Birthday trip – Tenaya Lake

Tuesday morning came, and my birthday was officially over. It came to a meaningful end after receiving a little birthday message from Mom and Dad that evening. I was at peace and touched deeply.

The weather forecast was calling for a warm and breezy day, perfect to lazily lounge at the shores of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite holds a special place in my heart and every time I go it’s like going home, as if I was returning to myself. This time was no different and as soon as we passed the entrance gate, a feeling of deep emotional gratefulness washed over me.

This trip was panning out differently than my last trip just a month ago. This one was more relaxing in the sense of being less physical, not scaling major mountains and pushing myself to my limits. Much was going on in the month past, and after all, I deserved a break. Plus who would have not taken advantage of taking a dip in the gorgeous blue and majestic surroundings.

We found a small sandy beach by the water that was perfect. Families came and went throughout the day, but it was relatively quiet and peaceful. We stayed all day, swimming, picnicking, reading small stories from John Muir, his stepping grounds (Yosemite), taking pictures and napping. One of the things Yosemite did for social distancing was to limit the amount of guests allowed in the park (per day) after it reopened. I think it’s one of the best things they did, not just for social distancing and keeping people safer, but also to protect the environment and all its animals. Besides trash being improperly disposed, bears are killed each year due to speeding tourists rushing through the park from one point of interest to the next. I always hurt seeing the signs that mark where a bear was killed due to speeding, or when people come to visit such a beautiful place but don’t clean up after themselves and trash it.

Having a restricted amount of visitors for each day, provided a new park experience with less congestion and crowds. It was probably the most peaceful experience in Yosemite, especially in such a easy accessible area that would normally be overrun by people. But it wasn’t and it was a day spent in beauty and bliss.

World friendship day

Picture taken from google

Today is world friendship day, also known as international day of friendship, and for me it is another chance to say thank you and honor all the amazing people I have encountered since starting this blog. What a journey it has been. Together we have grown, encouraged each other, listened and empowered each other. We shared our voice and because of it, we didn’t feel alone but in it together. Together we have found an outlet to let this voice be heard and side by side we have walked this path in the journey of our life. Today I give thanks once more to all of you who always check in and support me with your love and kind comments. I can only hope that I am returning a fraction of all the kindness I receive from you. 🙏🏼

The definition of friendship can be interpreted in various ways from person to person, with our own interpretation. The dictionary defines it as a relationship between friends, a state of mutual trust and support between allied nations. A state of being friends, friendly, relation, attachment to a person, and affection arising from mutual esteem and good will.

I think that along the way we meet new like minded spirits that share our story. Eagerly we embrace the guidance they have for us. We have our lightbulb moments and learn and apply what fits us. We feel understood and guided to keep going. But we also lose old friends along the way, sometimes even life long friends. I guess it’s normal and sometimes people outgrow us or vice versa. It’s merely that our priorities have shifted and that we pursue different goals without it being anybody’s fault.

The art of being a good friend is something you have to study for years. They say that friendship is about learning new things each and every day. The term of friendship is often used loosely and lacks the true meaning that holds true for me. A true friend is loyal and has my best interest at heart. He/she wants me to succeed and is not in it for themselves or personal gain. There is a silent understanding, a knowing, when you truly “get” the other person. Where you sign up to play life with and walk down that path in good times and in bad ones. A true friend is always there regardless of how often you talk. A true friend accepts you for who you are and time spent together flies because you can always be yourself.

Friendship day is derived from hallmark cards around the 1930’s and was declared as international day of friendship.

Have a great day everybody and thank you for being there. You make all the difference with your fabulous self. ❤️🙏🏼

True humility

True humility is staying teachable regardless of how much you already know. 🙏🏼

A happy birthday message from Mom & Dad

It’s been quiet throughout Mom’s birthday and although I felt deeply connected to her, there was no sign of any sort on her birthday. Just silence and the emptiness of her gone.

You can read about Monday, my birthday here, but the evening brought a little surprise I wasn’t expecting. Sitting in front of the little log cabin, at a moment of peace, I noticed a small black feather at my feet. My thoughts immediately drifted to Dad and I said that it was a happy birthday greeting from him. It made me smile and comforted the way I always feel when I find feathers.

“When feathers appear your loved ones are near.”

Later that evening, back at our place, a white feather was waiting for me on the floor. I have no idea how we could have missed it. Immediately I knew that this was a birthday greeting from Mom. This was my first year as an orphan, someone no longer blessed with the presence of their parents, but these two little feathers completed my day, making me feel loved and thought of enough to send a sign my way for a happy birthday.

The meaning of black feathers – Dads message

A black feather reminds you of the presence of your guardian angel who protects and gives you more spiritual wisdom and power. It could be a sign telling you to take a break from work and meditate on everything happening in your Life. When found in times of crisis it passes a message of support.

The meaning of white feathers – Moms message

White is a symbol of purity, GA it’s and protection. If you find white feathers it means that your angel is trying to reassure you of his presence with you. Your late loved ones could also send a message to you through white feathers to reassure you that they are doing well. So whenever you find a white feather just smile because you have got the blessings of the angels.

🙏🏼❤️

Remembering your purpose

Just something short and sweet today, but powerful enough to require only a few words that make us evaluate and ponder what we truly want to be identified with. If not from the outside but from the within and ourselves. Maybe somebody needs to read this at this exact time to keep going, to follow their true heart, to empower themselves to listen and march to their own drumbeat. And if so then please remember that you had purpose before anyone had an opinion. 🙏🏼

Birthday trip – Monday

With the clock striking midnight my birthday was here, and actually I didn’t even pay attention. I wasn’t trying to stay awake or get excited, I had no agenda or plans, just a long and hard day was coming to an end. Mom’s birthday. I glanced at the clock because I couldn’t sleep. My mind was restless and still full of sadness. 12:08 AM the clock display announced, meaning that for the past 8 minutes I had been a year older. Oh well…big deal…I was in a funk, unable to pull myself out, only hoping to fall asleep quickly.

I knew all too well what happens when I go to sleep like this, and most likely I wake up in the same mood, and so it was. Monday morning and the world in my neck of the woods was burning from a wildfire. The skies were gray and covered in thick, heavy smoke. It definitely matched my mood and it was fitting I thought. We ended up with a later than usual start due to road pavements in the neighborhoods and I’m lucky it was caught. It would have been stressful to return from the trip and find my car missing and towed. So thank god for that.

Eventually we were on our way and the drive left the smoke behind with clearer skies off in the distance. What also became visible were darker storm clouds and we traded the smoke for some raindrops and cooler temperatures. It was all good and just like the smoke had lifted so did my mood. Why not let the rain wash all the sorrows away and lift the veil. The troubles and sadness took a back seat and finally I was grateful for another birthday. To have gotten away for a few days and to make new adventure memories. I was wondering what kind of wisdom they would bring this time, since the last trip was all about realizing new strengths.

We stopped at a tiny village for some overpriced food but a nice outdoor space where in the end we could say “Well we finally stopped after passing by for years, but we probably won’t stop again.” A couple of good but nothing special to brag about burgers, one drink and not even fries set us back $25. Well at least we did it and the outside space was neat.

Our final destination was Mammoth Lakes and we took our time to get settled. It still looked stormy and the temperatures had dropped, but it was comfortable. In the evening we set out for a little sunset stroll to check out this little log cabin, now a museum tucked away behind trees and near a little stream. It was a peaceful 3 mile hike and a beautiful sunset that by now had settled my soul and weary feelings completely from the tough start of the day. Plus a little surprise was still waiting for me that would make a big difference.

Ten painful truths

1. The average human life is relatively short.
2. You will only ever live the life you create for yourself.
3. Being busy does NOT mean being productive.
4. Some kind of failure always occurs before success.
5. Thinking and doing are two different things.
6. You don’t have to wait for an apology to forgive.
7. Some problems and people are simply the wrong match for you.
8. It’s not other people’s job to love you; it’s yours.
9. What you own is not who you are.
10. Everything changes, every second.

What can we take away from this? Perhaps we can try to choose our battles and don’t get tied down with unnecessary burdens. Just having the intention will make a difference in our mind-frame. Here is to all of us, may we all succeed.

The awakening process

Picture from my birthday trip. View of Half Dome from Olmstead point – Yosemite National Park.

Spiritual awakening…ah, a topic that seems to bring together likeminded and kindred spirits. Souls in search of answers, to find validations or a sign along the way that encourages us to keep going. People who question the status quo when it comes to their own life. It goes out to the “what if (ers), is that it, now what, and there’s got to be more to life” kind of beings.

Spiritual awakening is a way/path that is so different and unique to all of us, yet shares so many similarities. Once you find the courage and took that first step, you are on your way and the awakening process has begun. Don’t expect this to be an easy journey, because it will be quite the opposite. You will be a tested many times, stretched to your limits, and you fill find out what you are made of. It’s hard work but those willing to put in the effort will find a reward much greater than you could ever imagine. On the outside or if you have travelled for awhile, it’s easy to see and recognize all it’s patterns. The climbs and struggles, the storms and challenges, and the smooth sailings when everything seems downhill once more.

Along the path we meet various places that become our initial destination. It’s not until we take in all the wisdom of what that place has to offer, until we learn all of our lessons needed, that we can move on to a new place along the journey to our soul destination. And it is only when we, the students are ready that our teacher will appear. It can’t be rushed and there is no time limits, you simply move along when you are ready, despite of you thinking that you are. Remember that you can never know that you received everything meant for you to learn until so have. So in a way it is about being willing to listen and to learn, trusting the process, surrendering all control, shedding the fear, and opening your heart wide.

According to Jake Woodard we undergo 4 stages and although I have written about the stages before (7 stages similar or more in detail), it’s worth it to take a look as we might identify with something new and different.

Stage 1: The birthing phase

You start to awaken normally by experiencing pain or trauma. This causes you to shed the layers of illusions. Welcome to earth school.

Stage 2: The crawling phase

You’re very uncomfortable in this phase. You are learning many lessons, some of which are painful. You may feel great frustration and despair.

Stage 3: The rebirth

You’re being called to go inward to seek more answers. At this stage you are being initiated to be given your wings. You’re learning who you are and why you are here.

Stage 4: Taking flight

You’ve shed the veils of illusion. You’ve returned to your childlike innocence. You’ve purified your soul and are now soaring with your reclaimed wings.

Does this ring true for you?

Green Juice update

Thought I do a little update on my green mean juicing adventure. By Saturday morning (18th) I have said goodbye to 8 lbs. It doesn’t seem like that much to me but I’m been told that my results are great and a healthy effort to keep the weight off. It’s so much more than a diet or shedding the weight quickly. It is truly a lifestyle change and a way to encourage a healthier behavior. Losing the weight comes as a bonus and as important as it is, it takes a backseat and comes secondary. So why did I do it?

Number 1 was to be healthier and more conscious of what I feed my body. Since I started my skin has changed and looks healthier, including the feel of it. The brain fog is gone. I feel more energetic and stronger. Along with yoga, smaller portions, chewing better for digestion, and a basic understanding that I have to move and burn more calories than I consume has helped bring these results.

Here is the recipe to the green mean juice if you care to try. I have a shake for breakfast, the soup made from the pulp for lunch, a salad or other sensible meal (low to no carb) in the evening before 6 PM.

PS. It’s a mess to clean the juicer but you can make enough juice for several days. Fill up a mason jar as far as you can and seal airtight. Your shakes will last in the fridge 3-4 days and saves time and clean up. Just double recipe as needed.

Serving size 16oz

Ingredients

1 cucumber

4 celery stalks

2 apples

6-8 leaves of kale

1/2 lemon

1 tbsp hunger

Wash all produce well. Peel lemon optional and I use it with the skin, juice, pour over ice, enjoy!

What are you watering?

Flower from my garden. There seems to be an abundance of purple and magenta kind of blooms. After the garden was all planted and done it was the first time it came to my awareness and right away I remembered Mom. In her late years as she started to color in her adult coloring book, many pictures where in purple. As I asked her about it, she said that purple always has to be in the each picture and I never knew until then that it was her favorite color, or that she has a connection to the color. Now my garden is mainly purple and I can’t say that it was consciously planned this way. Coincidence? Or did Mom help plant a few of these in spirit?

You know I am a sucker for quotes and another has made it debut into my life. Sometimes they stop me in my tracks and I think it is then, in that moment when I ponder the words, that something resonates, reassures or perhaps steers me in a different direction all together.

This quote is untitled and I am not sure who has written it. It says…

“Your life is your garden, your thoughts are the seeds. If your life isn’t awesome, you’ve been watering the weeds.”