Transformation and Travels

It is with the deepest gratitude that I was touched by the outpouring of Love from my Valentine post. I basked in the love showered from comments on blogger as well as other social media platforms. It continued to flow in heartfelt emails, texts and phone calls from family and friends who remembered how special Valentine’s celebration is for me. Thank you all for the incredible, uplifting boost you gave me during a time I especially could use it. I am still doing my utmost to navigate this unusual odyssey I have agreed to in my search for the Paradise of my dreams.

No surprise, my sweet little grandson made his appearance on this planet during Love Month. He has been an unanticipated joy this past year moving from precious angelic infant to bright, bustling, smiling toddler. Happy Birthday Dear Little Boy! We have had oodles of fun and delight together celebrating You!

While the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake officially kicked off January 29th, I’d like to “shed” a bit more light here now. The spiritual significance of Snake includes shedding the old, rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing.   Snakes have shown up a number of times during my life.

In Florida, they appeared as Guardian snakes. When I actually owned a house in Florida, there were snake burrows both at the front and back doors. I would find them out sunning themselves regularly. Often, they would lift their head off the ground 5-8 inches. I’d squat down or sit on the ground near them and

commune. Sometimes our faces were only 12 inches apart for a significant amount of time. There were instances the snake would leave first and others that I needed to get going first. Certain snakes are said to be Guardians of the Temple. I felt it very appropriate and was honored by their vigilant presence. It could have been the building that housed me was a temple or they were metaphorically guarding the temple of my soul. Since then, I have stayed with many different hosts in

numerous homes in Florida. At every single residence was at least one black guardian snake. It could be this Year of the Snake is metaphoric for me. Or, perhaps, it holds a magical transformation. It would be lovely if that included an enchanting tropical manifestation! Whatever the case, I know I still have layers to shed and levels of transformation to move through. Since my soul is immortal, perhaps my human aspect still needs to move through another evolution to get where I think I am going. Maybe I get there in this lifetime. Possibly another. For NOW, I continue to follow the clues as best I can, like a treasure hunt, for my tropical retreat calling. 

It’s a given that snakes are not on many people’s list of favorite animals. Especially with all the association of their kind over the ages – think Serpent in the Garden of Eden and St Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland. Even in those examples, many would be surprised if they knew the actual origin of those stories. And yes, I know reptiles aren’t the cuddliest of creatures as well. However, snakes do have some rather amazing qualities that we can learn and benefit from, if we so choose. Perhaps there is a little wiggle room in your belief system to learn from this sacred slithering species? Oh, one more thing I “get” from Snakes….to stay in your power no matter what others think. Who knows? You may get lucky and have a powerful breakthrough/transformation as you start shedding old beliefs that no longer positively serve you.

The words Thank You cannot adequately express how appreciative I am for your

ongoing support, encouragement, love and ideas as I journey forward on my Tropical Quest. For those readers new to the details and ways I am going about my mission…I travel to tropical beach locations that might hold clues for me. This is done mostly by work exchange – very little money. Here is a link to my profile on one of the exchange platforms I am on. Please share with anyone for whom it may be appropriate. I also welcome your ideas and connections for where My Place might be. 

If you have been inspired, entertained, or positively nudged by my writings and adventures, I would be honored if you’d consider donating to my quest…. There is a paypal link on the blogger site if you prefer. I do get the full amount of your donation if you specify it is a gift. zelle and venmo are also options. Contact me if you want more info in this regard. Thank You!

Feel the blessings and light I continue to swirl around you on your journey as we are all on a quest in one form or another. 

Love Always ~

 

Merry Everything…..Happy Always!

This is the time of year that one often hears Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! While I certainly wish that warmly to all my family and friends who observe  these specific dates, there is so much more to celebrate. Not only do I honor all the various celebrations, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa and more….but every personal accomplishment, event and Being each and every day! And while the New Year has so many gearing up for a new start, why not greet every minute as the beginning of the rest of your life? There are enough challenges going on in the world. I feel an attitude of gratitude along with an air of peace and celebration on a regular basis would certainly make a bright massive difference.

On my journey, from the Big Island of Hawaii I traveled to California to assist family going through life transitions. Although change is not always easy, it is exciting and blossoming with fresh possibilities. What a perfect time for shedding the old and dancing into the new! It was a lovely opportunity to greet family and friends again too.

Reaching out on behalf of a Dear Friend in California in need

of a kidney. I call her Dynamite and she has successfully had the upper hand of this situation for over 35 years. Now, her kidneys are functioning at 12% and she is looking for a donor. This person need not be the same blood type. If you have any information that might help, please contact asap!!

It was in Hawaii that I learned that Heaven reclaimed another Sweet Angel. In California that Angel gifted me with a sign. What is in my future? That sign and a recent Dolphin Dialogue via a bright Dolphin Friend might help guide me. We shall see what unfolds😊 Anne Gordon de Barrigon is offering a free 15 minute Dolphin Dialogue to spread goodwill and also see if future similar Dolphin Messages are appropriate with package offerings.The very powerful communication from the Dolphins through Anne Gordon de Barrigon both inspired and warmed my heart!! Whether you reach out to Anne or desire Wellness Coaching from a Traveling Gypsy, may 2018 see you reaching new heights of health and happiness. Most importantly, enjoy the moment!

Whatever and whoever you choose to celebrate…..Cheers!!  Peace and Love Always!

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

And all that is gold does not glitter. Sit back and relax while I regale you with the ongoing tale of a Gypsy Wanderer from an intimate perspective.

Most people living “normal” lives cannot fathom the life I have been living since 2009. Personally, I don’t know how many years previous were preparing me for such either – perhaps since birth. Normal people, in this context, are those who subscribe to beliefs such as: You have to work hard at a job to have the things you want. Hard work is necessary to achieve or be deserving of just about anything. You have to have a secure job to ensure you will have enough for retirement. One must have savings, provisions, insurance etc. for a “rainy day”.

Not a typical being, I have lived outside the “normal” paradigm for quite a while now…..time pretty much blending one year to the next. This has led to extraordinarily amazing happenings and some, not so thrilling, quite interesting situations. People have chided me for soliciting contributions. This was in regard to my general open request via my blog, not even asking them personally. Some individuals, who I considered close friends and thought we understood each other, have even asked me to stop communicating with them. On a kinder note, people have offered me "regular jobs" as well as assistance in getting a “JOB”.

These wonderful, well-meaning humans, have no comprehension of my journey and mission right now. Heck, I have difficulty understanding it myself periodically. As far as those people go, I bless them for their thoughtful, caring intentions. If they wish to hold to those age old beliefs, far be it from me to try to shift their opinions. It is their prerogative to believe what they want and feel is appropriate for them. Although they might want to watch The Matrix! (Sorry, couldn’t resist throwing that in.) 

For those who have a clue, you may or may not know what an infinite blessing you are in my life! I cannot thank you enough for all your support via your love, your words, food, money, housing, services and positive energies. In fact, there are times when some of you believe in me more than I do. Yes, I DO have my “moments”. You are all Earth Angels both to me and all you touch by way of your far reaching ripple effect. You are, indeed, part of the Heaven on Earth Construction Team!

As far as my wanderings, it is true I don’t know much about my future and where it may take me. However, I regularly follow the signs indicating which direction to go or, often, which road not to travel. It is my joy and delight to share the gifts only I can impart to those open to receive along the way. Whilst involved in those bright endeavors, I feel so magically in my element! It is a high only known by those following their true path (not necessarily the one others say they “should” be on). Much continues to be a mystery for me but I always know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, my very next appropriate step. This is due to a conscious choice, made many years ago, to live in the present moment. Although not always easy, it is a very empowering place to live in/from.

There’s a saying many align with, “Everything Happens for a Reason!” I used to be extremely pessimistic so that saying then was, for me, along the lines that everything happens for a reason and that is to mess with me. Having since done a complete 180, when I use the phrase, I always add quietly inside….and is for my highest good and the highest good of all! On occasion I am gifted with the knowing of some of those “reasons” but much of the time not. This is where faith and trust come in! An amazing, wise friend of mine, Annalene Hart wrote a brilliant blog post that describes another place I find myself once in a blue moon….. The Surprising Gift Of Confusion  Can you relate?? However, even a temporary state of confusion does not equate to being “lost”. Numerous are the purposes for my journey that I know but human language fails me in my desire to convey such. Perhaps in the future, I will discover a way…..if it is for the highest good of all.

For now I encourage you to think about your personal journey in this very moment. Are you living your truth, whether or not you can clearly explain it to another? Are you allowing others’ opinions to influence your journey in ways that aren’t in alignment with your own heart? Are you doing things a certain way solely because that’s the way they have always been done? Is there some small step you can take today that would put you more in unity with your heart’s purpose?

I am not suggesting anyone live logistically as I am at all. Different strokes for different folks. I simply wish to be a mirror for you living your truth. There are many ways of living outside the mainstream “automatic” – Check out Money - Not the Only Currency & Freeworlder. Whether you choose to live more “normal” or off the beaten path, please remember to always live in integrity…..always be true to yourself! Namaste ~

WORKAWAY - Not So Ethical?

Since I have recommended Workaway many times in the past to an unknown number of people, I feel it appropriate to follow up. Knowing what I now know about the organization, I recant my recommendations and provide disclosure of disappointing practices.

A reminder to my ever faithful family and my new readers – as I know I am welcoming a few here…..I did not join workaway due to wanderlust or a passion for travel. It was to assist me on my quest to finding my place as you can read, or refresh your memory, in Baring My Soul and Planting A Dream.

Initially discovering this travel trade website in 2014, I was so excited and promptly shelled out the money for my membership. What I learned along the way is:

·        Hosts pay no membership….just the volunteers.

·        A greater percentage of hosts I personally contacted don’t respond.

·        Less than stellar feedback (by paying volunteers) is removed – basically false advertising. Obviously this site is geared toward accommodating hosts so workaway will have a product, albeit not always honestly portrayed, to sell to volunteers.

·       Workaway implies situations have, for the most part, 5 hours work, 5 days per week in exchange for food and accommodations. That scenario is actually pretty rare at least with the hundreds of profiles I looked into (unless you also include a space to set up your own tent or paying extra for meals or having a space to prepare your meals).

·        Workaway monitors private messages too in spite of their denial….I have correspondence to back that up but don’t wish to spend any more energy there.

Here is the feedback that I gave for the first place, and ONLY place via workaway, I experienced.

(See: If I'd Have Known & Really......the Desert?!) Through the grapevine I heard that even the owner agreed it was truthful. This feedback was subsequently removed by workaway. It makes reference to the description of the place that was posted at the time and what I actually encountered. Note: I was being kind.

[09/02/2015]

I spent almost a month here. Just a heads up that it isn’t quite a Hotel/Resort and Restaurant in the usual sense. It is more of a backpacker’s hostel. There is a dining hall and kitchen to prepare your own food but not a restaurant that has food and you can get meals prepared for you. A group of young people live there and like to chill. They are great about cutting down coconuts, when available. Nothing like drinking fresh coconut water right out of the coconut! So if you are looking for something more laid back, this might be the place for you. You need to be prepared for all situations like often no water much less hot. You also must like the company of a pack of untrained dogs following you wherever you go….yes, that includes the kitchen. There is much that needs to be done around so you will have no trouble finding ways to help out and can probably choose the jobs you prefer. The facility sits on a beautiful beach backed by desert-like terrain. The beach is constantly littered with trash so Mother Nature would love it if you assisted in the trash collection helping uplift the Planet. It is about an hour drive south of the city of Manta and about ½ hour north of Puerto Lopez. You can easily catch an inexpensive bus right on the road to either location and more if you’d like to do a little sightseeing or shopping.

I must add that I stayed in Nov 2014 and haven't had a chance to post this earlier so things appear to have changed. I know they changed their description after I left a review on another site back in Dec.

Left by Workawayer for host

(Neutral)

for Help a hotel 4 km north of town of the fishing village of Puerto Cayo, Ecuador.

Knowing everything happens for a positive reason, I thankfully see many gifts resulting from being involved with workaway. If I hadn’t joined, I wouldn’t have met a number of wonderful folks – many of whom have since become dear friends.

Mary was one of the first that I made a magical connection with…..no surprise….on the beach! She shares an inspiring blog about her adventures and life as an expat in Ecuador. Mary, in turn, assisted me in making the synchronistic partnership with Hosteria Nantu including Andrea, Mauritz and what quickly became my Nantu Family.  At that time I assisted in getting Hosteria Nantu listed on workaway. Here are the reviews we posted for each other:

(Excellent)

for Volunteer at a Hosteria in Southern Manabi province, directly on the beach

[09/02/2015]

Words aren’t adequate to express my gratitude and happiness regarding my 2 month stay. Andrea and Mauritz were gracious hosts indeed. They and the staff quickly felt like family to me as we worked together….sometimes a little humorously due to my limited Spanish skills. It was an honor leading so many guests in daily morning yoga too. Between my hosts, the staff and a number of special guests, dozens more have been added to my heart for life. It was a real treat living and working right across from the beach. I got a chance to see all the different rooms in the hosteria. The reason this is significant as they are all artfully designed and decorated in their own unique manner. If you get a chance to volunteer here, between the hosts and the tranquil area, it will be an opportunity you remember fondly on for a long time to come!

Left by Workawayer for host

(Excellent)

Michelle

[08/04/2015]

We still miss this lady. She changes our life and the way to see things around. We really appreciate all she did around our hosteria, we still have people coming to look for our yoga classes and massages, I highly recommend Michelle as a worker, friend and person. Thanks a lot for all you did for Us. Everyone here keep talking about how great you were. You will always be part of our family, doors will always be open for you Michelle.
Left by host for Workawayer

Tessa and Alie frequented my poolside yoga class. Thanks to fb and their blog Happy Goats, we are able to stay in touch. Manuela from Italy, another beautiful yoga regular, co-owned restaurant Paella Mar in Puerto Lopez with her partner Toni from Spain. Loved their crème brulee! One more of my yogini friends is sweet Nadia. She shared my gypsy spirit and was on her own quest. Her time to move on came before mine and she gifted me with a beautiful handbag that she lovingly made for me herself. It was perfect for my needs (ok wants) at the time. Of course, I must express immense gratitude for my experiences with my furry, feathered and water friends - dogs, seals, seabirds, turtles and seahorses! 

During my research I came across a significant number of others who had similar, unsatisfactory findings and less desirable encounters through workaway. Will not go into any more detail so as not to immerse in the negative. Just backing up my own findings to save others unpleasant situations in the future.

Bringing the focus back to the bright side…..I am still open to that magical tropical location being shown to me in my night dreams and day visions. In the meantime, I continue Putting It Out To The Universe.... Please share ANY and ALL leads that may come to you regarding where on earth this Paradise might be or ways that I may discover such! Perhaps YOU would like to Personally participate with me in finding this Tropical Retreat?! It would be a powerful way of being the change we wish to see in this world…….Just Sayin’ ;-)

Thank you all for being such Bright Lights in my life!

P.S. Here's my workaway profile in case you can refer me to potential hosts...or if you may be one yourself!

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!