Wednesday, November 27, 2013

11/27/2003 - The day before Thanksgiving
Inspired to blog today. Haven't done so since July. 
I sit in stillness, in gratitude
reflecting upon Thanksgiving....
appreciating the gift of the moment
for a life of love and leisure
a voice and body vessel of choice and opportunity
the delight of being a mama, a sister, an aunt, a daughter
the grace of warmth, home and hearth
joy of earth, beauty, bounty and sweet bliss
a compassionate heart, joy and laughter
creative inspiration and transformational vision
the power of sacred kinship, caring and sharing
the best of kingdomkind
spirit breathing through us and dancing us awake 
My heart overflows......



The days go on by and I keep behaving as if I have all the time in the world
to manifest the book I'm inspired to write about my cross country journey, traveling adventures, and personal transformation. I had envisioned having my book done by now. And yet, time and time again, I find myself surrendering to the process, personal expectation and outcome. Each time I sit down to write this work in progress, I feel as though I am being formed new in the embrace of this ongoing experience. Gradually, I am finding my way to the written page drop by drop and committed to sticking with it no matter what.  I invite you to hang in there with me and I'll let you know as soon RENYA ON THE ROAD is done and ready for distribution.

I write this blog post from my sister and brother-in-law's home in Connecticut, where I have been since September. It is such a blessing to have returned full circle to Connecticut, from whence my journey began August, 2012.

My dad was struggling with Parkinson's before I left on my journey last August.   Forging ahead with my soul's beckoning to travel across the US, leaving my health fragile parents behind was most difficult.  It was my soul that beckoned me to travel when I did.  The window of opportunity  was open and waiting for my yes. It was extremely clear that this souljourn was the next step for me to take upon my spirit earth walk. 

I willingly and passionately embraced the vision of travelling across country with an intention. I prayed to be guided back to Connecticut to spend quality time with my parents before anything unforeseen shook our family tree.  This was extremely important to me and so I planted that prayer and embarked on my journey in trust that it would be answered.  Abiding in and trusting the power and presence of that powerful verse..... "ask and you shall receive" I am most grateful to be with my parents and siblings again.

Myself, two sisters and brother are devoted to love and care of our family. With that said, they all reside nearby and I am the one who has spent chuncks of my life living in other states. For years, I have balanced the threads of my devotion of family with my devotion of my soul's growth and and spirit's guidance. My family and I are deeply connected. Would there be resentment from my parents and siblings for leaving them behind during this fragile time?   I have wondered.  My siblings have given voice to my wonderment and we have come through the tunnel of adapting, accepting with understanding and honor. I am deeply grateful for this act of mutually honoring resolution.

Day-by-Day, I watch my dad 's body struggle with Parkinson's disease; his embarrassment, difficulties and pain.  I watch myself watching him as tears of love and care rinse my face. At family gatherings now, I glimpse at everyone and see in them what I see in myself... the day is coming soon when the door of transformation, death, will be visiting our family.  I am no stranger to this doorway.  My beloved fiance died in 1999.  

Death demands attention.  Death demands an invitation for all of us to give mighty thanks for every blessing.  Death inspires reflection.  Death guarantees change.  In my family, it has come time to face the journey of immortality.

My mom is devoted to a life of prayer.  At 85, with vision compromised, her commitment to a life of faith, love and prayer washes over me.  I see the many ways in which I am like her and smile gratefully for it. It is so endearing to behold my mom and dad daily devoted to loving and caring for one another through this declining body time.  I am most grateful to Spirit for guiding me home safely and timely to be with dad, mom and my siblings.  A precious gift... this quality time.

I give thanks that my son will be joining our family tribe for holiday next month and look forward with mama excitement to his arrival.  I am grateful that my partner Ran is a man of sensitivity and understands, honors, and supports my need to be with family, as we love long-distance between Connecticut and New Mexico and look forward to our joining for the new year.

I am grateful for the Blessing of Love and its evolving phases.  Like the moon, we pass through its many phases and stages.  Love is what fashioned us from the central point of our light-filled origin.  Love is what called me back home.  Love eventually calls us all home. 

Like I said in the beginning of this writing, there is so much to be grateful for.



How about you?
I would love to hear about your 
Thanksgiving gratitude! 
I invite you to share with a comment.


 



May your ThanksGiving be heart-filled !!!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

July 4th weekend!  Woohoo!!!!! Scanning over my journey on the road since last August, there have been numerous places I've loved visiting.  Amongst my favorites is Ojai in southern CA and on up the central coast from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

As of this weekend, I am majorly smitten with Port Townsend, Washington, one of only three victorian seaports in the nation, located on the northeast tip of the  Olympic Peninsula. 
"A beautiful city of authentic charm with maritime heritage and a touch of urban chic."  
"Dubbed the Paris of the Pacific Northwest."
"Named one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America." 

Growing up on the east coast in a sea village town, I feel most at home when breathing sea-scented air,  nurtured and nourished by flora and fauna. This place rocks my soul!


 In Port Townsend, many Victorian buildings remain from its late 19th-century heyday, numerous annual cultural events abound and it is a maritime center and mecca for independent boat builders and enthusiasts.  Arts and cultural centers and numerous organic food options, a great food coop and cafes are dotted about town. A high percentage of the folks that flock to PT are my age. This quaint town is laid back and friendly. It's all about loving and caring for this amazing gift called earth, resonant kinship and outdoor adventure here.... riding bikes, sailboats, hiking and more.




~ When you're in the right place at the right time, 
opportunity opens up like magic ~




Walking the streets of Port Townsend calls to mind the line in a familiar song..
"row, row, row, your boat gently down the stream, 
merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream."

My deep connection with mermaids and seaweed blended with Ran's connection with sailing has landed us in seafaring paradise.  We're walking about Port Townsend in total bliss. Spotted a bike shop and test mounted some Townees. That was only the beginning as we continued to connect with local resident business owners and establishments that intuitively called our attention .... referring to that magic again. We found the best pizza ever and our favorite cafes serving the best coffee, the 'biggest' and  'bestest' homemade pies and the best salmon chowder anywhere! 





 A few blocks away, came upon a store window that had my name written all over it:  The Writers' Workshoppe.  Owner, Anna, & I had a wonderful exchange around the subject of writing and publishing.


 

 A couple doors down the way was a music shop that's making a big resurgence in selling albums.  Not a CD in the store.  What do you think of that?  A couple stores down for that a Native American craft shop owned by a Lakota brother.  He shared some of his family stories about growing up in South Dakota with Ran & I.  What a blessing.  A few streets over, we discovered another cafe (a multitude to chose from) and it turns out that the woman working there moved from Alaska the very same day Ran did after a record snowfall when they both hit the wall after many years of living there and said..... That's it! We're out of here!  Some say it's a small world... I say its a connected world.  I suppose that's one of the reasons why I refer to myself  as Rainbow Connector.

All of these connections were totally amazing, and I've shared this for last. Judy Courtwright, Artist of Watercolor & Clay. Of all visual art mediums, it just so happens that these two visual art mediums attract me the strongest. This is how I met Judy.  Only 15 minutes before I passed by a window displaying a few of her framed watercolors, it was her bio page in a notebook next to them that caught my eye.  Her bio showed a photo of her joy-filled face and words that explained briefly her passion of painting.  I was immediately drawn like a hummingbird to sweet nectar and proceeded to descend the stairs to her studio.  There is much I could say, although the essence of our meeting was purely delightful. Oh yes, I must mentioned that during my conversation with Judy, she mentioned that she had put her bio that I was attracted to in the storefront window just 15 minutes before I passed by.  I love how life's moments evolve and unfold in perfect divine timing.  

Judy, thank you again for the inspiration, encouragement, and complimentary mini introduction into the world of watercolor.  


Check out Judy's paintings at: www.judycourtwright.com


****What a glorious introduction to Port Townsend!*** 
Resonant connection after resonant connection welcomed us
A purely spectacular 4th of July!
Here's to celebrating the independence of
following one glorious moment to the next!    

Late afternoon had arrived, and it was time for Ran & I to move on.  Next September we intend to come back to Port Townsend for the annual Wooden Boat Festival.  CANT' WAIT!!!! 

Back in Ran's White Rhino, we headed to the nearby town of Poulsbo to join Jim (Ran's climbing partner from year's back), wife Mary and son Cam for dinner.  What a perfect closure to a magnificent day.


 
 What an INCREDIBLE dinner visit ~ thank YOU again!


                                                            So much my heart is grateful for ~~~~~




July 2, 2013 - Happy Birthday to me  - My 59th birthday arrived splendidly!  Journey Partner Ran knows that I'm a mermaid somewhat disguised and how much I adore the sea..... so...... a grand birthday surprise was heading to Seattle for a day of fun and exploration.



No time for a leisurely wakeup, dressed quickly and dashed, grabbing 2 apples and 4 health bars to go, we walked vigorously to the nearest bus stop, arriving the same time we did.  The short bus ride transferred us to another short bus ride, which then unloaded us at Puget Sound Ferry. Thoroughly enjoyed the ferry ride and the day of browsing and doddling about downtown Seattle.   
 
 

We visited the ever popular Pike Place Market - waterfront farmer's market. I adore open air markets filled with foods, flowers, crafts and more. Ran told me ahead that the fish market was in and of itself an amazing experience. WOW ~ was he ever right! At the fish market there's a staff worker behind the fish counter and a few others in front of the counter, all waiting on consistent lines of customers. If you want to buy a fish, this is how it works:  As customers call out their orders, the staff workers (working the floor) throw the designated fish through the air to the worker behind the counter to weigh and package the fish to go.  The customer then hands their payment to the same front counter staff worker who stuffs the payment into a slit into a green fuzzy ball that gets thrown to the worker behind the counter who handles the cash register... any change due comes back the same way with your packaged fish. Fascinating entertainment! and truly fishy! (heehee). Wish I could have gotten a pic, but couldn't orchestrate a good view through the crowds of people. 

 Went to legendary Ivar's for Alaskan Cod fish and chips. I'm a MAJOR FAN OF NORTHWEST SEAFOOD!!! Seagulls upon seagulls were hanging out and being hand fed dockside.  I love seagulls, all winged ones for that matter. Took lots of awesome seagull pics. Many more are posted in my facebook album called: Washington State.

Enjoyed a mid-day fresh juiced watermelon mango drink at a street side stand.  Most yummy!

Discovered the Sea Shepherd Gallery and Education Center whose mission is  fighting for whales, sharks, seals and fish. This passionate group of people are making a big difference in saving these magnificent creatures from diminishing.  I am so grateful to learn of their work. If you would like to learn more about these sea voices creating sea change: check out: www.seashepherd.org   

 Upon awakening and greeting my birthday morning, I spoke aloud a desire to see a totem pole.  I've always been amazing by them and being in the pacific northwest is my chance to have a totem pole experience. My birthday prayer was answered.  Not only did I see totem poles in front of a few shops in downtown Seattle, I got to meet a master totem carver.  

Rick Lone Wolf has been carving totems for 54 years. He carves like his father and grandfather before him.  As Ran & I were sightseeing about, we spotted Rick sitting on a bench intricately carving. For 48 years, Rick has been sitting on the same bench in the same waterfront park carving totem poles everyday, all day, 7 days a week.  I live for spontaneous moments such as this.... sharing the  power of personal story.  It is the inspiration of why I travel.


 By early evening, Ran & I met up with friends of Ran's from Alaska, Dan & Sue who run a cruise company.  "Un-Cruise Adventures - Unrushed! Uncrowded! Unbelievable!"  - The BEST way to travel!  Check them out at:  Un-Cruise.com. 

            Dan, Ren, Ran and Sue ~ Great visit!!!
 Enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner of yet more salmon!!!  I've eaten more salmon in 2 weeks of visiting the Salmon nation of Seattle than I've had in my entire 58 years!  (Yes!) I am one very happy mermaid!   

 After dinner, we all drove over to the Ballard Locks at the west end of Salmon Bay, which is part of Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal to watch salmon migrate up the fish ladder at Ballard's Chittenden Locks.  

 The locks are a critical link for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn.

 
What an AWESOME Birth*day!  
It's time to catch the ferry back to Bremerton, where our camper awaits us. 
Purrfect timing once again - a sunset cruise on the ferry. 

 Thank you *Ran* & Thank you Seattle ~
A fabulous beginning to my 59th year!

 Dismounting the ferry, we were prepared to foot it to our camper 2-1/2 miles under the barely visible moon at 10 pm, one lone taxi awaited outside the ferry terminal at 10:pm.  Acknowledging perfect timing once again, we hopped in and was back to the camper in a flash.


Wait.. Wait... There's more!

Awaiting  on the bumper of the Ren & Ran camper - a beautiful vase of flowers and a cute card that reads: "Remember, age is all in your mind.  The trick is to keep it from creeping down into your body!."  From the wisdom of turtle.  -Thank you so much ~ Justin, Lacey, Kya & Fred


 It's been an amazing day.... and... it's not over yet.  Ran & I are feasting on special dessert in our camper.  Tomorrow night, I am looking forward to a 2nd dessert I love.. Pineapple & Coconut ice cream.



Thank you to all who sent birthday wishes my way.
My heart is savoring each one.



*Additional pics are posted on my FB page
Washington State photo album. 








..

Monday, June 24, 2013

June 24, 2013 -

 Since my last blogpost in April, my gypsy mobile has been dressed with a protective car cover enjoying a long nap after 8 months of driving cross country.

As for me, after a wonderful 2-month stay in a  cozy southwest home with a beautiful soul brother named 'Ran', he and I have taken to the road as travel companions.  He is just as much a nomad spirit as I.... imagine that.


On June 14th, we departed Abiquiu, NM (Georgia O'Keefe country) for the hot desert lands of:

 


 Mesa Verde National Park in CO - amazing cliff dwellings, stories and spirit of ancient ways



















 











Arches in Moab, Utah - red rocks, arches and alcoves - the wind and water carved desert

 


... onward to the northwest....through the famous potato state of Idaho

 


into eastern Oregon of luscious green trees, waterfalls and moss ~ fairyland delight ~

 











 

 



 














I am writing this post from the Evergreen State of Washington where we arrived yesterday for a 3-week stay, after which we will meander down the pacific coast camping & visiting with wide open awe and wonder, attracting wonderful spontaneous surprises along the way. 
As much as I treasure solo travels, I am making a new discovery that when spirit hand-delivers you a  resonant free-spirited journey partner who is easy, natural and fun to be with, companion traveling offers a mutually rewarding, succulent, divine experience.  Adding to that the splendor of beholding the amazing landscapes and staggering beauty of America....we're loving every moment of this joyous living adventure.

Travel is my passion and indeed it is exactly what I've attracted into my life. My body, mind and spirit are thoroughly delighted every morning, noon and night. When I look at my face in the mirror I see a youthful glow emanating ...  called living out your dream.  From the inside out I feel grand!

There is so much more to say, of course, although my objective here is to touch in and share where I've been these last couple months.

As far as writing goes, it remains my intent to have my book of souljourn adventures completed sometime during Autumn season.  Indeed it's a challenge writing on the move, although now that I have landed in Washington for 3 weeks, this small table in the camper has become my little writing nook. Today I am focused on providing this updated blogpost and tomorrow book writing resumes.

Check out my facebook albums to view pics galore spanning from April when I landed in Abiquiu, NM ..... on thru the current traveling adventures of "Ren & Ran On The Road."

Here's to
**** being inspired along the journey! ****



Saturday, April 6, 2013

April 5, 2013 ~ You may have noticed that my blog writing has been lagging behind since February.  Prior to then, blogging these last several months on the road has been quite a steady commitment. Countless nights i stayed up as late as it took, often into wee hours of the morning, to maintain this blog for more than a half year as a daily practice. The adventures of  travel, writing and photography have proved to be an awesome vehicle of discovery and expression for me.  One that I am enjoying immensely.

My dwindling desire to blog has been the result of a growing clarity that it is time for me to redirect my creative energy into a book writing project.  Just like traveling across country, it will be a step-by-step process requiring focus and perseverance.  The practice of blogging all these months have prepared me and I am eager to begin my envisioned book.

This final blog post celebrates my Wingin' It West Souljourn Adventure up to this point and it also marks the beginning of an exciting new horizon.  It is in perfect divine order and timing that I prepare myself to take yet another leap of faith where a new path, a new adventure, calls to me.... the details of which are a surprise reserved for my book.  Is your curiosity peaked?


When my book is complete, 
I will post a celebration Facebook notice there
with invitation and details
on how to order copies.
                                              
 
Thanks to all my blog readers and followers
who inspired, encouraged and assisted me
in this wonderful blog writing endeavor.

* * *

Note:
Blogs 1 and 2  
highlighting my Life on the Road 
commencing August 16, 2012
continue to be accessible for reading and/or commenting.



































Thursday, April 4, 2013

3/30/13 -  Where have i been since my last blog post of 2/19? Exploring the coast of California!  Four stays in Ojai ~ twice up and down the amazing pacific coast highway ~ visiting Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cambria, Big Sur ~ and at long last Santa Cruz.

It cannot go unnoticed that attending the Dances of Universal Peace was a key reason for keeping me in the central California coast area.  I am thoroughly addicted to these sacred dances.   Quite willing, I allowed them to dictate the flow and direction of my travels.  Like a groupee, I followed the Sufi Dance Caravan from Ojai to Santa Barbara to Avila and Los Osos. No matter where I go, Ojai is in my heart and I sense that our love affair is not over and I will visit here time and time again.


Mid February I attempted 4 times to depart Ojai to head for Santa Cruz.  Like an insect caught in spider's web, i couldn't move. This magical Shangri-La of Ojai just wouldn't let me go until it was good and ready to send me on my way.

Many friends told me before and during my journey that I would love the stunning drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Even so, I was thoroughly unprepared for the rapture that i witnessed.  The splendor of sea and cliffs greeting the sky on one side of the road with mountain majesty and luscious verdant green landscapes on the other was a thoroughly ecstatic experience. One day I'd like to camp along Route 1, so I can have a more intimate experience than a driving view where i have to maintain eye contact on the road.
                                                 The rolling hills along the coast reminded me of Ireland...
                                           and to my surprise, discovered they are called the Irish Mountains


Blessings Upon Blessings
 ~ I've thoroughly enjoyed my visits in Southern and Central California, and the greatest blessing is that in such a brief time of exploring this area, I have an established traveling route and duable drive for return visits spanning from my son in southern CA in Valencia, on up the coast to Ojai, Matilija Canyon, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cambria, and Santa Cruz. I give thanks to the Rainbow Connector in me that loves meeting and collaborating in sacred kinship... because of this joy and openness that I am,  I always seem to attract amazing connections into my life.  What a blessing!

Here are some pics along the coast

Ojai
at first sight fell in love with this Shangri-La of a place 



                                           Randee ~ Om Nama Shavaya sister ~ forever close to my heart

Matilija Canyon
                                                             Lyn, so grateful for our splendid times
                                                           in the magical mystical Matilija Canyon!
                                          and heartfull thanks for inspiring me more deeply into the Dances 
                                                                
Santa Barbara
   Christina ~ from East coast to West coast ~ our evolving goddess kinship
  thank you for the memorable touring of Santa Barbara
 
 San Luis Obispo 
(SLO) -as in slow-
 indicative of the welcoming mellow pace there)
 Hostel - walking distance to town
great Thursday night Farmer's Market
great accommodations! 
 very clean and friendly staff!
Loved staying at San Luis Obispo Hostel!
Highly Recommended!


Morro Bay and Morro Rock
 Gibraltar of the Pacific.   
Miles of unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and estuary.

January 1, 2013 - attended the annual Polar Bear Dip
(I managed to dip up to my knees - Yikes!  to cold for me!)

 
 Los Osos

Liana ~ grateful for our creative sharing, singing and dancing!
Your world travels and creative journey inspires me greatly!
 

Cambria - Hostel/Inn
sweet, cozy and clean!
Highly recommended!


Elfin Forest in Los Osos
adjacent to Morro Bay Estuary
 90-acre natural area.  Its plant communities include coastal brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe, pygmy oak woodland with  hanging moss, maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub, and oak and manzanita.  More than 200 species of plants, as well as 110 kinds of birds, 22 species of mammals and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians.  It is home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds.  Chumash middens occur throughout the park.

 Connecting with hostel mates in Cambria
for a day hike - road trip to Elfin Forest  
 

 Big Sur
  
 
 
Loved this waterfall
at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park 
along the Big Sur coast


 SANTA CRUZ

Visiting my sister*friend Meredith
 husband Neil, and dog Mr. Peabody was fabulous fun!

Meredith & I
talked tirelessly
dined out like Queens
suntanned in Sun Goddess worship
eagerly spotted gulls, pelican and sea lions
Happy Hour and Sailboat Racing at Crow's Nest
countless drives along-West Cliff Drive-Steamer's Lane-surfer's paradise
the fabulous organic food bin/herb shop
 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 
...Santa Cruz sightseeing galore...
felt like i was in a 60's/70's time warp
the mermaid in me
enjoyed every moment in this beautiful, 
laid back, warm, friendly,
environmentally conscious hippy town!


Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Thought I would get to San Francisco, since it was only an 1 1/2 away,
but didn't on this trip.  Look forward to that route another time. 

 

Thank you my sister
for an incredible time in Santa Cruz!
and here's to coming back another time
and another and another.....
 

California is grand!  ~ warm weather, fresh produce, mountains, desert,  meadow, rolling hills, ocean, cliffs, desert, and abundant variety of landscape terrain, flora and fauna.  It truly is paradise!  My body feels one with the beauty, energy and rhythm here. As much as I would like to stay, New Mexico is sending me a vibe to come that way.

My visit to California wouldn't be complete without seeing my son.  He's the greatest gift in my life and perhaps you can tell by these pics of us hiking and playing at the park. 







 

Living it up
through the Art of Play!

the Joy of being best friends
Mama and Son