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 ~

 

Bahamas Adventure Afoot 👣

Happy Spring Dear Family and Friends!

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

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

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

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

During that four year period, nature

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

A planned trip to California in June 2023 for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you all for being part of my journey!

Yours in this amazing Adventure called Life ~

Michelle 

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!