Working - Marketing - Living….Time for New Paradigms?

Those who know me also know that, if I had my druthers, it would be possible to live in a freely giving and receiving society. Colin Turner describes how this could work via his book, IntoThe Open Economy: How Everything You Know About The World Is About To Change. The Kindle version is currently free on amazon. When undamaged people have their basic needs met, their natural default is to serve others. More of Colin’s work and ideals can be found in my previous post I am Home.

After a freely giving and receiving society, it would be delightful to barter. Granted, sometimes it’s more convenient to just pay for things with money. But bartering, more widely accepted, would be highly freeing for millions too. Then there is also that way of life I personally desire, living off the grid in semi-seclusion. I don’t mean passing the nights in a sleeping bag under the stars – although for some that would be heaven. Any supplies brought in would normally cost money but I’d prefer a trade or gifting exchange. If my fruit trees produced abundantly more than I could ever use, I’d want people to be able to come by and enjoy the bounty too. Not something I’d measure, “I gave this neighbor X amount of fruit, now I can ask them for some help with my pump”. Although even the latter would be better than needing money from my perspective.  To reiterate, money isn’t evil and works great in many peoples’ preference. It’s simply that there are so many for whom money doesn’t work so great. It only makes an added distraction from being able to truly savor life and live to their full potential. Masses spend the majority of their lives in jobs they wouldn’t be doing if they didn’t need money. Many don’t even have time or energy to enjoy their income. For some, it barely covers basic necessities. I personally know many who have more than one job to make ends meet totally compounding this dilemma. Some proudly wear their overworking life imbalance like a badge of honor. Overheard at the gym, “I haven’t taken time off since my youngest was born 4 and ½ years ago.” Why are Fridays celebrated and Mondays so dreaded? Of course that doesn’t even apply anymore to the countless folks who work weekends. “Weekend”, hmmmm, I wonder where that concept came from? That jubilant celebration of ending work and dreading the start actually speaks of grave dysfunctionality in the current accepted societal ways. Especially when the “working” time is most of their waking lifespan!

Fortunately, there seems to be a bit of an awakening – a realization that powerful change is not only possible but crucial to our health and well-being. From the olden days of tailors, blacksmiths, woodworkers, artists and bakers, there has been a resurgence of entrepreneurs and small businesses over the past few decades. Trading,

or bartering, is now seeing new life too from large cooperatives like International Bartering Exchange to online platforms such as Simbi. One can even find goods and services for free on craigslist, freecycle and the fledgling free giving website Freeworlder. Of course, there have always been generous people through the ages who have charitably given but not as a 2 way street – not as a way of life. Many people give freely but cannot freely receive – perhaps a topic for another day. The point, for the moment, indicates many good-hearted people are willing to give.

What kinds of value do people have to offer?
Dolphin and Whale Encounter Retreats
Life Coaching
Yield from their Garden
Intuitive Messages/Guidance
Healing Touch
Crafts/Handiwork Creations
Architect and Creative Design
Sweat Lodge Leader/Facilitator
Healthy Meal Preparation
Tiny House Builders
Personalized Travel Guide
Assistance with Off Grid Set-up
Musician/Singer/Entertainer
Apothecary
Travel Companion
As you can see, the list could go to infinity and beyond  – especially when people are encouraged to do and be what they are passionate about instead of what they can be most profitable engaging in.

I have noticed numerous individuals, with unique and valuable gifts, struggling to share their talents and make “a living” too. Some of these gifts are incredible, bordering on miraculous, and clearly something they are passionate about. What they are not passionate about, even though they may be capable, is marketing, sales and promotion - myself included. Generally, “successful” individuals and companies have already done the start-up and have a marketing department or company they pay that promotes them.

While indeed time for grand transformation, we are not going to go from the current money-based society to a free giving and receiving society overnight, if ever. But new paradigms are emerging. Visualize this: Marketing Magicians are out there who absolutely love what they do. Passionate and highly successful, they have an intuitive way of being able to connect offeror with seeker (vender with buyer) and vice versa. These Marketing Magicians look for and welcome people with a wide variety of proficiencies or they specialize in certain niches. They actively desire to be agents for these highly skilled individuals and love facilitating respectful matches. Connections are made with integrity and they get paid from the deals they broker. Now I realize there are currently marketing professionals that people pay to engage their services. Usually, it’s not someone who is out there looking for people that could benefit from a product or service because they truly believe in it; but it is simply because they are paid to represent a business. Traditionally, marketers are paid upfront, hourly or by the job.  Imagine they are just so good and believe in the value of the folks they represent, that they would operate strictly on the basis of getting paid for the connections/exchanges they generate? And I’m not talking about some of the senseless commission percentages out there but something that is truly a win-win-win (service provider, client and marketer). Now take it further. What if these Marketing Magicians would not just accept money but also trade for things they wanted or needed? The same scenario would be viable with people who like numbers, records and bookkeeping. This leaves the practitioners to create, care for, and serve in the manner they are most passionate with the resources to do so and live life!

Yes, this would be greatly complicated in the current money/tax system. Yet the current system doesn’t promote joyful, healthy living! “The System” was never set up with your health and well-being in mind! Brave change agents are needed to make this a better world for all. Radical transformers come in varied forms and affect shift in countless ways. Many are quite vocal on the streets or via social media. Some affect change simply by quietly living their own way, brilliantly shining in the process.

I can hear the arguments and concerns as people point out options already available. There is also only so much I can cover and keep this reasonably short enough for most of my readers to have the time to digest. Additionally, my challenge with human language makes it more complex for me to express this message with any kind of clarity. Heck, I wish I could get someone, who is eloquent with words and understands what I am sharing, to rewrite this whole thing! Since I have been drawn to put it out there, my reassurance is, that someone reading with an open mind and heart, with the intention of understanding and enhancing their experience, will find something of value here.

Being of service can be fun as you can see from these pictures of volunteering I "performed". Perhaps down the road I’ll share a little more about that.

Thanks to the contributions of many Earth Angels, I have had the happy opportunity to play with my shell crafts again!

If interested in this Tiny Beachy Trio, please contact me. They are $15 each or $35 for all 3 + shipping.

Sharing a dreamy gift for a friend. The The Fiery Sea Dream Catcher is available for $25 plus shipping. Please contact to order or more pics or information.

Here are a few custom pieces. Hanging ornament may be customized for a limited amount of time. Mermaid Trinket Trays are available in etsy Gifts from the Sea and Other Treasures shop now for $35 with free shipping.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me here. Perhaps some day I’ll see you in that Paradise where it doesn’t matter what day of the week it is 💖

My Gypsea Life

Often the word “gypsy” conjures up images of colorfully clad nomads dancing to lively music, reading futures and possibly even conning money from unsuspecting people. Some gypsies may do that but it’s just too much of a generalization for the various kinds of nomads out there today. Most people can’t fathom how I live. When someone has a house, a job, a car, a smartphone……it’s hard to compute peoples’ lives who do not. No complaint, just wanting to clarify as I’ve had many "situations" with folks due to misunderstandings regarding their expectations…in a “normal” world.

As a Gypsea (not a typo but a spelling I have adopted for obvious reasons), I don’t know how long I will be in a particular area. And, even though I may know people there, I don’t always announce myself as I am unable to meet with everyone. Sometimes people find out I’m in town, or was in town, and get offended because we didn’t get together. What they don't realize is I am busy helping wherever I am, busy figuring out what’s next in my unpredictable life, busy working on maintaining my own life-balance. If we are meant to meet in person, it will, and does, flow peacefully.

Being more technologically challenged than most, I do the best I can at staying connected. Surprising to many, I could easily be a recluse but, for now, it feels appropriate for me to keep in touch via human words.

I am generally not tethered to technology, like the masses, and email is currently my best means of communication. Unlike others on facebook (and other social media platforms), my goal is not to get my numbers of friends high just for a massive number but to have quality connections. Interestingly, I had almost 20 facebook friends who transitioned to their next life. I kept them in my friend list for years as it almost felt profane to “unfriend” them. The realization came that it was time to let go. I thought of every one of them, tenderly having a beautiful few moments of communion with each, as I removed the earthly fb link I had with them that we both no longer need. They will always remain in my heart.

Since I don’t have a smartphone, certain interactions people want me to have with them are not possible such as Instagram, snapchat, whatsapp and the like. Many earth angels have offered to provide me a smartphone – some even with service! It is my choice, at this time, not to have one thank you 😊

From a social media standpoint, facebook has been the easiest for me to connect with people although it has acquired quite a few not so helpful features. I used to get email notifications every time someone commented within the parameters I created in my settings. The messages were all spelled out in the email – meaning I could read them offline as I am not always on the internet like most. I could even compose an email offline to that person if a response was fitting which I could do a quick email send/receive if I only had brief internet access. The most challenging fb issue being that now I have to log onto Messenger to read the messages that used to be complete in my email. To add insult to injury, when I click the link from the email about a new message in Messenger, it doesn’t even show up so I have to open a complete new window anyway to read it.

Occasionally, I post to linkedin, pinterest, twitter and G+ but it is humanly impossible for me to thoughtfully keep up with any of those. Probably the main reason I post to those platforms is to share things for my friends that I think would be valuable to and appreciated by others.

A fairly new social media platform, MeWe, appears to show promise. There are no ads and they seem to respect members' privacy much more. Click here if you wish to check it out or join me there.

The concept of freely giving is something I have shared about in many of my previous blog posts – one being ALOHA Land 
Consider a new way of living - Free World One. I hope someday you'll join us. Then the world will live as ONE!!

Another giving/exchange platform I’d like to see grow is Simbi - mentioned also in past blog I AM HOME.

With any format, whether email or any social platforms, it is not predictable as to if I am in a position to respond. This could be hours, days, weeks or months depending on living conditions, time, and technology availability.

The way I see it; True Friends are a special breed. They understand life varies for infinite reasons on all sides. They are the ones that could go for months, years or even a lifetime without apparent contact. Then, when we do communicate again, we simply pick up where we left off…..

Sometimes Gypseas do sell things…especially with an ocean flair! Are you looking for a one of a kind holiday gift? Something for your favorite Mermaid/Merman? Something for yourself? You might be able to cover one or all bases at Gifts From The Sea and Other Treasures,  a Mother – Daughter (ad)venture.

Thank you all for BEing in my life. Together, with all our differences and similarities, we make this world a brighter place!!

Who is this blog for?

This blog is for those for whom it is created. Cryptic huh? No doubt those for whom it is written will “get it” though. Sometimes I even wonder why I continue to publish it as I am generally a very private individual and it is a challenge putting so much out there for the world to see. People who know me best realize I could easily become a recluse…..as long as it is amidst a lush tropical beach on turquoise, dolphin frequented waters! Yet every month I get one to three heart-felt responses poignantly reminding me exactly why I continue making these posts. If I assist even one person in picking themselves up or turning their lives around for the better, my efforts are more than worthwhile.

The practical aspect of sharing this information with others I have touched on before in Communication and Technology  In today’s fast paced, high tech world, with the ability to connect with thousands regularly and meeting new people daily, it is virtually impossible to maintain contact as in days gone by. In what now feels like a prior lifetime, I would annually send out hundreds of handwritten cards for all occasions, birthdays, thank yous, anniversaries, and cheer as well as numerous holidays. I’d call people, not only for their birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, but just to say hi and see how things were going. Presently, its’s a miracle to keep up in these areas just with my immediate family. Yet so many people, both relatives and friends, ask what I am up to and want me to stay in touch. This blog, in a small way, helps facilitate keeping in touch. Ironically, many folks who wonder what’s happening in my world, won’t read my blog although they’d read the same info in an email or listen enthusiastically over the phone. Each to their own. We all do the best we can 😊

In my years of officially personal training, going to my clients’ homes and offices to coach, it was much clearer what my work was. Wellness Coaching over the Phone - clear as well. Now however, my “work” is far more encompassing and not as easy to define in human words. In addition, by choice, I generally don’t get paid in money for what I “do”.  My beach ministry scores me spectacular views, smiles, leads, invitations, dolphin entertainment, shells, sea glass and refreshment. Often my communication online with a potential host, an exchange site, fb or similar, I get the satisfaction of brightening someone’s day besides providing and receiving valuable information. This leads me to

the topic of free travel and/or accommodations. In just a few years, the number has skyrocketed of folks living alternate lifestyles. House-sitting, care taking, pet-sitting, travel companions, and work exchange situations can be found world-wide. What constantly catches my attention, and makes me laugh, is the regular promotion of “free accommodation” or “free travel”. There are blogs written and courses taught on how to participate in such. Websites have sprung up overnight for house-sitting, work trade and more. I guess “free” is a good attention grabber but, upon reading the content, it is never free. It is an exchange. The ads are particularly humorous that state “free stay” followed by a long list of the work one is expected to do. Don’t get me wrong! I am not against working in exchange for one’s keep. I’ve been doing this for years! Free press trips and FAM (familiarization) trips….same thing. They are not free! These trips are provided and hosted in exchange for the participant writing enticing articles about them (including getting them published) or promoting travel to one’s clientele to the areas traveled. Again, this is awesome, it’s just not free. Perhaps someday there will be a world where things are done and given for free. This bright concept is being cultivated by many, Freeworlder for one. Check it out if this way of life appeals to you. Of course, nothing is still done/given absolutely freely……one does it for the benefits there of. Benefits include smiles on other’s faces, warm hugs, wagging tails, healthier lifestyle and that feeling of joy inside for accomplishing noble actions!

On the topic of work trade situations, I am looking for leads again. There are numerous ways I can assist hosts. Here is an example on one of the websites I occasionally look for connections  - LuxuryHousesitting As you may know by now, I am on a Quest of sorts. The ideal place for a win-win work exchange for me is on or in walking distance of a tropical sandy beach. The closer to the description I revealed in Baring My Soul and Planting a Dream the better!  If you have any ideas or know anyone who may be instrumental in landing my next trade adventure, please share.

Thank you all, both new readers and old friends, for being on this journey together. It enhances all our lives in countless ways. YOU are who this blog is written for. Remember to always enjoy your NOW!

ALOHA Land

Moana - the movie – floated in my awareness before it came out due to previews at least six months prior. However, seeing/hearing/feeling this precious little princess singing How Far I’ll Go is what really fired me up to just have to see it. Like the line "where the sky meets the sea"……it called me. 😉Alas, a crazy series of events prevented me for a while - like many situations in my life! On the waiting list, for weeks, of the library in Florida, it finally became available two days before my departure. This could have been fine except when I stopped by the library to check if there was anything waiting for me they said no. A call came close to closing time that the DVD had been there but by then I was too far away. Debated the various ways I could possibly see it the next day. A bit disappointed, I realized it wouldn’t be peaceful with my planned driving departure time of 4:00am the following morning. Finally got to watch it for the first time in California with my “perfect daughter”. My senses stirred as I profoundly related on many levels! Later I shared this video with my parents. The result? They wanted to see Moana so we rented and watched together. In Washington, I showed my sis the video during my surprise visit for her birthday so ended up viewing the movie with her and my nephew. Eventually it came out on Netflix and something told me to experience it again. Found out later my sister had re-watched it the same day. Once I see a movie, I generally don’t like to view it again so this was a significant exception.

Meanwhile, in April I got Windi's reading I shared in post I AM HOME which guided me to look for a work exchange in the Hawaiian Islands. Reaching out to my Hawaii connections – about fifty or so, I hoped for a personal need or introduction. Mahalo to all who encouraged with ideas, introductions and bright energy. Nothing viable came to fruition via that avenue so I went the route of social media and craigslist. A number of back and forth communications ensued, yet nothing blossomed. Reluctantly I resorted to a resource I wasn’t thrilled about as you may recall from WORKAWAY – Not So Ethical? Workaway performed with its usual majority of hosts not getting back to me and those that did saying they didn’t need help now even though their profile page indicated they were actively looking at the time. So often I was tempted to make the “wrong” situation work just to make something happen. I’m very thankful I didn’t.

After investing hours on workaway reading through hundreds of host profiles – making notes, I sent a few dozen inquiries. True to prior experience, no one even responded save one who right away politely said he had enough help through January. I sent a second request to 5 who really had positive looking situations. Again, these didn’t pan out. After waiting a while, I spent more hours looking at secondary possibilities and sending more inquiries. One of these resulted in a very strange interaction that could be a whole blog story in itself about a place on Big Island previously known as Whalesong Sanctuary…..but I will Let It Go.

June was puzzling and full of wonder literally and figuratively. Among other activities, there was much puzzle-making with my parents…many colorful, interesting puzzles. There were more birthdays, including Yours Truly, and celebrations. As we know, everything happens for a positive reason. We may not be privy to that reason at the time or ever. I really thought I was going to be in Hawaii by the end of June. As July rolled in I was blessed with three powerful situations which clearly identified themselves as part of the reason I was still in California and not Hawaii. While challenging for those involved, I am grateful and honored for the part I was able to play in assisting.

Back at the Workaway Saga….I sent out a third round of queries. Since these were now not my first choices, I was prepared to be a little flexible with some of my wants. I asked a host(ess) if their place was walking distance to the beach as I was desiring to get back to my morning beach run ritual. Naomi replied promptly indicating it was a 40 minute walk but that beach was rocky although the water could be good for swimming. The are several beaches within a 10 minute drive as well. She left her phone number asking if I’d like to talk. Incidentally, her number included a combination of 4 of my magical numbers see ALOHA  A sign? Of course I wanted to talk! Babycare, midwifery, massage, yoga, meditation, fruit and vegetable garden, nestled in nature? Oh yeah! We seemed to click right away as we spoke although, at the time, neither of us completely realized the wealth we had to offer each other. So many amazing pieces fell perfectly into place one right after another. When I booked my flight there were only 2 seats left – one more than enough for me. From the time of our call to when my travel arrangements were all lined up was about an hour. Total synchronicity!

So July finally found me in Aloha Land. Of course, there will be more to share down the road. Where has Life found you? I am still in range for Telephone Wellness Coaching for those readers in the United States. Whether you live where you are or a traveler like myself, perhaps my gifts can enhance your journey? If wellness guidance seems appropriate for you, our biggest puzzle will probably be coordinating time zones. Swirling much Aloha your way. Mahalo nui loa for all your love and support as we all continue to evolve into Higher Versions of Ourselves!

P.S. Just wanted to remind folks that Freeworlder is now live and functional! It is a worldwide “place” of energetic flow. Join today to start giving and receiving….FREELY!!