11/11/12 - Part 1 - According to the GPS it's 231 miles to Santa Fe.  Driving thru the Texas Panhandle my eyes are dropping tears of joy onto my face, realizing once again that my long awaited dream of traveling is being fulfilled.  My soul is content.  I wonder.... is this state of being I am experiencing NIRVANA?!

Thanks to my son, "Mister Music Man," I have a lot of wonderful music to listen to on my journey.  Thanks again babe for all the CDs, especially the series you labelled "A New Home: On the Road."  There's a particular song on Part II that I find myself listening to over and over again.  It's got a Native American tone to it and that's probably why I love it so.  I resonate deeply with the lyrics:

When I die 
let the wolves enjoy my bones
When I die let me go.

When I die 
you can push me out to sea
When I die set me free. 

Let the sharks come around to feed
When I die set me free

When I die 
let the flames devour me
When I die set me free

When I die
throw my ashes to the breeze
Let me Be
Let Me Be
Let Me Be

Daylight is waiting for You
Daylight is waiting for You
Daylight is waiting for You

This song is not one of doom for me, it is of kinship in my heart and soul with the reminder to live unconditionally and bless every moment gratefully.   One never knows when the beating breath will change.  This universal law of reality has always been important to me and like a close friend I keep ever mindful of it as it motivates and inspires the choices I make. 

This feeling is coming over me and to translate it as best I can into language:  I am experiencing a deep inner fulfillment as I travel like a nomad, trusting the unknown and remaining open to Divine Order/Divine Timing and the listening of Inner Spirit Guidance.  I am experiencing a body/mind/spirit sensation that when One is at Peace living their soul's path it is not angst of what lies ahead for there is such an expansive love, joy, open willingness and inner peace that prevails.  This deep contentment is new for me.

With three hours more to go on the highway toward New Mexico, gusts of 50 mph winds are all around me and I'm navigating the debris (flying brush) blowing from the fields onto the highway. It looks like Wizard of Oz weather here.  Contemplating what to do, I am thankful that I'm approaching a gas station exit.  I pull in to hear buzzing in the air from fellow travelers surprised and questioning what to do as I am.  The locals on the other hand are used to these sudden onsets and welcome us tourists to Texas weather.  Within 10 minutes the wind has died down and I'm back on the highway again. About 15 minutes later high winds return with pelting rain.  Yikes!  Do I pull over again or press on.  Taking a few moments to contemplate my next move, the wind suddenly decreases, rain stops and sunshine appears. Wow!  Believe it or not this happened one more time. What an illustration of constant change!  I'm following my instinct to pursue forward with the understanding that this is the nature of my drive - watchful and alert with the uncertainty of nature's elements.  Here are a couple pics:

 I've arrived in New Mexico.  Heeha!

 The winds are strong here too which you can see by the flags flapping in the wind.

Here's a pic of me surrendered to the wind in front of the Visitors Center

A little further down the highway, the skies are clear, the sun is shining, terrain is changing and I'm getting closer to my next visiting spot, Santa Fe.

  I've made it! Perhaps you can hear me WOOOOHOOOOing!!!!!!!!!!! I'm yelping at the top of my lungs! Ecstatic me is in the Southwest where I've long awaited to be. My spirit is at home here and now my body is here too. The open land, the red earth, and the adobe dwellings.  I am in love!
Through the years, I've had many bleed through memories from past lives as ancient nomadic people  in various parts of the Southwest and my longing to return is here and now.  Synchronicity footnote:
A local car flashing the license plate ALOHA just went by.  Affirmative -Yes, I am home!

Continuing with the drive, a surreal feeling washes over me.  I suppose dreams coming true can feel that way.  Yet I remind myself in bold letters.....BE HERE NOW! -and SO I AM!

In my ecstactic state, a tune I've never heard before plays on the radio:

  "She's Dancing in the Street"

 Even though I'm sitting in this driver's seat,

 I imagine myself dancing in the street
in Pure Joy!
Let us ALL break out

 and dance in the street

spontaneous and free

all over the Earth

What a sight that would be!

I've arrived in Santa Fe in perfect timing to check in at the downtown Santa Fe hostel where I'm spending the night.

 What wonderful artwork to be greeted by.

 The folks running this 30 yr. establishment are wonderful too. 

 I just LUV staying in hostels!

I've struck it rich!  There's a Trader Joe's AND a Whole Foods just 3 blocks away!  WOW! What a treat!  I'll eat like a Queen tonight!  I'm off to shop for dinner!  Entering Trader Joe's and standing by the sushi and wishing they had miso soup to go, I notice a woman shopping next to me and decide to ask her if she knows of a Japanese Restaurant nearby.  Following her response, "yes", a connection unfolds.  After learning that I'm driving across country and just arrived in town she asks, "do you like to meditate?" to which I respond, "yes."  Kim then hands me her business card with an added note, "I have a key to the oldest Buddhist Temple in town.  I will take you there." 

My heart is once again most humbled and awed by the workings of Spirit leading me from one glorious connection to the next. Thank you Kim for extending such a blessed invitation!  I will certainly be back in touch!  

The feeling of Being Touched by an Angel sweeps over me.  In retrospect, I realize there's nothing more to do at Trader Joe's for this connection with Kim was why I came in. Walking out of Trader Joe's, I am feeling so rich! As I'm about to get into my car, my consciousness follows my eyes directly across the street to find another synchronicity for my affirmative truth and enjoyment!

 I'm back in my car and driving one block to Whole Foods to purchase a Queenly dinner in quiet thanks remembering that song I love:  "Just Breathe".... In the eating and breathing, I am recognizing the breadth of how I have chosen to travel this souljourn I'm on.  It takes a lot of courage to trust the unknown of who I will meet and where I will sleep.  The Rainbow Connector in me believes all is well and that everything will happen in the highest accordance.  I practice constantly in yielding to that extent of faith and trust.  No wonder why I keep the one and only bible quote from my Catholic upbringing close to my heart: "Have the Faith of a Mustard Seed."

  

After checking in and settling into a room, I'm off again!  A week or so ago, I was on facebook and noticed a post that someone had added to my timeline about a Santa Fe event.  It took one quick glance for me to know that I wanted to be there and purchase an online ticket lickity-split! So, that's where I'm off to!

It's a full house event at the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple - an amazing building of  Spanish California Mission design style.  Entering this sacred structure honed home that I am here in the midst of the Santa Fe community.  Highly artistic and free-spirited collaborative energy inhabits this palace of a place.  A great rich feeling empowers me and I am elated to be part of this important collective evening!  Here's what's happening:  Sacred Sensuous Dance & Music - 40 of Santa Fe's exquisite dancers and musicians ages 12-76, Silent Auction, Items for Sale, hors d' oeuvres, and slide show of orphans of the world.  All proceeds benefiting orphaned children in Burma, Nepal and Tibetan refugee towns.

My immediacy in knowing at first sight that I must attend this event was triggered by my connnection to it.  In addition to being a lover of dance, my dream has always been to travel the world. Among the many places I envisioned contributing my time and caring heart to was orphanages, and Tibet especially has always been dear to my heart and a desired pilgrimage. 

The benefit was beyond amazing! 

Because of the lighting and my current non-professional camera and technical ability, 

here are the few best pics I can offer to give you a taste.

At one point I was so spellbound in watching

that I forgot I had a camera. 

The entire cast is shown in the last two pics.

 

As is the case with African dance performances, folks are invited on stage for the closing dance.

I'd like to say that I was on the stage, although where I was seated was not to my advantage for that.  Although...., I was dancing by my balcony seat to the African drumbeat!

 WHAT A NIGHT!

Returning to the hostel was smooth and easy. It appears that I'm growing accustomed to driving in unfamiliar territory at night. Before setting out on this journey  I was apprehensive about my night vision. I'm choosing to turn around that presupposed thought form in order to strengthen and practice that renewed ability.

Back at the ranch (hostel), it's after midnight.  A desire and what has become my daily routine to blog is beckoning me.  My commitment to write has taken a hold of me.  Sometimes I stay up into the wee hours to revisit and weed through my experiences and plethera of photographs in order to empty myself of accumulation and clear the way for the next day.

Someone in the hostel room a couple doors down is playing divine harmonic chants and I am swaying to the sweet vibrations.  Even though I blogged until 2:00 a.m. and have continued blogging since 8:00 a.m., I am not complete and my reward is the feeling of commitment, completion and accomplishment.

Lots of Time on the Vast Open Road yield Self-Reflection
        & Self-Honoring Acknowledgement
Woman, Mama, Sister, Aunt and Child in Me 
Earth Lover and Steward in Me

Romantic in Me

Ancient Wisdom in Me

Spiritual Alchemist in Me

Explorer/Adventurer/Gypsy in Me

Free Spirit Spontaneity & Wonder in Me
Infinite Potential & Power in Me

Prayer Messenger in Me

Queen & Medicine Woman in Me

Rainbow Connector in Me

Renya Rainbow Feather in Me

Ruby Bright Star in Me

Renyorah in Me

Trust & Faith in Me

Joy & Artist in Me

Dancer, Singer, Storyteller in Me

Teacher and Healer in Me

Breath, Fire, Water in Me

Master in Me

Openness and Willingness in Me

Whimsy in Me

Playful Spirit in Me

Fairy in Me

Mermaid in Me

Earth Angel in Me

Dance of Light and Shadow in Me

Laughter & Tears in Me

Will & Surrender in Me

Magic & Miracle in Me

Beauty & Bounty in Me

Awakening, Blossoming & Evolving in Me

Happy * Joyous * and Free in Me

Grace, Harmony, Wholeness and Peace in Me

ALL THIS & MORE I AM ……

Setting the tone
for my travels ahead ~

The path before me
is open and vast
expansive and enlivening
with infinite possibilities
and wonderful surprises
rising up to greet me!

11/9/12 - Tonight is my last evening in OklahomaFor the past 11 days while visiting/working with Betty in Norman, Oklahoma, I've been desiring an experience of the Oklahoma Tribal peoples before I depart this state.  Betty suggested I drive a couple extra hours on my way to Amarillo, Texas to visit the Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko - a city in Caddo County on the beautiful Plains of Western Oklahoma.  To my delight, Betty decided to come too; each of us driving our own cars. 

Both of our GPSs were confused about where the entrance was. A local man assisted us with directions and once there, we were greeted with locked doors.  It turns out that the museum was closed at the time we arrived because of a private photography session.  A short jaunt down the street Betty & I explored another possibility, the Anadarko Visitor's Center and the National Hall of Fame (Statuary Gardens) for Famous American Indians.

Betty and I were greeted by Dorothy Whitehorse, an American Indian volunteer.  While Betty and I stood in awe of the numerous bronze sculptures, (pics of 2 below) 

Dorothy shared that in the past this was a thriving Visitor's Center.  In current time it lacks the morale support to adequately sustain it. As Dorothy shared this story, I was inwardly reminded of the words given to me by the Spirit of Manataka in Hot Springs.  "Say what you see.  Do what you know." In this moment I understand even more their meaning as my heart throbs with compassionate co*creative power and presence of voice offering hope and upliftment.

All of a sudden I extend my hands and heart to Dorothy and say, " I am on a journey planting prayer seeds across America to bring forth rebirth and change for the Highest Good of All and I would like to join you in energizing your prayer for morale support of this valuable sacred Visitor's Center and the building of a Brush Arbor on the North side of the land as you envision"

I Love You in Kiowa means I hold you close to my Heart

Here is Grandma Dorothy Whitehorse and I after we held hands and planted our prayer seed in sacred kinship collaboration for the Highest Good of All.  Dorothy is a traditional storyteller from the Kiowa Five Tribe

This photo on the museum wall caught my eye

Dorothy and her niece in traditional buckskin and feathers

In the Statuary Gardens behind the museum, Betty & I photographed one another with wolf and bear bronze sculptures donated to the Hall of Fame by world-renowned sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington. 

This is where Betty & I waived one another onward with our hearts full of gratitude.

Feeling the desire to return to the Southern Plains Indian Museum down the street, I arrive to discover that it's closed once again - this time for a lunch break. Laughing with affirmation, I realize that I am complete in Oklahoma.  My prayer was answered and manifested through meeting Grandma Dorothy Whitehorse.  

 Photos of Oklahoma terrain

Driving along back roads of Western Oklahoma

 for over an hour before hooking up with the interstate, 

I came upon...

The Caddo Nation was previously known as the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma.  The tribal complex, dance grounds and the Caddo Heritage Museum are located south of Binger. 5757 people are enrolled in the tribe, with 3044 living within the state of Oklahoma.

^{Downtown Caddo}

Comments such as this one -from my son- deeply bless my journey. 


Early afternoon, I'm back on the road again.  My first thought I would listen to Western Music heading for Texas, although I find my choice is a CD of traditional Hawaiian music to honor all cultural ancestors and the peaceful spirit glowing in my heart from this beautiful day.  It is the Aloha Spirit that leads my way and guides my actions.  Sweetly I move onward.  -Marya Hawaiian Sister, thank you for this wonderful CD "Kealii" that you gifted me.

^{And from my son,}
Enjoy your morning museum visit and exploring the southwest   :)Safe travels. Cool Runnings.
Amen.Awoman.Asoul
Goodnight,  
Eitra
               Thanks Babe! Your warm wishes and words always bless each step that I take.

^{Four hours of westward driving and Oklahoma turned into Texas.}

  ^{Here are some pics of Amarillo, Texas terrain.}

  

^{ooooo... this red earth is getting me psyched for a long anticipated arrival in New Mexico.}

^{Expected Arrival - tomorrow afternoon!}

11/8/12 -  Today is bittersweet - my last day in Oklahoma.  I've been here 11 days.  As with all the previous places I've visited, I would love to stay longer, and yet there's an inner impulse that continues to move me forward. 

 So... my last day for wwoofing at Betty's.  Helping out with gardening and animals has been a blast!

This morning after the animal feeding routine, Betty, Nate and I headed down the road with three 5 gallon buckets to pick persimmons and we managed to fill all of them pretty close to the top. Nate was the tree climber, Betty and I were the ground pickers. What! I didn't bring my camera!

This afternoon Betty & I sifted 2 bins of worms...it's quite a process creating biodynamic compost!
All of a sudden, guess who helped herself through the doggy door into the house?  That was a first! However did she manage to get through that small entrance way.

 Daisy Mae... what are you doing in here?

 Let's see if she can get out the way she came in?

 mmm.... not sure

 Checking it out!

 looks like there's no other option

 so.... here she goes....

Back to munching on oak leaves

Every morning I've been feather foraging - accumulating an abundance of rooster, hen, and duck feathers for making my prayer bundles.  This was my best try at capturing with camera rooster's shiny green metallic feathers. 

Betty & I & Mojava on the berm house rooftop

HAPPY * JOYOUS * FREE
To quote song lyrics by an author I do not recall
I will ride
I will fly
Chase the Wind
Touch the Sky 

AND STRONG!

Before the sun sets, I'm in my car headed down the street to take photos of favorite spots.

Red clay and wood intrigues my artist eye

Water soothes my soul

Sky conjurs infinite possibilities

(I see two cloud beings nearly kissing)

I sure have enjoyed my stay in Oklahoma!

      Thank you Betty for many incredible memories, valuable learning and good ole' fun!

                I deeply desire to come back this way again for more work and play!!!

                         I hope Nate and Chelsea are still here wwoofing when I return!

Blog readers: Are you curious where I'm heading next?  Stay tuned!

11/7/12 -  Woke up feeling relieved from last night's Victory and reached for this sweatshirt of horses to wear today which reminds me of High Hopes.  The wonderful and amazing place where I worked for 10 years prior to my traveling adventures.  Today is definitely a High Hopes Day and I AM filled with High Hopes!

 

 I Celebrate Victory

not victory of sides

not victory of one over another

Victory for what shines from Obama's eyes

through his hands, feet, heart and mind

Victory for the Highest Good of All

for true caring and honest sharing

for All the Circle of Life!

I continue to hold this precious earth in my highest thoughts and actions, even while watching a shadow show like Criminal Minds which typically would not interest me in the slightest. Tonight my son is on TV "Criminal Minds" 9pm CBS.  It so happens that I have access to a TV so I'll be tuning in to support him and the dream he's pursuing - acting for film.    I'm so very proud of you babe!  I know that even in the darkest of places you are shining your light without judgment for that is who you are! YOU INSPIRE ME & I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!

After feeding the critters, today's wwoofing chores were cutting, clearing, burning more brush and cleaning the house.  As I was dragging heavy limbs to the fire, I began singing that old favorite song,

" I AM WOMAN"
Surely these lyrics are pertinent and current every day.  A perfect day for this song to rise up.  Thank you Helen Reddy (Queen of 70s Pop) for writing and recording this powerful song! In its hay day and even now this song carries a powerhouse message!

Here's mine and Betty's response to I AM WOMAN, I AM STRONG...

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

 

 You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

 

 I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

While Betty & I were doin' our strong woman thing, Daisy Mae was roaming freely munching on as many oak leaves as she could find.  All of a sudden, Betty alerted me to go get my camera because Daisy Mae had climbed up on the roof.  Here she is:

 

 

News Flash: Daisy Mae was bred the middle of October and due around March 19th.  Nubian goats typically birth 1-4 kids, but 2 is most common.  This is Daisy Mae's 3rd pregnancy, the other two times she birthed 2 kids (or twins). 

I would very much like to be here to assist apprehensive Betty with the birth!

Tis the end of another lovely day!