On the Road Again......... It's Saturday 10/13 and I'm on route 40 heading west.  Next stop:
Memphis, Tennessee.  I'm intending to drive 9 hours today to arrive in Memphis before dark.... this is today's aim.

Stopped for gas along the way 
noticed a sign that read Oakdale.  
Thinking of You Nuncia!!!

Just observed a high flying confederate flag along the highway which reminds me that when I was visiting a South Carolina thrift store a week or two ago, I was asked by the cashier where I was from.  When I responded, "Connecticut," she responded, "Oh, your a Yankee!" and then I said, "Yes, I guess I am."  I never really think about Yankee or Confederate. When I hear the word Yankee, the NY baseball team pops up in my mind.  As I travel from North to South, East to West, I am fully aware that this is an opportunity to plant energetic seeds of unified field building between seeming opposites...and so I AM.

WOOHOO!!!!! Tennessee's doorstep (highway state sign) welcomes me!
 Arrived at my destination as intended!  

I have just checked in at Pilgrim House Hostel in midtown Memphis.

 Thank you Gabriele for telling me about this hostel you noticed online.  It's a wonderful hostel! Pilgrim House is a ministry of hospitality and simple living at First Congregational Church, providing an affordable, comfortable, safe, communal space for visitors to Memphis.  They practice recycling, conservation of resources, hospitality, shared daily chores, and a serious commitment to a peaceful, welcoming, and grateful atmosphere.  Pilgrim House shares space with about a community center, has two labyrinths (inside and out) as well as a Global Goods Fair Trade Store.
Upon arrival, you receive a tour, sheets and assigned dorm room.  Check out this fun pillow case I was handed!

For those of you reading this who may not be familiar with hostels, unlike staying at a motel or hotel, hostels are community settings affording the opportunity to meet travelers from all around the world.
 Staying at hostels has the feeling of home and a great way to swap traveling stories and pick up travel tips. For instance, here's one from my roommate Charlie from England (who has traveled extensively and currently enjoying a 2 month visit to various cities in the US)   "Eat when your hungry, sleep when your tired, move on when your bored."  Several other travelers I have met consistently say, "do not rush.... take your time" and my response is, Absolutely! I agree.
Here's the pilgrim house website if you care to take a peek:  www.pilgrimhouse.org

 

During my 2 night stay at Pilgrim House, I was the only grey haired woman (aka the Grey Wise Owl) around. Hostels tend to attract a younger crowd.  Since I have a much younger energy than my documented authenticated age, I feel as tho I fit right in. This beautiful grey hair of mine and the 58 years of wisdom I carry does come in handy by the way.

One night I met Adam. Following a typical introduction, I found myself providing relationship counsel.  Adam has recently lost his first love and my heart goes out to him for I too remember experiencing that pain of love and loss like it was just yesterday.  Adam, you are a beautiful, handsome, caring soul and  I pray that you shall embrace healing strength and encouragement  through the stories and perspective that I offered during our candid visit together. It was a pleasure visiting with you, and thank you for having the trust in me  to give voice to that which is deeply stirring in your heart.  Hang in there brother and remember to go out and explore the things you love to do so that you will draw more resonant people to you!

Following my visit with Adam, I decided to go out for dinner.  There are several great eateries within walking distance, so I decided to head out for a walk to see what I would find. I found a great vegan cafe - a family business - mom was cooking, dad waiting tables, daughter on computer and toddler hither and yon.  Intrigued by the cafe's decor, I took a bunch of photos while waiting for my take out order.

10/12/12 - This morning I depart South Carolina and head for Memphis, Tennessee. Gabriele, thank you SO much for helping me to lighten my load yet again to make a cozy sleeping station in my backseat...what a difference it makes!  A valuable traveling option!

 Gabriele, what an awesome extended visit we had!  Imagine, I didn't even know you before I set out on this journey!  Spirit plunked us in front of one another and WALA!  The magic of connection happened!

Gabriele & Pat

I AM so grateful for our soul strengthening, creatively prospering, joyously abounding visit! We have planted and shared many awesome thought seeds my friends!  Love these photos of you!

 

                           

Your love for one another is abundantly sweet 

and such a blessing to behold!

The words on my shirt pictured say

 (Namaste - prounounced Namastay) 

A Hindu word meaning:

the spark of God in Me meets the spark of God in You

 

And now to quote Gabriele's wit 
upon my parting from South Carolina:

Namaste..... NamasGO!

10/11/12 - Today was closet day.  Gabriele cleared her closet, making more space to create a needed office area.  I came out of the closet in pursuit of promoting my creative gifts on the road. The purpose of my traveling is not only for the adventure and experience, but for sharing the journey and fulfilling my spirit earth walk.  As I travel, I am collecting and spreading seeds of love and change, connection and collaboration, being inspired and inspiring others, Honoring and Celebrating the Awakening New Earth.

In the spirit of celebrating our coming out, thank you Gabriele for treating me to that fabulous lunch at Hibachi Grille Supreme Buffet.   Loved that mermaid happy meal as I call it - fish, shrimp, oysters, seaweed salad and more.... YUM!

Back at the ranch...... I have one more day remaining to finish sorting through my belongings and repacking my car.  It felt wonderful letting go of all the shells I trekked from Connecticut, thinking when I started out on this journey that they were essential to have with me, and now realizing that they are not.  As much as I loved them, holding onto them is loading down my car.  The focus now is lightening up my home on wheels. To my delight, the local Montessori School have gratefully received them.

A Big Thank You goes out to my son for adding my travel blog address to my Facebook page and to Uma for helping me resolve computer learning challenges.

10/10/12 -  Warmer temperature today - gratefully received. This day began with a walk across the street into Paris Mt. State Park with Gabriele and Uma.

 

 I'm a meanderer more than a hop-to-it-hiker (thus far).  so this 1- 1/2 hour walk was my limit today.  Greeting 'resting rock', tower, and waterfall were the highlights. Ahh.... the leaves are just beginning to turn.

For some reason, my upper tummy ached most of the way.  A heating pad and cat nap seems to have restored me to a happy body, following a cup of soothing peppermint tea and lunch.

Afternoon time was spent with Gabriele  minimizing clothes, trying on clothes, and making piles for give away.  To my delight, I also embraced a couple lovely new outfits to add to my minimal array.)

All of a sudden it's night time.  Nourished the body with some homemade Miso Soup, Rainbow Salad, and Hummus on Toast for dinner.

Exploring Couch Surfing on the internet tonight.  CS is a national/international community of traveling enthusiasts who support one another by hosting and surfing fellow travelers.  I might explore it along the way.

The clock reads wee early next day hours and I am ready to bid y'all goodnight!

10/9/12 - A quiet afternoon in Greenville.  Warm drinks, nurturing food, foot massaging, discussions about Hawaii, the Power of Blessing, and the Great Grandmother Gathering.  

Austin Ann ~ I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with you and Gabriele.  I would say that we sealed our visit with the Power of  Unconditional Love. 

  

"I Love You Just the Way You Are"!

Thank you dear sisters ~ for supporting my journey through purchasing my Prayer Bundles!

Evening time gave way to connecting with Eitra and Marya

- Joyful! Powerful! Supportive!-

10/8/12 - Back in Greenville at Gabriele and Pat's cozy and peaceful abode.  The other day my feet were literally itchy, which means it's time for me to wrap up my visit here and soon be on my way.  It's so harmonious in this sacred space that I could stay here for much longer, although I must honor this journey that I am on and keep on trusting the unknown that will lead me to more and more wonderful opportunities.

It seems now like a dream that I actually went swimming in Charleston yesterday when today in Greenville the temperature feels like Autumn.  My body is saying follow the warmth.

As I look around this bedroom I'm occupying, the floor is lined with my belongings which need to be weeded through again for the umpteenth time.  I want to re-evaluate what I have and lighten my load some more before the nomad me hits the road again.

Yes, I am a gypsy. 

 A free spirit trusting the unknown

 following my inner wisdom instinct 

step-by-step, breath-by-breath. 

 Tis my new chapter of life, my new rhythm.

Where to next? For how long?

A gypsy never knows

only flows...

10/7/12 - Briefly visiting Facebook, I discovered that Karen Brittle (formerly Pfeil) lives in Charleston.  Karen was on staff with me at the High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center in Connecticut a couple years ago. What a cool thing if we could get together while I'm visiting the area this weekend.
Karen and I have hooked up.  Yippee! This morning she picked me up and we're headed to Johns Island where she lives and works, only about a 15 minute drive from Charleston.

What a wonderful afternoon we had!  Here are some pics:

Tour of (CATR) Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding where Karen teaches. Lovely land ~ Sweet horses! 

 

Visiting Angel Oak - majestic live oak (Quercus Virginiana), native tree species found throughout the Lowcountry, estimated to be 300-400 years old. Massive draping limbs and wide spreading canopy. This amazing tree is  65' tall and a circumference of 25.5'.  Area of shade 17,000 sq. ft.  Largest limb circumference of 11.5 feet and 89 feet long! WOWZA!

 

Sweetgrass baskets. Watching an artisan weave at Angel Oak, I asked  if I could take her photo.  She said yes to photographing her hands. The grasses to make these baskets come from local marshes.

                                                           The smell of sweetgrass is divine!

Sweetgrass basket sewing is viewed as a gift from God.  The coiled sweetgrass basket is a historically significant example of African cultural heritage handed down from generation to generation, usually learned from childhood.  One of the oldest African crafts in America and appeared in South Carolina during the late 17th century.  In 1997, a historical marker was erected to commemorate the legacy and history of sweetgrass baskets and their makers.The State of South Carolina named Sweetgrass Baskets the official state handcraft in 2006. 

Always wanted to see Spanish Moss up close and thanks to Johns Island it was everywhere! Legend says that it was given its name because the moss hangs like beards and does not harm the trees.  Karen, thanks so much for listening to my ooing and aahhing and constantly stopping to take photos!
 

Yummy lunch on the deck at the Folly Beach Crab Shack.  Fried green tomatoes (delicious ~ I'm definitely a fan!) and grilled seafood platter with wonderful musical accompaniment.

Dialogue between Karen and I at Folly Beach - did you wear your bathing suit? No.
Even though I didn't wear my suit I'll go in just the way I am if its warm enough. WOW! It's perfect temperature! We can't go in together because we have our purses and won't leave them on the beach unattended.  We could walk all the way to the car to unload them and come back.  Then again, we can take a quick dip here and now one at a time. OK, let's do it.................Sure glad we did!

Karen, it was a grand day!  Thank you so much for picking me up, dropping me off and driving us around!  It was a great day of  fun, relaxation and exploration!