The essence of California was captured in the green. The most beautiful hearts, and heads of lettuce I've ever seen! Everything was local, everything felt cleaner.
But by the time the Winter came I felt the need to switch the scene. I truly harvested myself, cultivating the forest floor of my soul. Cleansing the karmic root amongst the wise Redwoods. Connecting with the ones who were connected, realizing we are all connected As One.
California showed me the true community. People living with people and not televisions. Group homes. Families. Farms and real food. It is a real way of life. We are able to live as a unit. As a Hive. I watched the bees and the the beekeeper work symbiotically in San Diego . The beekeeper said 'The bees are a meditation in life. It is best to be approached with tenderness and gentility." These were the lessons. They kept coming in Santa Cruz. The Forest taught me the way of the Gentle Wo/Man. The Peaceful Warrior/ess. The Tenderness. The tender of the Fire. I am the one who Nurtures and is Nurtured. We are all connected in root. Do it for your family as you would do it for yourself. The Earth is our home. We feed each other. Share! Trust it is all provided.
It is a good thing that the essence of California was Trust, because trust can really be put to test on the small, remote island of Maui, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean where one is closer the Japan than the place she once knew as Home. My wild, young heart is untamed, happy and eternally free! My adventures in San Diego, Santa Cruz, Humbolt and Carmel prepared my heart and head for Maui. For this, I am grateful.
San Diego was such a magical trip! My first time in California. I was greeting by my Qi Family and stayed with my new soul-twin Anne, who lived with Bee Keepers and fighters of Food Justice. Anne fed me rooster that she cleaned and plucked and cooked. We passed our Level One Qi Gong Certification together. I sold hoops and taught hoops and did all kinds of Qi Gong and went to Dance Church and fell all kinds of in love with life in ways I never knew possible! Off to Santa Cruz to facilitate healing at Hoop Camp. I'll miss you SD!
Hoop Camp at Pema Osa Ling Buddhist Retreat Center was phenomenal. I set up my massage table in a circle of Redwood trees. When my clients laid down to look up, they saw this amazing tree canopy with sunlight streaming through. The healing begun before my hands even touched them. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Truly. After Hoop Camp I stayed with my soul sister, Taylor, for a bit which was super-sweet. She helped me while I was transitioning into the cold, wet weather in California and made sure I was provided for. Much gratitude! I left Santa Cruz to check out Humbolt and spend some time in the Giant Redwoods. I am sooooo glad I did...
I was humbled in Giant Trees of Humbolt. I honored them, each of them. I danced amongst the trunks and blossomed. A budding occured. A buddha I became. Each one of you, the same. Unfold. Behold.
I spent Halloween and my Birthday alone in the middle of the Redwoods in silence. I listened to the wolves howl and slept in the trunk of a tree. I meditated on the rock until the day turned to nights. Until birds songs turned to cricket chirps and the air became cool and crisp. This time was special to me, and I connected with a Life Force from the Roots that I had not yet felt. I wasn't sure what to do after that. Then Renee called. "I have folks in San Jose who want massage from you and I would love for you to stay with me," she says. Off to San Jose!
I arrived in San Jose to Renee's house feeling like kind of a gross hippie, actually. I needed a shower and to wash my clothes. She took me right in and made sure i got clean and fed and was amazed at how I transformed after a little self-care. I stayed with Renee and went to San Jose hoop jams, saw massage clients in her living room every week, and made art and wrote poetry while she worked on her art and words, as well. We danced in the back yard and had tea and tokes in front of her fire place. It was so simple. I was so happy. I love you, Renee! I had been spending a lot of time in Santa Cruz while in San Jose so I decided to rent a room there. I love and miss you, Renee!
I found a perfect room in the perfect spot in the middle of the redwoods in Aptos, which was just two miles from Santa Cruz. I lived with Aly Love and the Kitty Sunshine and life was beautiful as we cooked and chatted. I spent time with my beautiful friend Forest in the woods and by the fire. Forest and I found a familiar friendship that is so special to me! Aly worked out of the house so I made art and lit incense and wandered around in the trees, letting them speak to my heart. I cleansed and cleaned the corners of my soul. For one month I lived there, having a beautiful home amongst the wise woods. It was hard to leave that spot. Maui, however, is calling strong...
I spent Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz with my Family from Florida in Flow and Gratitude. I was cozy with my Tribe from the East as we gathered on the West with new souls and filled bowls and seconds and desert. Turkey with Taylor, Matthias, Corrine and Kyer. Purrr-fection!
I ventured back to San Diego for a while to practice and study The Bronnikov Method, which led me to understand that I am creating my reality, I have control of my body and brain, and I am the One that I have waited for. Big downloads! Back to Santa Cruz.
I spent Christmas in Santa Cruz with new Tribe. I found the Presence in the Stillness on the Eve of the Birth of the New Son. Christmas came full circle at Deer Heart's lovely abode in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Only in California can one go to a gathering that celebrates (well organized, mind you) each religious story of the Season with song and celebration, acknowledging the power of the ritual with practice and intention (and a yummy raw/vegan dinner)! We celebrated Christmas time with Christianity, Hanukah and Solstice. I absorbed the Vibration of each master and devotee. I honored each theory in Reverence and paid extra homage to the Christ, as it was the Way in which I came into this World. I was put here on Purpose, and it has been acknowledged. It was a beautiful Celebration indeed. My vegan mashed potatoes changed peoples lives. And that...was my Christmas wish. I experienced my first Christmas away from blood family AND with a burst ear drum. In the middle of the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded by a family that loves everyone all the time, no fear was in my heart. Only a deep admiration of the Spirit, the soul circle gathered around me, and my peace of mind. The silence from my burst eardrum was a blessing, as I listened to Spirit whisper the most important message of all: Step forward. You are the light.
I rang in the New Year with Kit spinning Fire Rings, Bird of Prey spinning beats to inspire, some Hoola Monsters to stomp it in right, and danced and twirled the entire night! I danced and flew and sang and blew kisses, moving my body for Source like it's my job. Because it is.
I glowed in the dark with rings of rainbows. I rounded up some partners with my lasso of love and we acted as through the world was our stage, being our boldest selves in the song and slight silences in between. 01.01.2011. The Countdown was on! Happy YOU year!
On 1.11.11 I was to leave for Maui. I was already missing California but so very excited for my Maui adventure!
Pulling myself from the super-cushy love vibe of Santa Cruz was hard. I miss my girls in San Diego, too! I fell in love with the Redwood Giants and one day will be back in California. I will be in Santa Cruz for Hoop Camp for sure in September. Perhaps, just maybe, this is where I will choose to make home. This gypsy still has much to explore, but the West Coast is in the running for 'Home' when it comes time.
Five months in California was such good soul medicine. Do it if you can. For now, I revel in the womb of Mother Maui, where I am transforming and being reborn as we speak. Layers stripped. Skin shed. Feather's molted. A new being arises. Aloha Nui Loa to you all. Thank you for reading my words and wandering with my Spirit. Blessings!
