AuthorI'm an avid life adventurer, and see the world through love filled eyes. May you move through life and travel in pleasure and awareness. Archives
January 2018
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Wedding & Road Trip 201811/19/2018 Road trip 2018! But not with my car because it wouldn’t make the trip. We were headed to Muir Beach for my stepson’s wedding. After too many years of minimal contact he returned to our lives last year. We were ecstatic. We met his fiancé and and enjoyed ourselves while also having a heart to heart. We were invited to be part of the wedding processional and we were thrilled. The date had arrived and we were going on a road trip. On the morning of departure we were on a tight schedule because we needed to pick up my mother-in-law at the airport, a mere 6 hours away with no stops. Of course stops were planned but we needed to get there on time as she’s 94, a fabulous fit 94 but still 94.
That first morning we drove to the Enterprise rental agency and they were closed. This absolutely never happens. We waited and learned that the manager had tremendous difficulties getting to work that morning. Eventually she arrived, we were a tiny bit behind schedule. The customers in line before us were kind and compassionate. When it was our turn at the counter we also expressed our understanding and compassion to the agent and the manager. We put our details in order and something made the agent offer us an upgrade on our car. I wasn’t sure which car to rent but when looking at the cars it was clear that the larger upgrade would be a better fit. We were happy and appreciative. We noticed that the car we had previously requested, which was large but too small for us, was rented by someone that was ecstatic to have that car. It was beautiful to be part of a wide circle of kindness and compassion. After picking up the rental car we drove to drop off my car at the service center. There were many problems there and we were delayed over 30 minutes. The customers here weren’t as patient but we were. Being harsh helps nothing. The agent there was appreciative of our patience and demeanor that he offered us a loaner car for the second half of the work, after our return. We were rewarded for just being ourselves. That’s fantastic. We finally returned home loaded up the car, picked up our daughter (stopped for coffee and treats) and were on our way. Two of our three sightseeing locations had to be removed from the list because of our newer tighter schedule. That’s usual in traveling, yes it’s a little disappointing but the company is the thing. At around 2:15 we made it into the parking lot for The Madonna Inn in San Louis Obispo, CA. It would be a very late lunch but it was great. There wasn’t a crowd at that time of day. The servers, hostesses and hosts were helpful, attentive, and on it. The food was delicious, and they had good allergen free choices. The Madonna Inn is a classic road trip bucket list item . The first travelers stayed there in 1958, and my first time was in the 1970’s. We didn’t have time to stay the night or much longer, we finished up and kept on driving. We sang and talked until we reached the San Francisco International Airport. I bought a tea there and the baristas were lovely and helpful. My mother-in-law flew southwest, they were helpful and took her to our car in a wheelchair which was greatly appreciated after a day of flying. The four of us continued on to Mill Valley’s Mill Valley Inn, an exquisite place to stay with kind and attentive personnel. The breakfast buffet is beautifully presented and one may sit inside or outside. The central location allowed us to walk everywhere within minutes. The next day we drove to Muir Beach at the site of the Pelican Inn for the wedding rehearsal. Built in 1978 The Pelican Inn is famous for its enchanting 16th century English Cottage style. The wedding was everything the couple had wanted, and more. It was meaningful to be part of it. We had been able to get tickets for later in the day to Muir Woods and visited on our last day. It did make for a long day of driving home but it was definitely worth it. Nature is our great healer, walking through the coastal redwoods I felt I could stretch out to my full height, open my heart to and give and receive love. Thank you, was my prayer. Grateful for cherished time with my family, it’s all so fleeting.
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Body Listening For Women1/22/2018 photo courtesy of Pixabay Travelers in this world is what we are. We meet new people (strangers) weekly if not daily. We are on adventures each time we leave our homes. Are we good hostesses and hosts to those we meet along the way? Are we looking up and seeing all the treasure above us as well as below us? Are we taking good care of our traveling vehicle, the incredible human body? I help you with this piece. I empower women to claim their health and achieve their goals thus making this entire traveling experience more pleasurable, and in alignment with their inner (soul's) purpose. The sessions are a beautiful experience that are uniquely tailored to each individual. With an openness to what is happening in the present I follow your inner guidance as together we work on your transformation and health. The atmosphere is calm and all the attention is on you and what you are needing. It is something very special.
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Idyllwild, CA Aunt Time11/27/2017
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College Family Weekend10/21/2017 71 days later and we finally visited the young one! Fall greeted us with her splendor. We participated in two of the school's activities but we spent most of the time visiting with our kid and eating. Hana Sushi, was great and about a B+, we would go back. We visited Woodstock, which was beautiful and didn't disappoint. We ate lunch at The Garden Cafe, they accommodated my food requests easily and perfectly. The food and ambience were healthy and beautiful. On Saturday night we ate at Modern Taco, this was an unpleasant experience. A man appearing to be the owner was harsh and rough with the guests and employees. Our server was nervous and as she was the only server couldn't help the patrons. The food was okay, but ridiculously over priced, including the fact that one paid for atmosphere. We stayed in another lovely AirBnB, the hosts(Carlos & Margarita) went out of their way to give us everything we requested. The Hudson Valley is exquisite at this time of year and we enjoyed the sights, and meeting new friends. We visited Montgomery Place , a home I covet and hope to recreate in the future. It was practically perfect, held in the family by women. I'm still not clear how it kept falling into the hands of women but it was great that it happened and obvious that their influence created such a masterpiece. We laughed and were overjoyed to be in one another's company again. Grateful to have the time together, sad that again the time went by too quickly. I'm getting used to the fact that she lives so far away. I'm happy for the modern devices that keep us connected. Winter break will be here soon!
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Clermont State Historic Site, 1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown, NY 12526 Bard College, 30 Campus Rd, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY 12504 Upstate New York is as beautiful as I was told. On our first day we saw deer, a beaver, forests and meadows. Since I don't know my way around I decided it would be nice to have someone pick us up, I tried a few different places but no response finally I came upon Jim's Taxi service. They picked me up on time and got us to our destination on time. I also booked the Sunday ride I needed with them and they showed up on time, in good spirits and were again very helpful. They are small but busy company, and both drivers were doing their best which was lovely. I was in this part of Upstate New York for a few days, we arrived on Wednesday afternoon and left on Sunday afternoon. Taking the taxi up from JFK was nice for tired travelers, and returning via Amtrak from Rhinecliff to Penn Station was easy. The ride to Penn Station from Rhincliff takes about two hours. There was a kind male couple to the right of me, we helped each other in small kindnesses. I gave them a hand wipe they took out my trash, it was lovely and civil. The people behind me were strangers but got along well and immediately shared their travel stories with one another. The young woman to my left set up her space in a precise manner then fell asleep. It is a privilege to share intimate space with kind people. Unrelated parents walked up and down the aisle with their infants. It's lovely observing people going about their business. Penn Station has very confusing or nonexistent signs. I looked it up. it's a thing. The first ticket booth wouldn't accept an out of town zip code and I was nervous that they were all like this and I wouldn't be able to buy a ticket. I went to another automated booth and purchased my ticket. I stood there wondering how to get to the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) ? I saw a man in an airline uniform and asked him if was headed to the Jamaica station he said yes, and to follow him. I did and we skedaddled onto the train. I then followed him to the AirTrain he waited as I purchased my ticket. Traveling angels help us along the way, he's in this group. I watched him as he helped others along the way. "Always look for the helpers." Mr. Rogers. While waiting for the AirTrain we met Opeoluwa Olawale a Ph.D. student studying Petroleum Engineering. She offered to be a first reader for my book, later in the conversation I was able to return the favor by of editing work of hers. Heart centered connections is part of the magic of travel.
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Out of the Ordinary Orcutt Ranch6/14/2017 23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills, CA 91304 (818) 346-7449 directions via Google maps This is a very special place with history that gives visitors a chance to settle into nature. I had visited the park some as a child and then again when my daughter was little. I hadn't been in a while and it was calling me to go explore her land once again. I'm so happy I did. It's a lovely place built over time beginning in 1917 and completed in 1926. Oil magnate William Warren Orcutt and his wife Mary originally purchased 210 acres much of which they later sold and it became West Hills. I came upon a little grotto and was reminded of my time in Lourdes, France. We awoke around 2:30 to arrive early. it was so early we were at the front of the line. The wait was fascinating as the people in charge were aggressive as they monitored the line, it was part of the outer world. In the inner sanctum, the world of women, the nuns spoke many languages and moved like angels. They helped me into the ice cold water and performed a short and powerful healing ritual. It was the apex of healing from rightness and living as a victim, the healing would continue for another seven years. That was many years ago, on this day at Orcutt Ranch I carried the sadness of my daughter leaving for college, in less than two months. Yes, it’s wonderful that she worked so hard and done so well. She will have a wonderful experience in college yet I will miss her. I walked into the grotto made of stone and shed my tears of sadness while calling out to Mary Magdalene, she consoled me and lifted my burden. I walked out of that little grotto younger and lighter. Time spent here is time spent nourishing the soul. WISE ONES
Coastal Live Oaks(Quercus Agrifolia) over 700 years old
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Zuma Beach, Malibu, CA5/27/2017 Looking at the ocean I though that it was so nice for her not to know what is happening and still do her thing. She quickly responded in a powerful tone, "We know what is happening and continue to do our thing." Of course that's the way it is. And it is the way for me too. I adore Pollyanna because she was not in denial and smiling without reason. She knew what was happening around her and chose to be happy. I focus on being serene and having joy, and bring that with me as I walk in the world. This brings calm and peace to those around me. And being in nature on a day without crowds is glorious, invigorating and lifted my soul.
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Charmed Hogsmeade5/5/2017 This is fun! This is easily the best and most magical part of the Universal Studios theme parks. I visited the Florida theme park in 2010 and the Universal City theme park during 2016-2017. The WWOHP areas are exceptional, H.P. fans love them and visit often, muggles wishing to have fun will also have an incredible time. They are small sections, Universal Park's Wizarding World is very small, but one can spend a lot of time walking, browsing, riding the two attractions, buying, eating, watching the Toad Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally. Visiting in the rain or drizzles makes a big difference, there are no crowds, and the world comes to life in a more true to life like setting.
Take your time here, look at all of the nooks and crannies, it's worth it. The Ollivanders experience is truly delightful, afterward you might want to purchase an interactive wand to use at each spell casting location. These spots are marked by medallions lodged into the cement indicating where to stand to cast the spell. There is an elevator one may use to get to the top of Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey, if the stairs are too much for your body. If visiting the park overall is hard on your body visit Guest Relations upon entering the park and they will help you with what you need. www.undercovertourist.com/blog/universal-studios-hollywood-guest-assistance-pass-gap/ I have a few physical difficulties now, and have to take the day nice and slow. WWOHP is the best part of the park, followed by a nice walk through England and France and leave. PLEASE NOTE: Universal Studios is not great for the little ones. The rides all have a scary tone and the children aren't held with grace.
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Divine Disneyland4/25/2017 Disneyland is a cherished spiritual place for me, I have experienced so many open hearted moments at the three of the Magic Kingdoms (Disneyland Resort, Disneyworld, Disneyland Paris,) and look forward to visiting Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort. Visiting the parks with a relaxed attitude, frequent breathing and focusing on the good are keys to enjoying the parks amidst the crowds and branding. The spiritual is noticed by focusing on people, emotions and slowing down. Enjoying what is before me I step out of the mundane and into the magic that is the Disney cast members and high incidence of serendipity. I usually always dressed in Disney apparel when visiting the parks but now that game has been enhanced with Disney bounding. Disney bounding originator, Leslie Kay, explains DisneyBounding as "finding a line where Disney and fashion collide." disneybound.co My daughter introduced me to this and we’ve been enjoying coming up with our own ideas as well the creativity of other Disney bounders. Although I would like to boast that many moons ago, my stepson did have us dress up as the characters from Robin Hood before going out to dinner. Just sayin’. |