Friday, February 20, 2015

Baring My Soul and Planting a Dream

A few folks reading this already are aware of some of my “unique” ways of being and seeing the world. Some of you personally see and understand things in a similar way to me so mine aren’t that strange to you at all. For the rest, though, I have been guarding and choosing my words carefully so people might accept that there may indeed be other ways of looking at things instead of dismissing the whole idea as craziness from the first line – kinda like throwing out the baby with the bath water. Btw, if you don’t know where that saying came from, look it up, it may surprise you. When one really thinks about it, you may be surprised how many people stay stuck in the same old ways and thoughts just because it is too uncomfortable making changes. But this message is not to make anyone uncomfortable…..just maybe to prompt you to rethink what you always do just because it has always been done. And if, for any reason, my sharing does spawn discomfort, please stop right now and shift your focus. Just take it in as entertainment. You are all very special to me and your individual journey is unique to you. My wish is for you to enjoy every step of the way as much as possible.

Back to sharing from my perspective. Many of you are familiar with references I have made over the years about looking to manifest a tropical spa retreat but aren’t aware of how it all began. I wasn’t just day-dreaming 15 or so years ago and thought, “What a cool, fun idea it would be to create a spa retreat!” No. In fact, from a strictly human preferential point of view, the idea didn’t particularly thrill me at all. It would take a lot of work and involve dealing with lots of people most of the time. Oh, I knew I was totally capable of doing everything necessary and could enjoy it but just because we are capable of doing something doesn’t necessarily mean we have to do it. What came to me that day was, as I can best describe, like some kind of a download similar to what we get on our computers. All this information came through. All these details poured forth about this tropical spa retreat. As far as I know, this is the first time I’ve ever experienced something like this. It was far different from brainstorming or planning or playing with some brilliant idea. I decided I either had a very vivid imagination or it was some sort of Divine Download. At the time, and still today, I responded, “If this is meant to be, show me the way. I will gladly walk through doors peacefully. I will not beat down doors and make things happen”. That was my old way, I would force things to happen even if it cost my health, physically or spiritually. My current life is based on decisions and actions that bring me peace. All these years I have been following my inner guidance very well. It has taken me here, there and everywhere….except to the place of that “download”. I don’t know all the whys and wherefores but do know we have choices in everything and are responsible for our own destiny.

So what would I personally desire from a strictly human perspective? That answer isn’t simple to explain either although I can simply conjure up the feeling of it in an instant. For a number of years (and I don’t even know how many), I have had numerous variations of a recurring dream both sleeping and awake. I am either coming from or returning to my sweet home on the beach. I am familiar with the back of the house to one side as that is where I go out and come in from. It is like from a kitchen or dining area and right next to it on that side of the house is my shell craft room and display area. I know that the room next to this kitchen is my bedroom because I have seen out to the ocean from this room but not many times in this awareness. I take a couple steps down from my porch and I am right on a gorgeous white sandy beach that extends for miles.
I am aware of the miles as sometimes I run on it and other times I am walking for as far as I desire (not because the beach ended). I have never seen what may be referred to as the “front” of the house – the part facing away from the beach. There is thick tropical foliage all around. I see (and smell) plumeria, hibiscus, ginger, palm trees, vines and such. If I have any neighbors, they are not very close or obscured by the trees and I have no awareness of them. I often enter the warm, clear, turquoise waters and have frequent close dolphin encounters. It is on a west facing beach (if it is on this planet) as I see the sun sink into the ocean. There are infinitely more details that I could go into.
Could this be the result of a very vivid imagination?
Could it be me living in a parallel dimension? Or could it be a future I will create somewhere in this world? I have definitely posed all these questions to myself keeping in mind I create my reality or realities depending on how many are being considered. If there is an actual location on this planet that matches my “vision”, I would definitely recognize it if I encountered it in this plane of existence. In this tropical paradise I would love to live and share my gifts. I see myself living naturally and vibrantly in complimentary communion with Gaia. While enjoying the many treasures of my
surroundings, I would lovingly create the shell crafts I have envisioned for years. My skills with
crystals would be vividly remembered and utilized for the good of humanity. Happily I would host people in a setting that would equate to a tropical retreat for them.

It is sometimes ironic what peoples’ perceptions are from what they see on the outside. Don’t judge a book by its cover. So many people think I am passionate about travel as that is the life I have been living for a number of years now. However, if I found (or created) this Paradise of my Dreams, I would certainly want to stay put maybe even for the rest of my life. I would be delighted to have my family and friends come visit and be cared for there by me.

Indeed I have been finding opportunities to travel simply because those are the directions I am being guided at this time. Some of it makes logical sense to me, much of it not. For example, I look for opportunities that take me to countries that might have a location that matches the one I “see” in my dream. While places like Fiji and Thailand may have something like what I am looking for, I predominately look somewhere a little closer like the Caribbean due to my connections with Atlantis and the fact that it costs a lot less for me to travel to these places than Fiji and Thailand.

Speaking of costs, that brings up more magic……the fact I have been sustained and supported on this gypsy journey in amazing ways since 2009! At first it was very difficult for me to accept the support and gifts generously given me. I was the one who took care of others and gave the (physical) gifts in the past. I was the one inviting folks to my house to make sure they had a loving, joyous place to spend holidays. I fed and clothed people who didn’t have much. And I was very comfortably happy with the giving side. Slowly I learned, and am still learning, to graciously accept all the abundance that is showered upon me. That is how I have been sustained and travel on my perfect path these past years.  A huge Thank You to all you wonderful Angels reading this who have supported me over the years in one way or another! The Universe has definitely pushed me to my limits in many ways around the subject of receiving. One such situation involves Facebook. On my blog, I have a column where I welcome donations if my posts have inspired or entertained and someone feels guided to contribute. I wanted this to be a very small “aside” as I wasn’t big on the concept of “asking for help”. So much for getting the lesson of “Ask and You Shall Receive”. Since I’m not very technologically savvy, the words appeared larger than I desired but nothing I could do would change that. When I repost the web address for my blog on fb, instead of it showing the first paragraph of my current blog post (like other websites), it repeats my uncomfortable request for donations every time. Over and over again I have asked for folks with technical know how to help me change this but so far nothing. Guess it will stay there until I am no longer triggered by it.

“So what is next on my horizon?” many friends have asked me. My response is that I am more in Limbo than I ever thought I could be. From my previous experience, I didn’t think I could be “hanging” any more but I, of all people, should know better that Anything Is Possible.

Due to the numerous “messages” I received regarding Sarasota County, I have again planted seeds for opportunities there. While my “seeds” involve situations that are impossible and crazy to most people, I know if things are meant to be, they will sprout into amazing fruition. For example, I have 2 lots for sale (which miraculously survived my bankruptcy in 2009) in Costa Rica
valued at about $150,000. Besides being open to selling, I’m looking into possibilities of trading them as the down payment for someone who wants to move a nice little house near Casey Key in Sarasota County Florida……of course walking distance to the beach. Then, I’d like the owner to carry the note for the balance which I could make monthly payments on. Hey, don’t laugh, if the energy is right, this could easily fall into place.

Another scenario…..a new Dolphin Sister contacts me from uncanny circumstances. She tells me she may know where “my place” is. Enter the stage of my awareness…..the previously unknown to me Island of Mauritius off the east coast of Africa. So I start doing research there and have made a few connections.
Yet another zany coincidence happened when I emailed another friend asking if she knew anyone or had any connections on the island. She lives in California and she responded to my inquiry that she was currently at the Westin Resort on Mauritius. Anyway, I’m open to some kind of work exchange situation on the west coast there to investigate if it is indeed, “my place”.

Numerous times it has been suggested to me is that I should write a book about all my adventures. Again, I am definitely capable but this is certainly not a fun concept for me. Indeed I have authored articles, chapters and a book already. I have a clue what it takes to make it all happen and be a
“success”. Even if I knew I could make millions on it, the process would not have been worth it to me. Much of “this book” is written already with all my private journaling. If anyone knows a talented ghostwriter out there with a similar understanding of life as mine, I am more than willing to discuss a project with them.

Of course I am open to other leads, ideas and opportunities - always going where I am guided by Spirit. I know very clearly when to take certain actions as they are the ones that bring me most peace in the moment. And for those who wonder, yes, I do hear voices sometimes. Often those voices are from people like you, Dear Friend Reader. So, if you are guided to give any input, hints or connections, I gratefully welcome them.

In the meantime, I got a very clear image to share with you that feels like the perfect parable for my life. It is about the amazing growth of the Chinese Bamboo. For years, it appears as if absolutely nothing is happening on the surface. But then….Oh, please watch this 10 minute video. It expresses the concept far better than I. Then, only about a minute more, check out this incredible time lapsed photography further illustrating my point. Maybe this resonates somewhat with you too? Perhaps you’ve been putting much love and effort into something with seemingly not much to show for it? Stay the course confident in faith, trust and patience. I know I am not the only one who is and will be joyfully surprised one day at the unfolding of what all our energy and conviction have produced.



It looks like I may be in telephone range for a few weeks at this point. Are you interested in some energetic hand holding, guidance accessing your own inner wisdom and assistance on your journey? Perhaps Telephone Wellness Coaching is for you. I welcome your inquiry to determine if we are an appropriate match for your highest spiritual growth. And for those of you who are wondering, I still represent Juice Plus
– the next best solution to eating healthy just short of actually consuming all the fruits and veggies your body needs. Even better, eat your produce right off your own plants fresh off the Tower Garden!

Until next time……Namaste ~



Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Really…..the Desert?!

At one point, while at Suenos del Mar in Puerto Cayo, it became very clear it was time for me to move on. My new God-sent friend Mary offered me an invitation. She asked if I’d like her to accompany me to nearby Puerto Lopez to investigate possibilities of a work exchange for me there. My immediate internal reaction was No, I did not want to stay in this desert Ecuador much longer at all!  Of course Ecuador
is not all desert (there is the Amazon, the Andes and more) but much of it along the beach is. For those who know me, the beach is a non-negotiable necessity for me. I’d already begun to research opportunities in other countries too. However, when I truly went within - beyond my human impulses, it felt as if taking her up on her generous, perhaps intuitive, offer was my perfect “next step”. It was a gorgeous day when we arrived the small fishing village of Puerto Lopez. First we visited a friend of hers at a Mandala Hosteria and asked for recommendations. Then, we spoke with people at three other places
where I also left my card. Mary asked if I wanted to check out any of the other dozens of places around town. Again my inner guidance was clear and it was a no. Later that evening, I followed up with the three places and only one representative responded back, Andrea of Nantu Hosteria. Mary was kind enough to again accompany me back to Puerto Lopez to meet with Andrea and Mauritz. After a warm chat, we decided to give it a go. Our agreement was for an indefinite time frame – one day at a time as long as it was happy for all parties involved.


Hostels are a kind of accommodation I’ve been aware of since my charming niece Alana educated me of such when she traveled around Europe. However, a hosteria was a new concept for me. And it is not a hostel. I learned the commonly accepted difference in the area between a "hotel" and a "hosteria" is that a "hosteria" has what are known as green areas. Hotels are blocks of rooms
surrounded by concrete. A hosteria has plants, trees and garden areas designed artistically throughout the property. Nantu is definitely designed artistically both inside and out which you can see for yourself if you’d like to visit their website. Each of the rooms has it’s own unique creative décor as well.

This place was almost the opposite of my last experience if things could be measured as such. I was very much appreciated there and felt what I was doing really made a significant positive difference. My daily morning yoga classes taught poolside saw many different faces as guests came and went. It took me a while to get used to being referred to as Professor de Yoga. I even had a local gal, Manuela, who frequented my classes brightening them with the
energy of her presence. She and her partner have a Spanish cuisine restaurant down the Malecon (main road along the beach) called Paella Mar. I would be seen there many an evening enjoying one of my favorite treats, Crème Brulee, concocted perfectly the authentic way. I was also able to help people through massage and even a bit of working with crystals. I participated in the day to day activities of a business that required attention and enjoyed my interaction with the staff. This exchange was often humorous as I still don’t know much more Spanish than when I arrived. At first I thought I would finally learn more as only Andrea and Mauritz are bi-lingual. Then, the same impediment showed up as so often before. I began to use some of the Spanish I previously picked up somewhat proud that I could put a few words together. My pleasure quickly diminished as the Spanish spoken there was, yet again, very different than other Spanish speaking countries I’ve visited. If I planned on actually living in one place, I’d definitely learn the language of the area. Since I knew I’d be moving on, Spanish learning got put on hold, yet again, for me. These hilarious guys hit the nail on the head regarding my language experience in this short Youtube video. While you are playing on youtube, there is a fun promotional video of Ecuador in which Mauritz' red jeep played a prominent part. If you look carefully, you can see the round Nantu sticker on the side rear of the vehicle.

Days turned into weeks. I was still living one day at a time being conscious of the signs given to me. Conscious definitely does not mean always understanding. For example: Sarasota came up for me 3 times in one week….
1) My new angel friend Mary now living in Ecuador, originally from Texas, went to visit a relative a few years back when he lived on....Casey Key. She even collected sand and shells in a bag which is stored at a friend's house in TX. When that friend comes to visit, she will bring the suitcase with the Casey Key "beach" in it.
2) A couple from Vermont were guests here at Nantu and her dad lives in Sarasota.
3) A personal training friend in CA said he was getting his act together so he could move to Sarasota.
There was actually another guest who also brought up the area but I no longer remember the circumstance. One of the projects I was involved with at Nantu was helping refurbish a dry docked boat which they are transforming into an additional whimsical unit for the hosteria. This boat was acquired in Ecuador and supposedly came from Canada.

You can only imagine my complete surprise - ok, maybe not complete surprise - when I saw the sticker pictured here right near the steering wheel inside where the skipper stands..... All I can say is it sure adds to my puzzle!

Another interesting thing – it was almost uncanny how I have managed to shift time in a fantastic way during my whole stay in Ecuador. Two weeks felt like two months. When I’d muse about certain events that took place on a previous day, it was mind boggling to realize these things transpired only yesterday.


I still don’t know all the reasons I was guided to be in the desert, one of my least favorite environments. There was the obvious soul connection with Mary who, by the way, made a tribute to me in her recent blog post  for which I am deeply honored. There was the interaction with my gracious hosts Andrea and Mauritz and their warm staff. I was definitely gifted to see many ways I was able to assist others and feel appreciated for it. I also had numerous nature miracles for my enjoyment regularly. And, for sure, I am super grateful to have been comfortably warm the whole time as I saw pics of people all bundled up everywhere else including Florida. I loved being barefoot for 3 months- shorts and spaghetti straps constituting my daily uniform.
And so……the journey continues…. 

How is your life adventure going? Would you like some guidance in adding more joy and awakening within it? Might you be open to new ways of infusing wellness into your life? How about assistance incorporating change in your world? After not having phone communication for 3 months, it appears I will be connected that way for long enough time to do some Telephone Wellness Coaching. If you feel this may benefit you, please check out the details and contact me soon so we can get the full time necessary together. Technological connections in my future are still unknown :-)