Bahamas Adventure Afoot 👣

Happy Spring Dear Family and Friends!

Yes, it’s been quite a spell since I’ve blogged regularly. As mentioned in my previous post (August 2023), it didn’t feel appropriate for a number of reasons. (Reasons including the spacing in this post 😁) I have jested that it might not have been the best idea to have my first wedding (1985) at a venue named The Odyssey. Perhaps it was a harbinger of the life I have been leading the almost 40 years since. That’s twice the duration of Odysseus’ efforts to get back to Ithica! And my incredible journey continues on my quest for that, so far elusive, tropical retreat location. 

Backing up about five years ago, I was blessed to live in a comfortable hotel for two

years just minutes from Casey Key, Florida. Ironically, this was the location my second husband and I stayed when we first moved to Florida March 2006. We lived there for two weeks looking for the home we eventually bought in Nokomis. In the chapter over a decade later, strange, uncertain times enveloped the world as people sequestered themselves from each other. I got to joyful assisted my Loving Hosts in a variety of ways adding to my "resume" of skills. Due to my fortunate circumstances, it was definitely two absolutely wonderful years for me. Because they also owned property on the beach, I was able to access it daily. The luxury of having the sand and sea to myself the majority of the time was exquisite. Sunrise and sunset would regularly find me on the beach exploring and enjoying with DeLight.

The blessings continued when it was time to move on due to the sale of the resort. As she was a friend of my hotel hosts, I’d met my new patron earlier. At the time we first met, I had no idea I’d have the privilege of living with her. Her gorgeous property was on Casey Key literally beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. The dock in back extended over the Intracoastal Waterway. Life was absolutely a dream most of those two years. Again, being on the beach for sunrise, sunset and often in between, I hardly wanted to go anywhere else.

During that four year period, nature

enchanted me in so many remarkable ways. I was privy to numerous sightings of nesting mama turtles. Baby turtles making their first brave trip to sea was a rarer event so super exciting. Even rescued a few hatchlings. In fact, I’ve gotten to save many sea creatures, probably in the hundreds – baby turtles, fish, seahorses, sea urchins, conchs, cockles, hermit crabs, non hermits and more. Being one of the beach guardians was indeed an awe-inspiring honor.

A planned trip to California in June 2023 for

my son’s wedding just happened to coincide with the sale of my beach host’s property. Certainly a bittersweet time. The outdoor Carpinteria California wedding was wonderful in every way. The handsome groom exchanged personal vows with his stunning princess bride – as they wished. It was a lovely June day complete with refreshing ocean breezes. As expected, there was much fun and a few tears of emotion in the revelry of the reception that followed. So far, the wedded couple are living happily ever after with their Furkids - Hero, a cute Shiba Inu, and Scout, a precocious calico Maine Coon/Ragdoll kitty.

Initially, I went to stay at my next tropical haven for only a week or two. No surprise, I had water in front and back, although this time it was little lakes teeming with wildlife. It was only seven minutes from Casey Key – definitely a pattern here! Two weeks turned into six months as my gracious host accommodated my ever-changing, uncertain life. During that period I got to, among other things, assist in the care of precious fursister cuties – a dog and a cat. Pets have also been a strong theme for me.

My Casey Key lady had an adorable little rambunctious mixed breed pup. My hotel couple had two small dogs and a cat the size of both dogs combined. It continues to confirm that kids and animals love me – a validation that warms my heart as a human.

Being around my kids in June was auspicious for more reasons than we knew at the time. Besides all the excitement and beautiful festivities around Jeff and Amanda’s wedding, there was another miracle growing. That tiny marvel emerged into this world February 26 – 2/26/24 at 22:26! Natasha and Erick’s baby boy couldn’t be more prefect! Thanks to my host in the same city as my daughter, along with a

legion of other angels, I got to be around when Carter arrived. Indescribable moments were shared with this new little cherub. He was locking eyes just after being born – something typically unfathomable considering newborns’ normal visioncapacity. His eyes held wisdom beyond his moments in this earth realm. His skin was plump and smooth. His tiny hands and feet open and daintily placed – just incredible. No doubt this precious guy has some big plans for his experience on this planet!

In California, I was hosted in an amazing manor atop a mountain in the Santa Rosa Valley. The incredible view was 360 degrees. Far in the distance, mountains circled all around. Stretching below were neighborhoods, vineyards, and fields. The owner is a spirited gal with monumental dreams and projects to support. One of the many awesome things about this host is that she ordered a vertical aeroponic Tower Garden through me. For the first time, I was able to

help set one up and get the baby greens and herbs started. I pray the nutrition she harvests down the road will support her physically as well as uplift her in other ways. If you’ve ever been curious about growing your own food in this manner or getting your own Tower Garden, I’d be thrilled to be a part of that! 

And now, it is time to move on once more. As is often the case, I really don’t know where next I will land. I am again feeling a strong pull to the Bahamas. Although I’ve yet to know where “my tropical place” is, the most powerful feeling vicinity so far has been the Bahamas. Hence, I have begun to seriously research prospective work exchange situations that could facilitate me being in that part of the world. If you know anyone in the Bahamas, have connections to the Bahamas, or can support me otherwise in this quest, please let me know. Of course, if you have other leads for a tropical beach area, I am receptive to entertaining them as well.

It has been a very long journey thus far. While I know there may still be a long road ahead, I am definitely open to the miracle of my place manifesting soon. It is with compassion and encouragement that I send a reminder to some of my readers. Many of you have had ideas,

goals and dreams that have yet to come into fruition in spite of your years pursuing them. For some, it was appropriate to let go and head in a different direction. For others, staying the course is what you feel compelled to do. Either way, have faith that you are on the right track! Whether we actually achieve what we think we wish to or not, our Odyssey is just as important. Think of all the people we have touched positively along the way. Consider the blessings we have received and the blessing we are to others. Hang in there. The best is yet to come!

Thank you all for being part of my journey!

Yours in this amazing Adventure called Life ~

Michelle 

The Only Constant Is Change

Actually, it’s Love but I’ll focus here on change from a human perspective….or maybe a little of both.

Yes, I was on Casey Key....again. Guess I still had unfinished business. Facing the Gulf in front of one of the vacation resorts lining the beach is a huge heart fashioned with love and white clam shells. Carol is the artist. She'd regularly hike up the beach a distance for more construction material (clam shells) carrying them back in a bag. These can get quite heavy. I know personally having collected many myself. (You may have even seen a few transformed into Mermaid Trinket Trays.) **
                                                  

Carol greeted me with her usual cheery, “Good Morning!” Then words came out of my mouth, “You sure get your workout lifting people up!” Her face lit up with happiness as she responded, “Thank you so much!” Thank You Spirit/God/Angels/Universe for giving me just the right human words for the situation. Often, I find myself saying things I hadn’t planned at all, sometimes even using words very uncharacteristic of me, and think immediately after, “Where the heck did that come from?!” But deep down I know.

That was the morning I got the history of how the Shell Heart began. I’d photographed its previous version last year thinking it was a big beach Valentine. Turns out it was more than that. It was a tribute to John and Carol’s son who passed on 3:16 – March 16. Now I understood the shell with the writing inside of Brian 3:16. I knew what John 3:16 usually referred to and this was a loving combination of such. This year, Carol added a shell with her and her husband’s names with their anniversary date. A couple days later, someone else added one with theirs. A few more began to dot the heart. Carol decided to put a cup in the sand filled with markers with a shell next to it encouraging, “Write a message”. And people did. Colorful and varied messages of remembrance, love, encouragement and appreciation are what the shell heart is now made of. It’s doubtful one could walk around reading all the inscriptions and not be deeply moved. I bow to Carol for the profound difference she has made to countless people with her heartfelt act of love!

My life seems to personify change. Especially the past decade. If anyone would have suggested to me 20 years ago I’d be living this gypsea journey, I’d have laughed outright. No home. No defined plan. No end in sight. As many have read in Baring My Soul and Planting a Dream, there is a place I would like to plant myself on this earth - that tropical beach home I can almost touch. It just hasn’t manifested yet so I do my best with each change to enjoy my tour of life and BE in the NOW.

“Changes are what allow your spirit to expand into a greater awareness of your true nature. Through change you witness the many forms and faces of the Divine, for every living being, every inanimate object, every blade of grass, every mountain, every animal, is simply an embodiment of the One love. As you look into the mirrors of creation, you gain a greater awareness of the true Self within. People may come and go but the Divinity that animates them can never leave you. The very love that animates all of creation is One, peering at you through countless eyes, made manifest in oceans, trees, breezes, mountains, and the smallest single-celled animals. In every thought and every breath there is only One love.

Your soul will feel great freedom if, instead of fearing change, you embrace it wholeheartedly. Trust that change is the result of your growth – individually and/or collectively. Trust that your changes, when embraced with love, ultimately lead to a more conscious and happier life.”
~ VisionsofHeaven. com

You have your own individual journey of change whether it is visible to others or not. If you’d like a boost and a little company on the way, perhaps Wellness Couching by Phone will help brighten your trip!

On theme of the sea and experiencing change, one of my dear friends, Rod Thomas, has listed this beautifully restored Island Trader 46’ Ketch Rigged Motorsailer. https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1982/island-trader-motorsailer-46-3147170/?refSource=browse%20listing  Cruisers are a fun lot who are no strangers to change. If you are one or know anyone who might be interested in this newly restored gem, please contact Captain Rod for more details.

Thanks to cruiser friend Manuela for sharing this appropriate video recently on fb. I also recently “heard” it playing in my head one faintly lit new moon predawn morning. The stars still shown overhead as I stood in the sand, cool waves washing over my feet. You know that it’s “Time For a Cool Change”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKwRW0l-Qk&feature=share

** Mermaid Trinket Trays are available in our  Mother Daughter etsy shop Gifts From The Sea and Other Treasures. Please swim by, browse and perhaps pick one up for you or your favorite mermaid.

As always, my heart overflows with appreciation for the ongoing support of all manner and the love that forever swirls between us! Aloha ~

Doing Our Best Where We Are

Every time we come to a place or experience a situation, it is a first. Everything we experience contributes to who we are. We are, in a sense, a different person than we were even being in a place or situation visited previously. That being said, the energy in Florida on my Farewell Tour definitely felt different from my prior stays.

Previously, I’d see dolphins frequently. It seemed a bit odd that they visited me very rarely even though I was on the beach most mornings and evenings. Energetically, they are always with me but, as a human, physical sightings still bring an unmatched thrill. Rainbows were another sight I was gifted with regularly during my earlier time in Florida. This trip they were an uncommon treat.

One of the characteristics that I love about Florida is the lush tropical foliage……green everywhere! During this time, human activity had caused great harm to nature. Vast areas were clear cut and in the process of such. The cut vegetation was piled high and burned….not even being used! I witnessed these scenes, in a very raw, visceral manner. Even the Gulf’s shoreline was eroding drastically before my eyes! One day I physically witnessed sea grape plants and a palm tree fall into the water as the rain poured and unusually large waves crashed high onto the sand. I do understand that things evolve and Mother Nature is constantly reshaping, renewing, refashioning, reinventing, recreating….. This is not a bad thing although it sometimes creates some hardship and sadness for humans. It is simply part of Gaia’s ever-changing dance of existence......a reflection of our own lives with our ever-changing chapters.

Another interesting scenario that helped show me I wasn’t meant to stay was my meetings with friends. Actually, my lack of meetings would be more accurate. Many friends said they missed me, wanted me to keep in touch and indicated they’d like to get together if I was in the area again. While I had delightful connections with 5 of these beautiful friends, there were 10-15 that just didn’t happen. I know most people are very busy and have trouble just keeping up with their daily lives but this was just excessive. I also know some of the behavior of certain people not getting back to me was totally uncharacteristic of them. It was as if the Universe was conspiring to make sure my reunions didn’t happen so, combined with my other unusual experiences, I felt no more ties to the area.

On a bright note, I felt new hope regarding the trees and “natural landscaping” when I learned about a project one of my friends is involved with – The Urban Forest.

​​​“The Urban Forest will be located on about 26 acres of land between the eastern leg of the Waterway Trail and the Seaboard industrial section, extending between the Venice Avenue and Circus Bridges. The proposed corridor will extend about 1.75 miles.
The VABI Urban Forest is a critical component in enhancing the City of Venice’s urban design that was introduced by John Nolen in 1926 and remains its principle planning document. Adding this “green belt” corridor will complement Nolen’s “city garden” concept and serve to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Once completed, the Urban Forest will provide sanctuary for migratory birds as well as enhance storm water management and improve the community’s water resources."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=139&v=Fuk3u4GZ1gY

I feel like I’m coming full circle regarding my relationship with Casey Key so will bring you along regarding my experience of my first visit there. It was 2005 when I visited Florida for the first time. My former husband and I traveled to the southernmost state in the contiguous US to confirm that we wanted to move there and determine the specific area that felt best to us. Stepping foot on Casey Key, I felt like I was in – the only word I can best describe is – a vortex. It was as if I was in the same place, different time. I don’t know if I was Calusa or some other tribe unrecorded in current history. What I was aware of is, in that instant, I somehow knew what the rest of the key looked like….sans houses…with much more flora and fauna....and it was not called Casey Key. The whole experience was probably just a blink of an eye but so powerful I will always remember it. When another intuitive friend mentioned healers are being called back to places they once worked (sometimes very long ago), it rang true as another possibility for my possibly final Florida trip. Perhaps there was some energetic work I needed to wrap up before bidding this beautiful paradise good-bye.

Reporting more cheer.....
My happiness has been heightened with the knowing that my kids are both happy and starting new chapters in their lives.

In closing, wherever you are, please find comfort, happiness and reassurance with the knowledge that we are always doing the very best we can where we are, with what we have, in the present moment. If you’d light assistance shedding light regarding this, perhaps you’ll consider Wellness Coaching byPhone. Namaste ~

P.S. I was just about to publish this blog post when this message from TUT showed up. It was so appropriate, I had to include it:
“People who do all they can, with what they've got, from where they are, Michelle, no matter how puny their actions, how tiny their steps, or how futile it may seem, simply have more fun. Way.

Of course, to the uninitiated it doesn't appear that way. To them it appears as if only those taking gigantic leaps, who drive cars with fancy wheels, have loads of friends, perfect bodies, and fly around the world in First Class Sleeper Seats, are having fun. But what they don't realize is that we're often talking about the very same folks, just at different points in their journey.

Coffee, tea, or a brand new Bentley?

   The Universe”