The Crystal Visions Tarot

Romantic, sensuous, yet compelling and powerful, artist Jennifer Galasso show cases her visionary artwork in The Crystal Visions Tarot published by U.S. Games Systems. This softly colored deck would be perfect for the beginner as well as a treasure for any collector. The deck includes an Unknown Card "for gazing into the future or exploring issues with deeper insight."

It is a beautiful Spring day, the end of March, I feel the surge of sap and the pull of equinox, Mercury will go direct soon, Mars too, and all will shift into bloom. After blessing and clearing the cards, I sit and meditate in a pool of sunlight, focusing my intentions, sorting my questions, knowing the answers are at my finger tips now. I pull three cards to represent where am I now, where am I coming from and where am I going.

The first card I pull (the present)  is Ten of Pentacles. A woman is perched in  a tree, wolf companion by her side, a deer below. There is a castle in the distance, blossoming apple trees, and crystals sprouting from the ground. Along one side of the tree are six shields, each with different jewel, and I am reminded that six of pentacles is the card of compassion, healing on the physical and financial plane. On the other side of the tree, high-up in the branches are four shields, reminding me of the stability inherent in four of pentacles, without the miserliness. In the tree are the figures entwined in the branches, separate yet facing each other, always connected.

My first thought was, "that's what I want" then it turned into "that's what I have". How fortunate I feel to want what I have and have what I want, truly a blessing. I love the earthiness of this card, seen in the browns of the tree, the green ground, the clear quartz crystals, the red apples blooming in the background. It fills me with a calm appreciation, aware that tens are endings and beginnings. I have the sense that I am harvesting the abundance of the last seven years, creating stability in my health and finances, receiving prosperity with graciousness and responsibility. Deer reminds me to be gentle, wolf runs with the pack and mates for life, I am grateful for their animal guidance.

The second card (the past) is Page of Swords. a fairy angel sits on a rock in the snow, sword pulled although she seems to be resting. She is dressed in purple, including some extremely good looking boots. Purple is the color of the crown chakra, the highest mind. Three ravens fly above her in a stormy purple sky. Two more ravens come to land on a bare branch nearby. In the Medicine Cards Raven is said to be the messenger from the void, speaking to cosmic graduation, the feeling of " well done, you did it, now you get to experience more of life's mysteries." Pages are also messengers, and swords represent the mind, and this card both taking and giving classes recently, all the knowledge and experience I have shared, all the information I have been absorbing. I am also aware of messages from dreams and the particular vocabulary of the subconscious, often the same archetypes as found in the tarot.

While the edges of this card are dark, there is alight glinting on her sword, and I perceive this as a reminder to use our minds as the double edged sword of truth, to cut away the lies that bind us to past conditioning as well as to use it to plant new seed thoughts: seeds if change, seeds if peace, seeds of love and everyone's favorite, seed money.

The third card (the future) I pulled was II: The High Priestess. Robed in a light blue edged with purple with a girdle both black and white, the winged  High Priestess has long black tresses streaked with silver, and stands on a crescent moon surrounded by blue butterflies.there are jewels at her heart chakra, third eye, and in her crown chakra. In one hand she holds a staff with a crystal ball and an ankh, symbol of everlasting life in Egypt (you know, ankh if you love Isis!) A peek in the LWB reveals she is holding a pomegranate in the other hand, another symbol of regeneration.

Coincidentally, I had pulled the High Priestess from The Goddess Oracle deck earlier at my office, so was really paying attention to this card, and all the messages of metamorphosis and how form will change while essence is eternal. The High Priestess embraces duality and I am reminded of Carl Jung's work on the tension of opposites and the need to create space within in the psyche that can hold different polarities in order to create healing. This is so my role as a hypnotherapist and healer, providing the space and tools for people to create their own integration of seemingly conflicting energies. As it says in the  little white book, "She brings a sense of calm to our lives, and helps us find deeper meaning through understanding, wisdom and knowledge."

A positive reading overall, I shuffle through the cards face up, just noticing which ones seem to be calling to me, their colors and images. The Emperor literally fell into my lap, a nice balance to the predominantly female reading I had just had, even the fourth card and it being the IV had a pleasing synchronicity. Jennifer Galasso has created a beautiful tool that will serve very well those who seek the wisdom of the tarot. 

Blessed be.

Something I will give myself today

Permission. Permission to not turn on my cell phone until I reach Santa Cruz, knowing that there is nothing I could do if there was an emergency, and giving myself the luxury of time and trust that anything can wait.

Permission to sit with the cats and really connect, maybe read my book that I didn't get to this weekend, continuing my retreat and silence.

I will give my time and energy to others when I decide to turn on the computer, answer my emails. I will go and buy candy for the neighborhood kids, and give Chip as many kisses as possible. I will buy Dolores her favorite beer for taking care of the cats, and be surprised at what else I will end up giving.

What I give to the world today is my breath, sending out love and reiki to those who need it, whether or not I know them. I give my poems and writing on my blog, photos on facebook, with no idea who might be touched, who might choose to share what I have witnessed, what I have experienced.

Blessed be.

Adventures in Detoxing

After reading The Detox Book by Bruce Fife, I decided on trying an herbal detoxification  because "(n)ext to fasting, herbs are the oldest method used for detoxification... In our modern society we have the advantage of using herbs from all over the world, not just the ones growing near us. This way, we have access to the strongest, most effective herbal detoxifies the earth has to offer."  I spent the next eight weeks trying different combination of herbs, mostly in the form of teas, as well as incorporating other detox methods such as regular fasting, oxygen therapy and eating the natural foods diet. As a result, I had more energy, had many minor health issues disappear, and lost 14 lbs.

The physical, mental and emotional steps in preparation for the detox were way more than I had anticipated. Last June I was delighted to come home to my next set of course books from AIHT. I picked up the books on detoxification and thought, "This is what I'll do first!" As the saying goes, we make plans, God laughs. I certainly thought about detoxing for the next six months, reviewing my life style habits, thinking about menu plans and exercise, my general health and well being, and how to create better habits, using the detox as a part of the process.

In December I was diagnosed with Lyme disease from a tick bite six weeks earlier. Three weeks of antibiotics helped with the symptoms but had severe side effects, including daily nausea and headaches as well as a hyper sensitivity to the sun, and coincidentally I was going for my first time to Hawaii. My hands broke out in a heat rash and three patches of ringworm appeared in my arm pits. My reflexologist said that antibiotics can stay in your system for up to three months, which became real motivation for a detox.

In January I went on the Natural Foods Diet recommended in The Detox Book. I bought a scale for the first time in my adult life, and was dismayed to see had gained five pounds while on vacation on top of the twenty pounds I had put on over the last year. I put a calendar in my walk in closet and each day weighed myself and charted what I had eaten, number if alcoholic drinks, any activity such as walking, mowing, house cleaning, etc. and any herbal teas or supplements.

Each day I added one thing to my regime to create my own 7 daily habits. For example, the first day I ate a piece of fruit in the morning, the next day I added a glass of cranberry juice in the afternoon, the third day a cup of herbal tea midday, etc. The first month I added one weekly habit, such as a 24 hour fast, dry skin brushing, a longer physical activity such as hiking or biking, and a regular appointment with a health care provider. The second month I added monthly routines, such as a 3 day fast, hot bath with Epsom salts and ear candling.

It was easy to eliminate meat from my diet, eating salmon, lentils, tofu and eggs, mostly not worrying about protein. I eat vegetables but not a lot of fruit, so I started adding fruits to my salads, such as apples, raisins, and grapes. Later I read more about proper food combining in The Miracle of Fasting and started eating fruits completely separately from other foods. My only dairy is usually milk in my coffee which I replaced with honey, and occasionally yogurt, which I found I didn’t crave any more. I was taking a probiotic supplement to continue to build up friendly flora after being on the doxicycline. A couple of times I broke down and did eat pizza and then really felt it the next day, especially in mucus production. I decided to limit alcohol to the times we went out to dinner, and then only drinking two glasses of white wine.

I slowly added supplements, starting with magnesium/calcium to help the nerve damage in my hands from the Lyme disease and the probiotics for intestinal and colon health. I added a thymactive supplement on the advice of both reflexologist and acupuncturist, both of whom I am seeing on a regular basis and who supervised the detox. Eventually I also added Vitamin C, L-lysine, and a wellness formula.

I thought I was emotionally prepared to go through a healing crisis, which did occur, both physically and emotionally a couple of times. Probably the hardest part of the whole process was my emotional sensitivity and some difficult communication with my partner. Some unresolved issues from the past came up, interestingly that coincided with the time of the tick bite, so I would remind myself that this was a part of the process.

The detox experience itself was great, in some ways easier than I expected, mostly because I had thought about it so much and continued to think about it throughout. I felt like I was kind and gentle to myself, going slow, and choosing to create life time habits more than just trying a fad. I certainly learned the rule of "On fast, don't tell" as had received criticism from friends and family.

The first week I lost five pounds, which I attributed mostly to water loss as both the practitioners said I could be experiencing bloating from the antibiotics and from being on my period. I felt lazy and lethargic, wanting to sleep a lot, experiencing a lot of asthma. I realized that I never want to eat when menstruating, a natural time for me to fast, so for a few days only drank juices and ate fruits. I drank a dandelion tea for a gentle liver detox.

The second week I lost one pound, added the thymus supplement, and found a general return of energy. We went biking twice and hiking. I added daily meditation/visualization that I can do while driving. Both allergies and asthma were better. Went for a chiropractic adjustment. I drank a green tea as an antioxidant.

The third week I gained two pounds. It rained all week, so while I continued to eat clean, my daily walking routine was interrupted. My partner and I decided to take ballroom dancing classes on Monday nights for a fun indoor activity. I started oxygen therapy using hydrogen peroxide on my underarm rash and toe fungus, as well as adding drops to my morning drinking water. I went back to drinking the dandelion tea for a few days.

The fourth week I switched a detox tea specific for kidney and liver health, starting with one cup a day and gradually increasing it to three. Once again, when I got my period I did a 24 hour water fast. I found myself doing more heliotherapy, deliberately sitting out with my arms exposed, and the ringworm started to disappear. I started taking an acai cleanse supplement, along with drinking a berry detox blend tea, which I really enjoyed. I lost two pounds.

The fifth week I continued reflexology, stopped dairy completely, including milk in my coffee, and started drinking an acai based cleansing tea. I felt a lot of energy and a lot of clarity, finding I was waking up early with the dawn and remembering a lot of dreams. I went on a walk six days of the week. I lost six pounds.

The sixth week I had an emotional crises and got the flu, as did everyone in my family. I used a lot aromatherapy, especially eucalyptus. As the mucus drained from my me, I affirmed clearing my brain of congested thoughts. Here the neti pot was my friend as well, helping to ease the strain on my sinuses. I took homeopathic flu remedy and a homeopathic cough syrup. I drank a lot of gypsy cold care tea and green tea, eating mostly soup. My weight stayed constant.

The seventh week I had another emotional crisis, this time with a big outpouring of tears, which ultimately felt cleansing. I did ear candles, my first 3 day fast, and took a bath with Epsom salts and lavender. I went to acupuncture to get rid of the last lingering cough, and she recommended the herb Astralagus. I decided I needed a media fast, recognizing the tv is junk food for my brain, and to go back to reading more instead. I gained one pound. I drank a tea for Fasters that was okay, it did take the edge off the hunger, but liked the acai teas better.

The eighth week I got my period and again fasted for a day. I tried herbal laxative tea and just hated it. The rash where tick bite was flared up considerably. I went on a walk six days of the week. I continued to drink the fasters tea. I felt happy and cheerful, excited for spring projects. I lost three pounds.

My overall perspective of the detoxification process is extremely positive. This was one of my best courses from AIHT and one I plan on using in my life as well as a guide for my clients. Physically, I notice my skin has improved considerably, I have more energy, the toe fungus gone, overall less mucus and even less plaque on my teeth, plus losing 14 lbs., feeling more like my normal size, back in my regular body. Emotionally, I feel like I survived the winter and actually had less symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) than previous years. Mentally, I enjoyed the visualizations and meditations, and look forward to more mind fasts by continuing to go on silent retreats. I know I will continue to use various methods from the book and have detoxing become a regular part of my self care routines. I took to heart the advice, “...those who wish to harness the healing power of herbs for detox and healing at home must take “the people’s medicine” into their own hands and administer it to their own bodies, along with other healing angels of food, water, air and sunlight.” -Daniel Reid, The Tao of Detox (p.196).

Most importantly, the detox had a profound spiritual effect. I did a lot of prayer work as well as Reiki, putting a lot of time, energy and thought into what it meant to detox on all levels of my being, not just the physical. I found my meditations quite focused and engaging, and had a resurgence of creative energy, doing more photography and collage work. I am truly grateful for the detox as it allowed me to clear some clutter from my soul, transmute the poisons of the past and know that I will use this experience as a gift to help others.

References
The Detox Book. Fife, Bruce. Colorado Springs: Piccadilly Books, Ltd, 1997.
The Tao of Detox. Reid,. Daniel. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2006.
The Miracle of Fasting. Bragg, Patricia. Santa Barbara: Health Science. .
The Fasting Handbook. Safron, Jeremy. Berkeley: Celestial Arts, 2005.

Natural Gratitude

Walking on the beach instills gratitude in me, especially this season, such a contrast to living on the East coast, living in Idaho, as I have done in the past. Every sunny day is a chance to renew my energy, store in my batteries, knowing that the rains are on the way out.

Living in Santa Cruz and being here in Point Reyes I am grateful for the cool crisp mornings, the warm afternoon, the mild evenings. I am always aware of the plants, from the red leaved tree with the pale green Spanish moss dripping from it just outside this window right now, to the enormous aloe veers in Santa Cruz, my friend Nikki from New York saying, "These are house plants!"

While we do not have the dramatic seasonal changes of new England, the seasons of California are distinct and subtle. I am aware in my garden of the winter blooms, the red hot pokers a good example, the California poppies announcing the return of spring.

 After driving through San Francisco to get here, being so aware of the concrete and asphalt, iron barred windows and the distinct lack of lawns, trees corralled into parks as the street lamps become the urban jungle, I am so grateful for the serene roads winding through the gentle hills, the soft light illuminating the greens and golds, the sheer amount of oxygen being released from the trees into my grateful lungs. We have seen a tiny mouse and a huge stag, countless ravens and other birds, their gentle presence a reminder that we share this earth, not just a roadway.

It was soothing walking along the beach yesterday, which stretched for miles and was so unpopulated. Grey seagulls clustered by the waters edge, the sand pipers busy doing their thing, cracked crab shells crunching under out feet. I appreciated the tug of the sand on my calves, the shifting sands, the chance to smell the ocean, the hope to see a whale. This expansive space, my expansive heart, filled with gratitude and a quiet joy.

Blessed be.

What have I learned to be thankful for that I used to take for granted

I have learned to be thankful for my health. Turning 45 last year I am so much more aware of my body's shifts and changes, from creaky joints to night sweats, the sudden appearance of a pudgy belly. I used to take for granted that I would always be small, petite and slender, and it has been a shock to gain 20 pounds over the last year, to feel my feet aching every day, to feel a struggle in my habits.

I am thankful that I am on no medications besides for my inhaler, even my asthma having been vastly improved since putting in the hard wood floors and addressing my gerd, changing my diet so as not to experience acid reflux. Having the new cat has definitely exacerbated my allergies, and I am grateful to acupuncture and homeopathic remedies for giving me relief while my immune system changes.

I appreciate walking more, especially after I quit Zumba, which just started feeling too hard on my body, although I do miss the endorphin rush after each class. I used to take my digestion for granted, and now need to be so much more conscious of consuming fried foods versus salads, of eating breakfast and more protein instead of carbs.

I used to think that I could do anything, climbing up and down ladders, cleaning the windows of the house, having tons of energy. I notice where I am slowing down, being more conscious, more aware that a fall could mean a broken bone, a broken neck. I am grateful to have the income to start outsourcing these needs, paying the roofer and hiring a window cleaner, thinking about a gardener to help with the maintenance, leaving me free for more creativity.

Blessed be.

Sunday morning at the retreat

There is a smell of cinnamon in the kitchen, sleepy silent retreat participants wandering in for their first cup of coffee, I can see the dawn kissing the hills in the distance and I am grateful for a good nights sleep.

I dreamt I was ice skating with Mom, aware that boots needed to be tighter, enjoying the powerful glides as my legs crossed over, the satisfying bite on the ice.

I miss the cats and send them reikitty energy along with my other morning prayers, to Amber, to Scott and Lisa, my parents, Chip. I'm looking forward to reading my book later, no longer feeling pressured to get anything else done, I feel pleasantly relaxed and present.

Two people were meditating in the writing room this morning, as I slipped in to use the adjoining bathroom. I think about Lisa and Henry over in Thailand, what it is to meditate together, sharing energy and breath, sharing silence and stillness. I am grateful for this time to allow Chip and I do develop more comfortable silences, enjoy the quiet times, to sit with full awareness of the pulse of his hand in mine, the ways that whispers work and the beauty of maintaining eye contact.

Blessed be.

What might I have to give up to live with a grateful heart?

Sometimes it's a scratch
That I feel like itching
But I'm willing right now
To give up all my bitching

It might even
Be easier than I think
To really let go of
All the dishes in the sink

All day long
I fuss and I futter
I'm ready to give up
My emotional clutter

Ready to let go
Of my ideas of perfection
Ready to change
My personal reflection

I might have to
Give up complaining
And actually enjoy it
When it is raining

Feel my strength
Instead of groaning
Exercise my choices
Instead of moaning

Start responding
Instead of being reactive
Give up laziness
Instead being proactive

This is only a beginning
But it's a good start
Letting go of my ego
To live with a grateful heart

Blessed be.

Something I am struggling with

Time. I struggle with time. I have never been too interested in making money, but I am incredibly interested in making time - for myself, for my child, and in particular for my lover.

Even getting ready for this weekend, I so wanted to somehow get more done, in particular I wanted to wash my car. I let it go with a sigh as I realized it was more important to tie up some loose ends with clients, clear my desk and my mind for the retreat ahead, and that the dirt could wait.

Still, after dropping Amber off at school I took a few minutes to wipe down the interior, sweep the crumbs off the seats, and shake out the mats. I wanted the car to be pleasant for Chip as we wound our way up to this northern sea shore. I wanted it to be pleasant for me as well.

After picking Chip up at his Mountain View office, he asked me about my morning, and I rattled off all I had accomplished, from cleaning the house and packing  to dying my hair. I don't give myself enough credit for I do. I have been aware lately of going and sitting on the deck, closing my eyes in the sun, and just enjoying the garden, rather than working in it. The weeds aren't going anywhere, and the truth is the larger they are the easier to pull.

When homeless folks ask me for spare change, I always want to ask them for some spare time. After all, they're just lounging around all day, don't seem to have anything to do but panhandle, can't they give me some of that?

I find myself struggling to incorporate Chip into my life. Yes, we have good times together, incredibly happy, but I always worry that I am somehow falling behind in other areas of my life. After being single for seven years I became used to filling up my evenings and weekends with work, work and more work, and I feel challenged to relax, let go, and simply play, to simply enjoy our time together for what it is - precious, sweet and precious.

I love spending time by myself, and feel challenged to create this as we merge our lives together. I love spending time with amber, but usually it is doing homework as we don't have weekends together, and she is of the age where she is embarrassed by me in public places. I struggle to find the balance between me time, us time, family time, client time.

This is an opportunity for gratitude when I recognize that Chip is not taking anything away from me, but indeed adding to my life, adding to my joy and happiness, giving me the strength and rejuvenation I need for the rest of the week.

It is an opportunity to enjoy the time with amber, who will be leaving for college in a few short years, and to savor our connection, even if it's just watching a tv show together.

 It is an opportunity to have gratitude for being self employed, the ability to set my own schedule, decide which office to work out of, and when I want to work on my business not just at my business.

 And it is an opportunity to be grateful for my meditation practice, which was hugely important as I moved through sorrow and grief, and now has the ability to slow down time for me, help me relax and breathe into the moment, and that five minutes by myself can be as refreshing as five hours.

I am reminded of the quote, "There is plenty of time, and every moment counts" as well as my own affirmation that I have plenty to do, and all the time in the world to do it. I am grateful for my ability to prioritize and to be more flexible.

Blessed be.

Come, Be Plain With Me

I complain about this
I complain about that
Weeds in the garden
Hair from the cat

Being really busy
Always on the go
Too many clients
As well as the no shows

I'm looking for attention
Needing validation
Trying to vent
All my frustration

Sometimes I know
I'm just Exaggerating
Sometimes it feels
Just Complicating

Complaining serves no purpose
As far as I can see
I'd rather speak my truth
Kind and gently

Rather than complaining,
I would like it to be
Changing the words to
Come, be plain with me

Let me be plain
Transparent with you
Honor your truth
Let us see this through

Being authentic
Acting compassionately
Actively listening
Come, be plain with me

Come, be plain with me...
Blessed be.

Thoughts on Complaining

What makes me susceptible to complaining?

Other people complaining and my need to validate their experience leads me to find all the negative tidbits that I have been secretely saving for a bitch session.

What do I really want when I complain?
I really want validation, I want to vent, to release steam like a volcano. I want attention, the tantrum that Carolina described.

What do I generally get in response to complaining?
I get advice I most likely won't take, suggestions that I have thought of myself but have somehow already rejected.

I complain about my mom's complaining.

I complain about Chips lateness without being grateful for the fact that he drives a couple of hours just to spend time with me. My complaining serves no purpose, changes nothing in his behavior, and it can only serve to move me into acceptance, that people have different senses of time, and that we are always synchronized when do connect, not on my agenda, not on his, but on our particular intention to share our lives together.

I complain about Ambers rejection out of fear and a need to assert myself as her parent, my insecurity of not being taken seriously or seen as her real parent as I didn't birth her.

I complain about the house because I feel overwhelmed. What I really want is help. What I need is the acceptance that there will always be something to do, the moment the laundry is done the next load is being made, to enjoy my garden rather than noticing the weeds.

I complain about my website clients because I feel stressed out and unappreciated, I complain about the hours worked but it is my fault for not billing like a lawyer, each email, each conversation.

I complain about not getting paid yet I continue to work with unreliable clients, somehow thinking it's better than nothing.

I want to changemy complaining to:
Come, be plain with me...

What allows me to feel more gratitude

I am more open to gratitude when I appreciate myself, rather than looking to others to feel validated or secure. I notice appreciating the hot water in the shower, the modern miracle of plumbing, the way the conditioner leaves my hair feeling like silk, the chance to shed the past as it swirls down the drain.

Taking the time each morning to do the simple act of pulling a tarot card, centering myself for a few minutes or an hour, depending on the demands of the day, leaves me feeling in a state of grace that gives me the strength and patience needed to drive in traffic, be kind to a client, negotiate with a teenager.

Reiki has certainly helped stay in a humbled state of deep gratitude, whether praying over my food or touching the feet of my client. In my sessions I go down on my knees, sending the energy through their body, but I visualize I am washing their feet with my hair, anointed them with holy oils, removing the thorns and nails, kissing the wounds until they are healed. Every one of my clients comes to me as a teacher, and in the silent moments I reflect upon the lesson be brought to me today, and I am always surprised when they hand me a check at the end of the session. No, I want to say, I should be paying you...

Learning how to take compliments gracefully, to say thank you genuinely, to send get well cards or simply hold someone in my thoughts, visualizing an infinity loop of energy connecting our hearts, keeps me open to gratitude.

A friend of mine posts her gratitude journal on facebook. This keeps me open, allows me to pause and reflect, to leave inhere comment box my own awareness of personal blessings, of choosing to look at life as positive. It is an antidote to all the postings about illness and war, outrage and despair that cycle across my screen.

Blessed be,

Adventures in Maui 3: West Side

Our west side adventures in Maui started out pretty slow for me. After the long drive the day before from Hana, both my hands had broken out into hives from the medication I am on, which makes my skin ultra photo sensitive. While Chip went snorkeling, I hung out at the Lokelani condo, finished reading my second novel, checking out The Ultimate Maui and playing on the computer.

Thursday we cruised into Lahaina town, which reminded me much of Key West. Bustling, full of color and life, a magnificent Banyan Tree making up a wondrous playground and welcomed shade by the yacht harbor. We went whale watching, seeing close to a dozen whales, distant flumes of water and the occasional tail. Afterwards we stopped at The Cool Cat for salads, meandering down Front Street afterwards to peruse the art galleries before going home to make spinach cheese raviolis in a pesto sauce.

The next day was my one of only my swims in the ocean, as our private beach was still in the shade early in the morning. Donning on Chips UV protecting shirt and goggles, I attempted underwater photography but it was much to murky. While he went oft snorkel more distant and clearer reefs, I bobbed up and down on a friendly sandbar, avoiding sea urchins while trying to capture good photos of waves.

Later we drove up to Kapalu and hiked the oceanic trail. First we encountered the Dragons Teeth, fierce juts of lava that threatened to swallow the ocean. Much to my surprise, I also found a labyrinth had been created on one of the clearings. While Chip took photos of the landscape, I did a walking meditation, another incredibly sacred and awe-inspiring time on this trip. We hiked further along the coast line, but feeling overly hot and weary I sat by the tide pools while Chip continued further on. I saw sea turtle come to the ocean surface several times, more gratifying than the whale watching, and took furtive pics of a fisherman who just delighted me for no particular reason. At sunset we stopped at The Sea House in Napili, chomping on yummy salads before going home to cook a more thorough dinner and sing karaoke to our favorite songs on Google Music, repeatedly coming back to Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Saturday, Chip went zip lining without me, which I had tried here in Santa Cruz and found that the suspension bridges to be simply terrifying. Mostly I just hung out, doing major power lounging and tons of pure nothing, feeling incredibly decadent and fully on vacation. We were invited to a New Years Eve party in another unit, so bottle of wine in hand we went to meet the neighbors and eat luscious pupus. Mostly a tribe from Alaska, our hosts were gracious and kind, jamming in just a ton of people into their condo,  really living the aloha spirit.

New Years Day we said goodbye to The Lokelani and moved down to Kaanapli Beach to stay a couple of nights at The Whaler, a huge resort complex in the middle of several other resorts. What a contrast from Hana! While we had a ocean view, the sound of the outside fountain, filters, and pool literally drowned out the surf, and the muggy temperature forced us to use the air conditioning rather than leaving the doors to the lanai open as we had done thus far.

We ate our complimentary pineapple with relish, then drove back to Kapalua to hike the second half of the trail. Moving off the beaten path we discovered wonderful tide pools, full of anemone and urchins, tiny fish and lots of crabs.

Once again we found ourselves hanging out at The Sea House, this time with a wondrous seared ahi salad. After lunch we sat and watched the paddle boarders, wandering the Napali beach and getting quite soaked by the waves. Later, back in Kapali, we cruised the different hotels trying to find some decent live music, ending up at The Tiki bar listening to a slack key guitar version of the twelve days of Christmas.

Monday we set off for central Maui to hike the Haleakala crater. A series of switchbacks took us up 10,000 feet, past the clouds and droves of bicyclist tours who had started earlier in the day at the base of the national park. The temperature dropped steadily, going from balmy 80 degrees to a very crisp 57. The views were amazing, the terrain quite the desert, looking like what I imagine Mars must be like, deep ferrous reds along with black lava, only the occasional silver sword plant dotting the landscape. The folks at the visitor center were extremely kind, and driving back down we blessed to see Nene, the local goose. We ate an extremely late lunch at the Kula Lodge, where we has the best salads, one spinach and one organic greens, along with my first lavender martini, a welcomed treat after a long day exploring the volcano.

Tuesday was our last day. We packed up and headed to Kahului airport, where we met Alex, the friendliest porter who actually hailed from Florida. We hung out at Stinger Rays, drinking Blue Hawaii's and Pina Coladas, feasting on nachos with pulled pork, looking a photos on the computer and patiently waiting for our departure.

What a wonderful experience. My first time in Hawaii was exceptional, seeing both sides of the island really felt like two vacations rolled into one. The people were so nice everywhere, the weather exceptional even when raining, and I look forward to a time of returning to this place of paradise.

Yes, I loved Maui, now I return to my own paradise, Santa Cruz, and my cats who say "Meow-y"

Adventures in Maui 2: East Side

After flying in to Kahului, Maui airport around 3pm, we began the famous drive on the road to Hana. Twisty, turvy, often one lane, we crawled along at 15 miles per hour taking almost 3 hours to complete the sixty mile stretch. I tried to take pics of waterfalls as we went by, but soon got car sick and instead sat and breathed the humid air while feasting my eyes on the rich greens of the rain forest.

We arrived at our destination, Tutus house, a lovely cottage duplex that was to be home for the next five days. After unpacking we sauntered up to the old Hotel Hana, now called Traavasa, ate an incredibly delicious, expensive meal of steamed mahimahi with bok choy while making friends with the hotel cat, Mama.

The next day we set out looking for breakfast, ending up at the illustrious Uncle Bills, a shack like no other, filled with tacky decorations and served coffee in a penis mug (I kid you not) by the colorful queen of bacon fried in yesterday's drippings, Phyllis. One of the only places with Internet access, other customers chained smoked hand rolled cigarettes while we watched the local police arrive to question Phyllis about who knows what.

After checking emails and polishing off our coffee, we walked down to Hana Bay and hiked out along the point, discovering a placard to Queen Wainapanapa who had been brutally murdered by her husband. So much for aloha. Afterwards we stocked up on supplies at the Hasegawa General Store, got stamps at the post office, then had the most amazing meal at Braddah Hutts, a sumptuous shrimp pasta easily big enough for two, served and cooked outdoors under a few tarps. This was a super friendly place, soon to become one of our favorites.

On Thursday we went Power Hang Gliding with Armin Engert, an outstanding experience not to be missed. After a brief lesson, I pulled on my flight suit, climbed aboard, said some prayers and we launched into the sky. Armin took me out across the water, showing me how to control the glider, but after awhile I was quite content to hand back the controls as we zoomed along the coast line, up into the mountains to see amazing waterfalls, and even further until we were flying in a cloud. Armin was an excellent host and instructor, clearly someone who loved his work, his enthusiasm was quite contagious.

Later we drove up to the Nahiku marketplace for tea, fish tacos and coconut candy, continuing on to  Wainapanapa Park, also known as black sand beach. We watched eager teenagers climb the cliffs and jump into the waters, found the blow hole, and hiked down to where their are sea caves.  We went into a Lava Tube that was under the earth and walked for about half a mile through this huge cave/tunnel that was completely pitch dark and drippy wet. It was a self guided tour, they just hand you flash lights, and you follow this railing with little info placards on it every dozen feet or so. It was super cool and trippy, the ceiling high enough (like the living room) that I didn't feel claustrophobic. When we got to the end, before we turned around, we turned off our flashlights. It was beyond dark! Couldn't tell if my eyes were open or closed, really super creepy.  It was chock full of stalactites and stalagmites and an underground bacteria that looked like gold glitter everywhere.

Outside of the lava tube was a maze made out of Ti, a local red plant, but as we wound our way through there were tons and tons of spider webs crossing our path. We used our flashlights to combat them, but after a few minutes of wandering around and feeling lost, we went back to the beginning to get out of spider hell.

Speaking of bacteria, just before leaving i got diagnosed with Lyme disease. Unfortunately I am on heavy duty antibiotics and cannot go into the sun, a huge bummer on this trip, so everyday have dressed in long sleeves and a floppy hat, forsaking any romping in the bay. Despite slathering myself with sunscreen, my hands have broken out in hives, and consistent headaches have plagued me this trip, as well as morning nausea. I look forward to returning in a time when I can play more.

Saturday, Christmas eve, we hiked the Oheo gorge along the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of waterfalls in Haleakala. It would start raining every twenty minutes or so, and the trail was muddy beyond belief. I was only wearing sandals, so the mud was squishishing between my toes, making it super slick and I almost fell on my ass more than once. Luckily Chip had brought hiking sticks, so I could move slowly along like some old lady. We took the secret forbidden path to the Infinity Pool, but didn't go swimming as there was warnings of some bacteria in the water that causes meningitis and I already have bacteria a plenty from ye olde tick bite. It was extremely beautiful, but you know me, I hate the rain and was quite relieved to turn back to the car. I saw more waterfalls today than maybe in my entire life. While my partner puttered around playing professional photographer, I found a comfortable rock to sit upon and meditate. I cast a circle and found myself infused with memories of songs. I found myself singing and singing, watching the aura of trees and feling deeply connected to the earth, the sky, the waters. I prayed to walk a healers path and for my own healing to be complete, healing my mind, healing my body. There are no words for what I felt in those long moments, yet I know them to be a resource I will draw upon for the rest of my life.

Christmas day was a transition time, and we left our pleasant cottage to move into the yurt at Luana Spa, which was truly awesome. Cozy, comfy, with spectacular views, an outside shower, and just the yummiest feeling, I felt deeply blessed to move into this hummy moon suite. After unpacking we hiked down to Red Sand Beach at Kaihalulu, where the waves were quite fierce and the ocean the most incredible shade of clear turquoise blue.

The first night, I went to go to use the outside bathroom and Chip followed me to brush his teeth. We heard a click and realized we had locked ourselves out! No door key, no car key, no cell phone, Chip in a bathrobe, the rain just starting...

First we tried to take the hinges off the door, but to no avail. We walked around trying to find a pay phone that worked, ending up at the beach, and finally able to call 911 who were no help whatsoever. We didn't know the owners name so couldn't call them either. All of this was on Christmas day, well, Christmas night by now.

We walked back to the yurt and realized that the keys were hanging right by the door. We found a plastic stool to stand on and could unhook the top plastic hooks that attach the yurt wall to it's ceiling tarp. The wall literally fell away, revealing the keys! Yay!

Then, the next day we had scheduled a private massage lesson with the owner, whose name turned out to be Nancy Plenty. She set us up in the haolo, a grassy hut overlooking the ocean. First I lay down and she instructed Chip on basic Swedish massage. I turned over and asked for a tissue as I got all cloggy. The Kleenex box was empty, so Chip fetched the one from our bathroom. I pulled out a rather tattered tissue, then a second one, when this HUGE RAT jumped out of the box, onto my belly, and scampered off the table and into the bushes. both Chip and Nancy screamed but I just laughed. Rat medicine...
 
Cunning rat of silent creeping,
Friend of Ganesha, lord of might,
Guide me through mazes by your foresight,
For all good things are mine by right.

The next day was our last in Hana. After packing up our stuff into the convertible, we headed off to the Sacred temple and botanical gardens in Kahanu. Situated in the storied land of Honomā`ele, Kahanu Garden is the home to Pi`ilanihale, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest ancient place of worship (heiau) in Polynesia. This awe-inspiring cultural site is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Again I found myself singing, "Where I walk is holy
Holy is the ground,
Listen to the rhythm,
listen to the sound,
Great Spirit circle all around me..."

After a few hours we once again drove the famous Hana Highway, stopping for lunch in Piilani, the amount of people feeling overwhelming after the remoteness of Hana. We drove on to the west side of the isle to Kaanapali, where the second half our adventures awaited...

Aloha!

Adventures in Maui, part 1

Right now I am sitting on an airplane on my way to Hawaii. After three hours, my knees are beginning to ache, but I no longer feel nauseous from this mornings dose of antibiotics to combat Lyme disease. I hear a baby crying, but the one next to me has been almost as adorable as my cat. There is the smell of corn nuts, making me feel peckish, but all in all I feel content in the moment, looking forward to this vacation.

One of the joys of being self employed is choosing my own hours, but actual vacations are rare. Last year I went to Sweden for ten days with my mom to pick up her new Volvo. This year I have gone to San Diego twice for long weekends, once for my partner's high school reunion and once right after his mother died. I'm not overly fond of flying, and need to remember to take ibuprofen before we get on our departing flight home. I did stock up on airborne and drank it's fizzy goodness after lunch.

I am looking forward to doing lots of nothing, and really have no expectations, besides for enjoying this time with Chip. I'm excited to do something new and appreciate him taking me out of my comfort zone. I miss my daughter and the cats already, sending them little infinity loops of love in prayer, and my mind still drifts to work. I need to set my vacation responder on my emails when I have Internet service again, and I feel a great relief to be away from my everyday responsibilities, from cleaning the house and pruning the yard to meeting clients and grading homework.

Maybe I'll spend some time cleaning up my facebook account, but mostly I want to really relax. Lyme disease aside, I have felt exhausted for months, generating the income to go on this trip, and I certainly have a deep satisfaction to having paid my property taxes and my bills without completely depleting my bank account.

I hope to work on my tarot project. I brought templates and colored pencils, as well as a new deck to play with, The Joie de Vivre tarot, the name seems apropos. I won't be able to go into the sun much as a result of the medication, so this project will literally be made in the shade.

We are experiencing some turbulence and I think about the recent episodes of Lost we have been watching. We filled out agricultural forms to be entered into a drawing - how very American, do your duty and maybe win a prize  - and now are waiting to be served complimentary Mai tais, a drink I've never had before. Already it's an adventure.

Aloha!

In the moment

Actually, it is 7:30 am at the St. Columba retreat house, I am sitting feeling grateful for hot coffee, my shoulders cramped and sore after a poor night's sleep in the freezing cold dorm room, where only after piling on even more blankets into the bunk bed did I find myself in grateful slumber.

I dreamt that I was an antiques fair, and people were taking off in these para-sail like buses. One guy was bummed because his bus had gotten graffittied on overnight. I showed him that the graffiti was just stickers and could peel right off. Then something about going swimming with Lisa and Henry, but that seems vague now.

Chip forgot his shaver and forgot both my jacket and to bring a bra. I guess I'm really on vacation now. There are good smells of breakfast in the room, quiet, hushed whispers of " good morning", our need for politeness and connection overcoming the request for silence. I remember this from before, the quiet thank you's, and how I loved these human lapses.

I am looking forward to going on a walk, working the chinks out of my bones, and already feel the time slipping away, as my monkey mind clamors to read my book, make some drawings, write a hundred love letters today. After looking at the quotes from last night's workshop, I remember to take it slow, to enjoy each micro moment for exactly what it is. I also realize how much I look forward to going to Hawaii for two weeks, the time period seems extremely luxurious, to indulge in nothingness and be a part of the flow. I will remember to take less things to do with me to the islands, but maybe I will remember to take a bra or two...

Are the stars too distant, pick up the pebble that lies at thy feet, and from it learn the all. -Margaret Fuller

Blessed be,