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