Surprises and Celebrations

My daughter knew of my plans as I prepared for the drive coast to coast. My son did not. Intentionally I’d kept the info from him intending to surprise him for his birthday in April. I made the Florida to California trek in 36 hours only to sit for another 5 in stop and crawl California traffic. Managed to keep my being in the same state (sometimes in the same city) a secret from him for a few days. Jeff’s big day came. My daughter, Natasha, arrived on his doorstep for his celebration. Standing off to the side, just out of view, the presence of another person could be detected by the colorful balloon bouquet I carried. Jeff opened the door enthusiastically greeting Natasha. Giving me a preliminary glance, he then turned back to Natasha. Me being there just didn’t quite compute in his brain for a second. Then his face changed as he looked back. Incredulously, he said, “Mom! You’re supposed to be in Florida!” He wrapped me in one of the warmest, heartfelt hugs ever. We will both definitely remember that happy birthday forever.

Many angels facilitated the possibility for me to pull off yet another extremely unlikely surprise. It wasn’t unlikely that I’d want to help my sister (aka Lue, Seal, Lucy, Sis…..) celebrate her big 60^th birthday. The unexpected part, for those who know me a bit more, is that I would brave visiting the state she resides, Washington. There are quite a few reasons it is on my least desirable places to travel in the world list - which will remain unstated here. My niece Annie, unbeknownst to my sister, picked me up at the airport and harbored me overnight. The next day I accompanied her family on the drive to the Olympic Peninsula where my sis lives. The rest of the extended family were already there, Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister-in-Law, and various Nieces and Nephews. I jumped out of the minivan to the side of the house. All came out to greet the newcomers as everyone knew what was up except my sister. As she came out, Annie grabbed her in a bear hug turning Lucy’s back to me. I hurried up behind putting my hands over her eyes. She felt my hands guessing my great-niece, Kaeli. Knowing she’d never figure it was me, I removed my hands and she turned around. The look on her face was priceless as she started screaming in disbelief. I was actually a bit concerned for a few moments that I’d have to catch her as she appeared to be in shock. The surprise was a super success as well as the weeks after I got to enjoy with her and my sweet nephew. Big thank you again to all who helped facilitate this memorable event!

Back in California in time for my enchanted birthday 6/4/64 6:46, I was showered with an abundance of surprises, gifts, love and well wishes. Read about prior Birthday Magic in ALOHA Everyone couldn’t get together at the same time so I've just had an ongoing stream of celebration. Got to spend a full day with Natasha getting pampered and having fun. Enjoyed heart-warming time with Jeffrey which included seeing a movie on my wish list, Wonder Woman. He even had chocolate molten lava cake with French vanilla ice cream delivered to me during the movie. More happiness was had with my parents who treated me to a delicious dinner and a napolean pastry “cake”. So many friends and family honored me with cheerful calls, texts, emails, cards and more. I am always awed by the fact that you even remember knowing how busy and full your lives are too. Huge thank you all!! Of course, as is tradition in our family, I’m still celebrating as we do as long as we can 😉

In my past life in California (as a semi-normal person), I used to be quite organized and always remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions of family, friends and clients. It was typical to have 3-5 greeting cards going out, on any given day, in my mailbox in acknowledgement of such. I loved the opportunity to be a small part of each loved one’s celebration. Over the years my life changed drastically. I got to the point that I could no longer send cards due to my gypsy life. I did my best via email but many folks didn’t have email or the email addresses I had became obsolete. Over time, with so many computer issues, my database was compromised (do you hear that Sage ACT?) and I’ve never been able to restore it to its former functionality. Additionally, the fact that I keep making hundreds of more friends over time makes it pretty impossible to remember special occasions as I’d like. Facebook helps me a little and my memory serves me a tad. I’ve resigned myself to the reality that I’ll never be able to keep in touch as I used to again. While this could be disappointing for me, I am reassured with the knowing that I make all the perfect connections in the perfect time. This allows me to let go of the feelings of disappointment or regret. It is delightful when I happen to be with someone to celebrate a happy occasion in their life. I also appreciate all the people who are serendipitously with me for the wonderful events I wish to celebrate in mine. Since I may not be able to remember or greet you on your birthday personally, please consider yourself blessed and showered upon with festive energies. And, unless your birthday happens to fall on this day (the day you happen to be reading now), here’s wishing a Very Merry Unbirthday to YOU!!

Remember, every day is a new day and brings infinite causes for celebration….

As you may know from previous writings, I prefer to live via trade other than money. However, there are still areas where money is needed occasionally such as phone bills and airfares. Trade is an energetic exchange and similar to Karma at times. In other words, there isn’t always an even exchange between two parties.

More often than not, we put good out into the world via our words, thoughts and actions and that’s what swirls back to us. If you've ever been inspired, motivated, intrigued or entertained by my messages and wish to assist in them continuing, I gratefully welcome any financial contributions you would like to gift. This can be done in a variety of ways. Please ask for an address if you wish to mail a check or money order the old fashion way. If we know each other well, a bank deposit could work too. Otherwise, you can use my paypal account. The down side is not all you give gets to me. The bonus for you with this method is that you can use your credit card and earn rewards or miles for your own adventures. Whether you feel inclined to contribute financially or not, your loving presence on my journey is an ever-constant source of joy.

Here's to Surprises and Celebrations! And many more,,,,,

About That Tropical Spa Retreat…….

Those who know me or have been “following” me for years are also aware of my pursuit of a Tropical Spa Retreat. Its concept and details were “downloaded” to me years ago (15 or more) while still living in California. Since that time I have contacted thousands of people, researched extensively, traveled to many countries, considered numerous offers/possibilities and, so far, still not manifested this tropical sanctuary.

Obviously, we have infinite possible futures. Every action we take, every word we speak and every thought we think has the ability to shift the path we are on. Perhaps that Tropical Spa Retreat was one potential future and I took some action that changed it. This is not a conclusive fact as there is always the chance for it yet to materialize sometime in my future. I am still open to the possibilities and taking inspired action. Curiously, I cannot say I am passionate about the idea any longer – at least the way it was presented to me all those years ago. What has my attention more profoundly is my tropical home that first started to appear as a recurring night dream described in my blog post Baring My Soul and Planting A Dream Although I did not first conjure up the vision in my waking imagination, the more details I am provided and the more I contemplate it, the more intensely I desire it - which brings me to my next observation.

Often I reference the term “past lives”. The reason for such is, whether folks believe in reincarnation or not, they understand the concept. However, my understanding is that time and space are creations for human minds as most can’t compute everything going on simultaneously. Personally I believe in my living other lives, for one reason, I remember snippets of many of them. An excellent, striking example is My Pirate Story So if everything is going on at the same time, and if I sense so many intense details of my tropical beach home repeatedly, perhaps there is some kind of “bleed-through” from another dimension or timeline. So vivid are the sensations, at times, I really feel I am living it! Just in case it is on this beautiful planet in this present lifetime, I continue to search for doors that may lead me there.

Jumping back to the more current “NOW”…..I thought I was headed to California in January. Even had my trusty Triptik all lined up. Just days before I would have left, a couple Earth Angels generously put a quite comfortable roof over my head in Florida. It was a good thing. The next day my daughter called saying she was coming to Florida to spend time with me for her birthday. My original idea was to just drive to California and surprise my family there. Heaven shifted my plans so I wasn’t heading to California as Natasha was heading to Florida! With only 3 full days together, we had a whirlwind of fun. Beach, working out, pampering, yummy food, introducing to friends, museums, a painting party and, of course, shopping…. Happy Birthday BabyGirl! So thrilled for our precious time together!

As usual, every year after Natasha’s birthday comes another celebration I cherish, Valentine’s Day. Over the decades I have experienced some very heavy reasons to warrant an intense distaste for the annual event. Yet, I am happy to report, it remains my favorite “holiday”. Of course I don’t need an actual day specifically in honor of Love. Just like one needn’t wait for New Year’s Day to make a fresh start. For me, every day is Valentine’s Day when I remember to see and act through the eyes of Love…..unconditional Love, that is!

My next big steps still elude me. Madagascar and surrounding islands off the east coast of Africa are presenting quite a bit. Research on the internet is a given but the Universe hasn’t shown me a way to physically explore yet. Anyone want to take me on a trip there with them? Might be just the ticket for getting out of an old groove OR enjoying some delightful weather OR living an adventure OR possibly being a part of something grand J

At present, I continue taking baby steps walking my talk:
Letting Go of the old that no longer serves me.
Not beating down doors or forcing things.
Listening to my inner guidance.
Making choices that bring most peace.
Living in the NOW.
Going with the flow.

Perhaps you are too?

Some of you Beautiful Beings have been sharing my journey and supporting me for years - maybe lifetimes. Thank you for staying by my side. Others have recently jumped onboard. Whether for a reason, a season or a lifetime, I am grateful for you all. Sending bright energy your way. Happy LOVE Day!

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old…..

As the saying goes, people are in our lives for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime. I’m sure you have noticed this phenomenon in your life to one degree or other. In days gone by, in an environment with much less technology, people's world generally consisted of their close family, neighbors, friends from work and various organizations they belonged to. It was a challenge enough keeping up with everyone then. In my own life, there was a time when I could keep track of many family and friends’ birthdays, special events and what was going on in their lives. However, with increased technology and broader travels, I meet thousands of people – making new friends everywhere I go. As much as I would like to stay in close contact with everyone, this has become physically impossible. I just do the best I can and rely on the Universe to help me touch base or reconnect with just the right friends at just the perfect time. It is almost miraculous how this has worked out for me over and over again.

A great example of connections and uncanny reconnections happened recently. One day I was to meet my daughter Natasha for lunch. She is a Banker at Wells Fargo in Westlake Village CA on Lindero Canyon Road. Since I was arriving earlier than her lunch time, she requested I pick up sub sandwiches from a shop on Lindero Cyn Rd and Kanan Road. When I arrived at the shopping center, I wasn’t sure, from her description, which place to go. It could have been 1 of 3 possible food establishments. Since I couldn’t call her, I chose a place based on the number of the address….640. (Some of my readers will smile knowingly here.) So there I am, standing in Sub Contractor
Sandwiches waiting for my order, when an interesting mural on the

wall catches my eye. Depicted is a colossal sub sandwich with a team of builders in the process of its construction. Men on ladder and around are dwarfed by its size. What really jumped out at me was the artist’s signature in the design….Linda Hager. My gosh, I hadn’t seen that name in ages!

Linda Hagar is an extremely talented muralist. In the beginning of 2001, she transformed my upstairs home office in Thousand Oaks, California into a magical beachscape. (I wish I had photos to share with you of her enchanting creation but, as you may imagine, a gypsy cannot take everything with her.) It was so refreshing to work by “the shore” complete with sand castle, treasure chest, shells and a crab. Mommy and baby dolphin never tired of leaping in the air. My “sky” was a bluish purple with cotton candy clouds floating by. When we moved from that house, that scene and feeling was one of the most difficult things I had to leave behind. Hopefully the new owners appreciated it with their own sense of wonder. Over the years, there were a couple occasions I wanted to refer Linda’s work. For some reason, the contact info I had for her no longer worked and I couldn’t track her down.

Back at Sub Contractor…I compliment the sandwich art to the gentleman behind the counter asking how long it had been there. He responded about 15-20 years. With guarded hope, I asked if he knew how to contact the artist. As he apologetically responded, the woman behind me, another Linda, piped up with a cheerful, “I know Linda”. Wow, what are the odds? Evidently, when the Universe is conspiring in your favor, the odds are very great! I ended up giving her my card and she got back to me later with Linda’s contact info. It was wonderful to re-connect and hear Linda’s voice over the phone. She has been keeping busy with her art especially in a gratifying manner that touches untold numbers. Her work brightens peoples’ day in pediatric and oncology hospital wards. You can read more about that work in this 2011 LA Daily News Article If you’d like reach Linda Hager regarding her work, just contact me and I will assist in facilitating that.

I used to get a little frustrated not being able to keep in touch with people in the manner I desired. Now that I trust making the perfect connections at the right times, this type of Serendipity happens often in my life. Can you think of the times it’s happened in yours as well? Did you know you can actually magnetize desired synchronicities in your life on a regular basis instead of just random happenings? You can discover how with the guidance of Telephone Wellness Coaching. Read about it HERE to see/feel if it’s right for you.

If you are reading this now, you are my Friend on some level and I thank you for that gift! Many of my relationships are maintained more on a spiritual or soul level. While we may not be able to see each other or converse for years, we definitely are aware of each other’s presence. When we do communicate or see each other again, we just pick up where we left off. The bond remains strong. It is like no time has gone by. Then again, what is time? Perhaps a topic for another day :-)

PS to this blog post with regard to Linda Hager's magical art....

She has painted many uplifting murals both at Tarzana Regional Medical Center as well as Holy cross Hospital in Mission Hills. The significance of this is that I was born in Holy Cross and my kids both made their entrance into this world at Tarzana. Linda was kind enough to share a number of photos of her work. I am happy to present a few of them are below. Linda Hager can be reached at lbhager2@gmail.com if you would like to comment or inquire about her work.

Mission Unclear?

My primary underlying life mission is 100% clear. It is to Love……to shine Light….to assist humans in Awakening…...to help Elevate the vibration of Gaia. From this standpoint I always know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am always in the absolutely perfect place in the absolute perfect Divine time.

What is sometimes unclear to me is the Illusion of things happening around me and what I sometimes think they mean. This happened recently when I thought I was going to Florida to acquire a property for the start of my Tropical Dolphin Retreat. It was a delightful property I had been in love with since

I first set foot on Casey Key, Florida in 2005. It is a charming 4 unit complex right across the street from the beach and on the bay with a place to dock 3 boats in back. I had even managed this lovely spot for vacation rentals back in 2010-2011. A crazy amazing series of events brought me to the point of driving from CA to FL with the main goal (in my mind) to get this property back in June. I had been researching and taking the steps of due diligence for over a month prior. It continued in my initial days in Florida as well. There were quite a number of Earth Angels helping facilitate my adventure throughout all this. I found it interesting that in one short hour the apparent “mission” peaked and fell. A unique way to possibly pull the deal off appeared followed immediately by information that made it clear to me I would not be able to operate as I desired from it. While it would have been nice for the Retreat location to finally be landed, I wasn’t greatly disappointed. This type of thing has happened to me so many times over the past 5 years – getting really close to something happening and then it simply disappearing – I venture to say I am almost used to it.

While I thought the mission was landing the property, that was just a means for me to be in the various “right” places I was supposed to be at the right times. Over and over, events happened that clearly shouted to me, “This is why you are here!”. As has also happened in all the places I’ve traveled before, there were a number of individuals who had a big opportunity for a shift through my presence but who chose to stay asleep or comfortably where they were familiar. It’s all good though as all choices are honored. Everyone is on their own individual journey on this planet of free will with the prerogative to make up their own mind every single second. For me, I celebrated the ways I was able to help and sent love and light to all regardless of their choice at the time.

Since the Tropical Retreat location was no longer imminent, I busied myself planting seeds to see if it was appropriate to return to the area later. I say return as I already committed to drive back to California in the beginning of August. I got back just in time to do a little pre-wedding activity with my daughter. A few days later, I drove, with my parents, to the wedding venue in Nevada. The area held special sentimental meaning for my daughter, Natasha, and her now husband, Neil.   Disney Princess was one of the descriptions for Natasha I heard a few times and she was definitely delighted to be marrying her Prince.

In a black and white affair with accents of Tiffany blue, much merriment was had. I send them much Love and wish them both “Happily Ever After”. Back to the seeds I was planting near Casey Key in Florida….. I am now in another familiar place of not quite knowing what’s next. I have many, what I will call, partial possibilities. There are possibilities of non-traditional places to stay and ways to sustain myself but nothing fully encompassing, conclusive or that gave me a strong indication that I would be coming back soon. There have also been some clues that point to Costa Rica or Panama or ???

As alluded to before, the one thing I always, always know for sure is my very next step. This week, I am house-sitting for my daughter in California. Will be interesting to see what next week holds but, for NOW, I am living in the moment, listening to my guidance and being the best me I possibly can. Yes, I am clearly right on target with my “mission”!

Again I wish to thank all of you who have graced my live by following and supporting my journeys. Some are curious, some are inspired, some are here to learn, some are entertained, some wonder how I can pull this all off, some check in to see where in the world I am – whatever category you are in, I appreciate the blessing you are in my life! If we haven’t connected in a while, would love to hear an update from you as well :-)

The Wind Beneath My Wings

This musing has me diverting a little from my usual Spa Retreat travel adventure stories. It is a heart-felt acknowledgement to someone extremely important in my life. Yes, I helped bring her into this world but she has done way more for me than I have ever done for her. This Angel is my daughter, Natasha.

While I experienced divorce, foreclosures and bankruptcy last year with relative ease and grace overall, there was one thing I found particularly challenging. Since my kids were born, I had always showered them with love often in the form of season appropriate goodies....Valentine hearts and sweets, Halloween trick or treats, Christmas stockings and Easter peeps. Even as adults, I continued sending them various holiday packages suitable for the traditions for the time of year. As my finances dwindled, I continued pouring my love to my children but was no longer able to show it in the ways I was accustomed. The role reversal kicked in….I was getting loving care packages from my thoughtful, loving Natasha! Inside were season appropriate goodies with fairies and sparkles and chocolate and candles and VS and Starbucks cards...all the fun things she knew would make me smile.

The care did not stop there. She was regularly offering me an airline ticket (ok, only one way) to California. This continued through my travels to Panama and Costa Rica as well as offering for me to stay with her for a while. While I was away, Natasha had the authority to make decisions regarding my little bank account (and pretty much everything else). She was always checking to see if I had enough money or if I wanted her to put in any more for me.

Upon deciding to return to CA in January, I told her I appreciated all she was doing for me and that (without going into all the details here) we really didn’t have a lot in common so probably wouldn’t want to hang around each other much. So this kid goes on the internet and finds all sorts of activities happening/available in the area that we would both enjoy. She could have kept us busy for weeks!

In March, some friends did something extremely kind for me. I had no way of immediately paying them back except to express my extreme gratitude for their huge gift. When I shared the great miracle from my friends with Natasha, without being prompted, she took it upon herself to show them appreciation. Around her own busy schedule of work and school, she baked cookies and personally delivered them to my friends’ business.

Natasha always has a wealth of ideas and encouraging thoughts. She shares them almost daily with phone calls and e-mails. I must admit most of my crying is prompted by this sweet girl….in a good way!

Thank you for sharing these few moments with me in honor of and thanksgiving for the Wind Beneath My Wings……Natasha Marie.