, if you have some popcorn left, here’s my stories of the whole time. Many may know about my teenage years and such of following the Ultimate Warrior so little did I know back then what would become my now. The Universe as well as my soul both knew the whole time. You may not believe but I always do and will. I often wondered why my emotions ran so deep the whole time and very grateful now to have some answers. I won’t know it all in my lifetime but it’s enough for this Warrior woman. 💜

The whole time relates to one more person. A few months ago, it was brought to my attention that someone who I respect and admire very much had been reading my blog for years— basically since the beginning. We are connected through a mutual friend and he has been around the wrestling business a very long time. I was overwhelmed to find this out and a little part of me was like Sally Field as Miranda: “the WHOLE time!” I can say it 3 times too… One of these days I need to ask if any certain posts stand out to him as being inspirational at all. Yes, there are many to choose from but I am curious. 🤔 Sometimes though there is that part of me that wants to crawl under a rock because of what I wrote but it’s all me. 😬😳Every bit is true.

Despite all these references of mine, I do hope all of you can look at the good experiences now that have been with you the whole time. We can also look to those difficult moments and know how they were guiding us to be stronger the whole time. You may not have specific examples as my movies or a respected avid reader, ( still so cool!) but find out how this life has led to events that make up your whole time. Who are those people cheering you on left unnoticed? Where are those places that have always been a safe haven for you? Hopefully, you can search out those answers that become your life the whole time. Once you find out, your reaction may be one of surprise or pure joy. Let’s hope for the good warriors as the whole time needs to be felt positively.

I’ll always have those feel good movies of mine as you will have yours. I hope also to reach out to my wrestling reader friend more as he has been so gracious with me. 🤞🏻🥰For all of you, find your things that have been with you the whole time. It just might be the unexpected but take it however you can. I will always have Warrior on this spiritual journey the whole time as my soul knew he was there all along…

P.S. Always, right? Well, how about all this! I decided to listen to Warrior while outside on my yoga mat. I put on the video of those who inspired him. About 6 min. ( yep that number) or so in, he mentions burning bridges! Had no idea, would not have remembered. My last week’s post of “Bridging the Gap” ties in with this… He says to “…blow the whole da** thing up, blow it all to H***!” Once you cross a bridge, you don’t want to be tempted to go back for safety. I said “WOW!” out loud in the grass… Don’t revisit the bad..

*** One more thing! The restaurant’s name in “Mrs. Doubtfire” is called BRIDGES…

www.spiritandbelief.com

*** Connect with me here to find book info on how Warrior’s spiritual energy guided me to trust my intuition. It’s filled with humor, some psychic traits, ( all good!) family stuff, and more! Find it also on Amazon and other retailers. I also write a more in depth spiritual blog for anyone interested in different topics. You can find me too on some U.W. fb groups, Twitter, and YouTube (:

The Realness of Rivalries

Last week was all about friends so this week is sorta going in the opposite direction. Not necessarily enemies but rivalries with others is today’s focus. That “realness” is again scripted among WWE performers but just like with friends, the dislike may remain. We all have those rivalries with many people but it’s how we face them that matters.

The excitement and drama of pro-wrestling keeps us glued to our seats and we love all those feuding rivalries. It’s not that way with real life “storylines” as we aren’t drop kicking or slamming someone to the mat! I hope you are not.

Whatever comes up in your relationships, do you keep that rivalry or after a time dismiss it? If Joe wants to put his Christmas lights up in October, does that start a rivalry with you or not? I guess it depends as some have healthy rivalries that are all in good fun. Ya know, like an annual neighborhood party. Some may also just have a rivalry for a brief time like the Ultimate Warrior had with many but then they move on.

Perhaps some rivalries even turn into those friendships of last week. We need to look at the realness of them all. Siblings can be rivals and yes, that is very real. How many of you have that as a rivalry? I didn’t really but it all does get into competition which was another post. Rivalries are everywhere and connect us all. What about that annoying co-worker who seems to have everything going their way while you struggle getting ahead?

Sometimes a rivalry is just about one area of our lives, it gets resolved and then new ones begin. We may have life long friendships based on rivalries but then need to decide if they are worth keeping. Case in point- politics. I will never get political on here but I bet many of you have someone who won’t ever agree with your politics. You are friends but that rivalry of disagreement is real. Would you let your points of view destroy the friendship or would you work to save it? This is tough for all of us but it’s again always a choice. The friendship or the rivalry needs to be decided.

Let’s go back to wrestling for a moment. That photo is the Ultimate Warrior of course giving a promo behind a steel cage. This was for his upcoming SummerSlam match with Ravishing Rick Rude. Yeah, the pics are all about S.S. lately! Their rivalry went on for quite a while. Even though performances are fake, it’s very real emotionally for fans. We get just as absorbed watching as they do acting. The rivalry is real for that time we are involved and following.

Some rivalries will always remain with us like possibly family members where memories can surface. We may also have that work relationship that will be a constant rivalry until someone leaves the business. There are times when a rivalry is brewing without your knowledge. Jealousy can come about or back-stabbing and we are oblivious to the whole thing.

I know there were or perhaps are some WWE rivalries that start out as scripted but then each may really dislike the other. They may never be friends. Most wanted the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan to be friends but they really weren’t that close. Being good guys meant you weren’t competing against each other, just for fans. Vince McMahon did call them both “consummate professionals” despite their rivalry. They did of course become rivals just once but still not true friends. It wasn’t what everyone wanted but true rivals-no. There are those who live for drama of a rivalry and lose touch with reality if there isn’t one.

So, is it friends or rivals for all of you? Relationships are always a mystery and we go thru many stages of both. Just spend time truly realizing which rivalries are real to you and which are not. Little issues can lead to bigger ones but think about if you really want or need this person in your life. Unlike the stories of pro-wrestling, our true lives are the ones that genuinely matter most.

Take time with this topic warriors and decide if a rivalry is worth putting your gear on for or quite possibly not. It’s your decision to see them all thru. Your life IS real so decide if those rivalries are indeed as well. You don’t need to be behind a steel cage but just battle that rivalry like the warrior YOU are. Keep what matters. Slam what doesn’t! ✊🏻💪🏻👏🏻

www.spiritandbelief.com

~~~ Check out my website for book info on how the Ultimate Warrior influenced my spiritual life… 💙I also offer coaching and a more spiritually guided blog. Check it out!

~~~ Find me also on youtube, Twitter, and Pinterest. Let me know your fave wrestling moments or rivalries and we can go old school!!! 🙋🏻‍♀️👍

Ultimate Family Nuances

Happy 2020 warriors! 🎉🎊 A New Year and decade… I wish you all health, happiness, and humor as always! Hey, that’s WWE’s HHH( not on purpose!😉) This story has plenty of that humor so get your gear on and let’s start running.

As you can see with that photo, Helwig Whistle Stop is nearby my town. I know it’s missing an l warriors and across the street is Helwig Industrial Park. One of the founders of this neighboring city had that as his last name. I found very little as to why some areas were named after him but he must’ve been prominent back then. This street is one of the main roads that connects towns so I have seen this “tag team” for years now. The Whistle Stop is newer though but always a reminder of Jim Hellwig (Warrior’s birth name.) Also, I had to use the Whistle Stop Sign because of the train. Vince McMahon had referred to the Ultimate Warrior as “a runaway locomotive!”

There’s those literal SIGNS once again. Also, on that same road sits a chiropractor’s office on the corner of Daisy Street. Warrior was almost that profession and had a beloved dog named Daisy who is now with him in spirit. At least I believe that anyway. I still smile and maybe giggle every time I pass that corner. There are a few Daisy references in my book Spirit and Belief that will always warm my heart along with another train reference from a vacation.

Now, I’ll move on to more family stories. Two involve my husband and one is with my daughter ( yes, again!) I rarely mention my husband and then these little nuances got me thinking. 🤔 A few Christmas Eves ago, we were in our church parking lot and saw my daughter’s 5th grade PSR teacher. This was a little over 3 years ago when many other sillies surfaced. My son also had this teacher and his name is Mr. HOGAN. That’s right… Well, my kids still don’t acknowledge teachers what with all the embarrassment. My husband says in a loud enough voice for me to hear: “HOGAN!” Thankfully, Mr. Hogan didn’t hear him. I’m not kidding here when I say he sounded like the Ultimate Warrior during WMVI after Hogan’s knee “went out.” Warrior yells: “Hogan!” for him to get back into the ring. I wondered if my husband had ever seen WMVI as that does remain a mystery…

The second nuance occurred several months ago as I was working on my website in another room. My husband was watching a YouTube video and I immediately heard Gorilla Monsoon’s voice announcing during a match with the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase and some other opponent. I couldn’t hear it all but it was for sure an old WWF match! What the heck? He doesn’t watch that and it was playing at least a minute or more before I walked in. I didn’t want to freak him out by saying something absurd but just: “Hey, I know that voice, that’s Gorilla Monsoon!” He stopped it right away and said nothing. Hmmm…

The last little family nuance came when studying health with my daughter last year. They were learning different muscles of the body with diagrams. We all know the basics right– like gluteus maximus, (our glutes or rear!) biceps, triceps, and some others. Then, I was amused with a fun memory. Next came trapezius which is part of the neck and shoulder “area.” I thought of SummerSlam’89 between the Ultimate Warrior and Ravishing Rick Rude. Those commentators used the medical terms since we have to be serious when describing the body! I always loved when they’d say “area” after a word. Did you ever notice that back then? The kidney “area,” the frontal “area,” etc. Well, I started laughing when going over her muscle body parts vocabulary.

Guess which part she kept forgetting? Trapezius. That sounds about right, doesn’t it? That match between U.W. and R.R. resulted in Warrior getting the Intercontinental Title Belt back and started with a sign I’ve mentioned before in the audience that read: “Hi Kathy.”

Ultimate Family Nuances are always around giving me humor and memories. Some signs are new while some remain. I love them all and am humbled as my purpose is a warrior who always believes. 💙💪🏻🏋🏻‍♂️🤼‍♀️🙏🏻