A Few of My Favorite Things

My next “assignment” started in a whirlwind of plan changes and the unknown. Undoubtedly, being peaceful with uncertainty has been a recurring theme for many years with me. It was even a challenge lining things up as I had virtually no cell service and limited internet in “Fern Gully”. The lady I was corresponding with obviously used texting as her primary mode of communication. It took a bit of time and effort before I could shift the correspondence to e-mail. Before that I’d walked or otherwise gotten myself to town just to make a phone call but wasn’t able to connect. I figured, if this was meant to be, it would all work out. I was to start Sept 1. The whole process was a practice in trust, living in the moment, taking inspired action and going with the flow. My current hostess could only give me a ride to Kona two days prior. The new hosts could not take me earlier as their previous assistant was leaving Aug 31. I sent messages to local friends asking if they could host me for two nights. Right away I got a yes and was thrilled with the flow feeling so effortless. Then, only a couple nights before departure, my interim host informs me she has a schedule conflict and now cannot accommodate me. This was cutting it down to the wire as I could not communicate via cell, didn’t have much internet and others don’t always check their messages immediately. Consequently, I was writing extensive messages in case this happened or that happened and copying people through the stages and such. I hadn’t heard anything affirmative ‘til the morning of departure which still were only possibilities requiring more details. I wasn’t even sure, at that point, if my current hostess could still drive me. It worked out she would take me but, since I didn’t know yet where I was going, she’d bring me to her university campus where I could spend a few hours ironing out details. Plans changed so many times due to responses and lack of responses. Now I was relying almost completely on texting – the opposite of my situation before – tediously composing detailed messages on my little antique flip phone. I finally got confirmation from my friend I’d hoped to visit most. The catch, it was simply a yes and I didn’t know where she lived. All the craziest things that could make life more interesting happened including us not being able to find the address on my hostess’ smart phone. Without that information, I couldn’t be dropped off after her classes so was taken along for her midwife visitations in the area the next few hours. Finally, many angels and resources later, the directions were acquired and my midwife mama graciously dropped me off.

I was soooo grateful after all the unknowns (and this is the extremely abridged account) to be welcomed into a beautiful home with an even more beautiful family overlooking Kealakekekua Bay. The amazing dolphin mural on the wall with a goddess floating on the water assured me I was definitely in the perfect place. This was my wonderful SeaStar, Kim, who took me for a magical dolphin swim in that same bay last time I was in Hawaii – November 2015. Her three young children were the sweetest ever and quite refreshing to be around. They were so kind and encouraging to each other and brilliant as well. The couple days I was gifted there were a restorative retreat preparing me for whatever was next. Little did I know how much I would need it.

My new hostess picked me up accompanied by two of her three children. They all seemed so delightful and I hoped we would gel just as perfectly. I was so excited about the house I stayed at facing directly out to the ocean! From there I could see the sun setting in the sea! All around were palm trees, plumeria, jasmine, hibiscus, fern, ti plants and more of the foliage I love. In the yard was a mango tree laden with huge sweet fruit. I could eat mango to my heart’s content. It was a 6 minute walk to a quiet shoreline cove and 10 minutes to Magic Sands Beach. Later I found out, it is also called Disappearing Sands Beach due to the fact the sea claims the sand for weeks at a time before redepositing it to form the beach again. Fortunately, I was there during “beach time”.

The first few days seemed fairly promising but, as time went on, they turned a bit baffling. Yet again a phenomenon, which has happened a number of times in my life, presented. Piece by piece, what I thought was, mysteriously proved to be something completely different – not a little, completely. There are a number of truths I remind myself of when experiencing a perplexing situation. “I don’t know the real meaning of what I see” was definitely reinforced on a daily basis. On one particularly interesting day almost a month in, everything changed on a dime. Within 24 hours I was on my way to my next adventure. The purpose of my mission there may remain a mystery forever. Bewildering to my little human self, my Higher Self reassured with knowing many truths. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know I was exactly in the right place at the right time. No matter outward appearances, I definitely brought a positive energy to the situation with my presents/presence. Through thick and thin, I was able to peacefully remain the calm eye of the storm. I bask in gratitude for all the gifts I received from that experience both known and hidden.

Speaking of the gifts......I was able to experience a few of my favorite things (hear that musically)…. Finally, I was constantly in a comfortable temperature – something specific to very few areas I’ve been in my life. While the beach was pretty tiny and often covered with masses of humanity, I did get to enjoy it very early in the morning and sink my toes into its magic sands. Lulled by the hypnotic crash of the waves on the shore, my eyes drank in that intense aquamarine hue that makes me go Mmmmmm! Although I didn’t get a physical dolphin encounter, I felt their energy and was visited
by my other marine friends – honus. On a number of occasions, one critical from a physical perspective, the sea turtles gently reminded me with their relaxed behavior to go with the flow. The sun graced me with brilliant light shows on his way to wake up folks in another part of the world. The intoxicating fragrance of frangipani, aka plumeria, wafted to me wherever I went as well as various colored blossoms often finding their way into my hair. Experienced days full moon enchantment. While I never saw any volleyball action at the net on the beach near me, I was able to catch some at another court a couple times a week. I met a new friend, Alice, who recently heard the call to move to Hawaii and had fun times with her. Did I mention I had all the sweet, delicious mangos I could possibly eat? I even managed a few quiet candlelit bubble baths. Of deep meaningful inner privilege was the opportunity to communicate with another precious unborn angel in close proximity. So many magical moments!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I reiterate my appreciation for so many of my favorite things. It is interesting to notice, wherever I have been so far, I am able to manage a fraction of my favs along with a mix of not so desirable things. It may be my imagination, although that is a powerful part of this process, but I feel my percentage of favs is increasing. The more I focus on the bright things, the more the Universe fills my order. Thus, I continue playing in the Light with my intent to increase it both for myself and all around me.

Do you wish to dance increasingly in the Light? Do you want to be more cognizant of the ways you are manifesting your results? Would you like someone to lovingly guide you along your journey? Find out if TelephoneWellness Guidance is appropriate for you with a complimentary session.

Are you are enjoying reading these musings? Have you been inspired, entertained or encouraged by these stories? If you find value and are able to contribute to my ongoing mission of light, please consider making a donation via Paypal, check or money order or any other way you feel called to support my quest and, indirectly, yours.

Closing with a final swirling of love and mahalo. Aloha!

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!!

MONEY – NOT The ONLY Currency

While money definitely isn’t the root of all evil, it certainly doesn’t make the world go round.  Since internet presences began (Gee, how many eons ago was that?), I have had 5 or 6 people who were going to assist in monetizing my Universal Wellness website. There are so many stories about why, both the efforts that were implemented and the situations that came up keeping others from materializing, took place. Basically, over the now decades, none of my marketing efforts have been that effective in generating much money. While it could have been that some of the marketing was “faulty”, it surely wasn’t the case across the board. Instead, my marketing efforts attracted many situations in which I was able to support many folks and make an exceptional difference on this planet….just not make a lot of money doing so.

Although I was never rolling in dough, there was a period of time at least I had enough that most people would consider comfortable. From that place I never could have imagined how I’d be living since 2009…….living without money - or at least not much.

Countless Benefactors worldwide have been housing, feeding, clothing, entertaining and otherwise

providing for me. Deep gratitude goes out to them all daily! This was undeniably a unique calling I answered as I could have easily stayed in one place making “comfortable” money. Over the past 7 years, I have continued helping people in many ways I used to get paid for. Now, I just don’t get paid, for the most part, directly by the people I assist in that manner. At the same time, there is no way I could monetarily pay back all the kind people that have been taking care of me. It is a type of energetic exchange that goes around. Money is energy – just one of the myriad possibilities of an energetic exchange. I have traded goods and services many times with others which I prefer doing whenever possible rather than using money.

An example of which is my time in Ecuador that many of you are aware of from previous posts If I’d Have Known and Really….The Desert?!  There I taught yoga, did massage, assisted with hotel registration, cleaning, food service and other aspects of running a business in exchange for my housing, food, pool, laundry etc.

Back to…. “You May Say I’m A Dreamer, but I’m not the only one!” There are many humans out there who believe and live similarly, in many ways, to me. You may enjoy reading about a few of my friends here and their alternative ways of dwelling on Planet Earth.
Nora Dunn – The Professional Hobo http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/
Colin Turner – Free World Charter http://www.freeworldcharter.org/en
Daniel Suelo https://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/
David Morrison – Vagabond Film Maker https://www.youtube.com/user/VagabondFilmmaker

My Angel Daughter recently held a yard sale to assist me in my travels. Yes, there are still areas I need actual money. The airlines won’t let me trade my flight in exchange for me bringing drinks, meals and blankets to other passengers. Verizon is too big to see my smile to decide it wants to give me a special deal on my phone. You get the idea. In addition to Natasha’s kindness to me, I know thousands were touched by her generous actions. While we know there are plenty of people who have money that go to yard sales for the fun of the hunt and love finding a great deal, others are not in that position. Many who buy things at yard sales would not be able to have those things, be it clothing, children’s toys or kitchen items, were it not for tag sale prices. At $3 a stuffed bag, lots of folks will be sporting new condition Abercrombie and Fitch, UnderArmour, Victoria’s Secret, Roxy, Volcom and more. Numerous generous individuals were purchasing things for others who could not afford them as well. I can’t even tell you how many supporters contributed to the sale by donating abundant goods of all sorts. As the sale was winding down, my daughter invited charities to pick up things they needed. The dog shelter, autistic kids, and woman in crisis were all aided. Finally, Natasha declared a Very Merry Unbirthday to everyone….or something like that.

She posted the vast remaining items for free to anyone who wished to stop by and get presents. Besides the hundreds of people who physically stopped at the event, you can imagine how the ripple effect of my daughter’s thoughtful endeavor touched thousands or more. You notice, too, that some of it involved the currency we call money while much involved simply the currency of love and kindness.

Again, I am not saying money is in any way bad. The love of, or attachment to, money can get people in trouble but that’s a completely different topic. Money is beneficial in infinite ways and often a convenient method of exchange. I am just proposing the idea that there are many more currencies. Perhaps it could add to many peoples’ freedom to explore some of these alternate energy exchanges and systems. Perhaps you don’t need to stay in a job or career you don’t like just because it “pays well”. There are many resources on the internet to research what I’ve been sharing. If you’d like to explore these ideas with me, I invite you to investigate my service of Wellness Coaching by Phone.
This is one of those services I generally do in exchange for money. However, if you have access to something I could use like website services, travel or accommodations, I’m open to playing with the possibilities!

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.