Miss Representation

Another great film to check out if you can!  

The Way

That old familiar feeling has returned.  Ideas put on the backburner are begging to be center stage again.  Rather than visions of sugarplums dancing through my head this holiday season, visions of travel and new cultural experiences are dancing through mine. 

South America is calling me.  Spain is calling me.  The Camino de Santiago is calling me.  Writing, painting.  My creative self is calling.

As these ideas began to stir again, I, of course, did some research and to my happy wonderment, found what appears to be a lovely movie about one of my soon to be adventures, the Camino de Santiago.  The Way, stars Martin Sheen and is written and directed by his son, Emilio Estevez.

Now, since I haven’t seen the movie yet due to its limited release, it seems a bit strange for me to provide the set up.  Rather, I have opted to share the trailer and a video interview from my hometown Minneapolis paper, the Star Tribune.  Both are worth checking out.

Even though I haven’t even SEEN the movie yet, I am having to resist the urge to rave about it anyhow! (HA!)  The love and care and thought put into this film is very evident in the reviews, the trailer, and the interview.  For me, the attraction is, of course the subject matter itself, but even more so, I felt moved by Estevez’s intent behind making this film.  In the Star Trib video, Estevez says this is a movie unlike other Hollywood movies being made because rather than focusing on the superficial, The Way’s message is simply, “I am ok in my own skin.”  And in a world, and specifically a society, that teaches people to be anything but, this humble and wonderful reminder is one that I can get behind and fully support.  Having seen the movie or not.

Click HERE to see the Star Tribune Interview


To see my follow-up post AFTER having seen The Way, Click Here

The Path

“The moment that he Begins to walk along it, the Warrior of the Light recognizes the Path. 

Each stone, each bend cries welcome to him.  He identifies with the mountains and the streams, he sees something of his own soul in the plants and the animals and birds of the field.”  ~ Paulo Coelho

Redwoods 2009

Every time I read this, I am struck by how incredibly beautiful these words are.  It is in moments such as these described by Coelho, that I feel such a deep gratitude for the complexity of nature, of ourselves, and the unexplainable connection that exists between us all.  That is all I will say, as I do not want to add any more analysis.  Words as beautiful as these resonate best when deeply felt, not over-thought.  Enjoy.

A Touch of Madness

“The Warrior knows that he is free to choose his desires, and he makes these decisions with courage, detachment, and – sometimes- with just a touch of madness.” ~ Paulo Coelho

So powerful, so true.  I absolutely love this quote, and remind myself of it often.  There have certainly been times in my life when I questioned my own sanity while decision-making.  Or at least I know others were seriously questioning what on earth I could possibly be thinking.  But those decisions always turned out for the best.  Releasing all fear, letting go of the outcome, and moving forward, even when your head says this is crazy.  This is something, although I am fairly practiced at, I need to do more often. 

Namesake

Inside & Out.  I did not choose the name at random.  I did not close my eyes, flip through a book and pick whatever phrase was written on the page before me. (Although that sounds like a fun way to name a blog.  Why not?)  I chose my blog’s name for several reasons.  Initially, I got the idea, as I get many ideas, while listening to some music.  On that particular evening, I was listening to Feist’s song, “Inside and Out”.  (Originally sang by the Bee Gees- just a little tidbit for you.)  I love Feist, love the song.  The moment I heard it, I knew it was perfect.

In addition to it being a great song, the name represented what I wanted my blog to focus on.  Everything I love inside me and outside of me.  I wanted it to incorporate both fun and seriousness.  Stories of my physical travels in the world, as well as my own inner journey.

Going even deeper, the phrase also encompasses so many cultures’ ancient philosophies, religions, teachings and Universal truths.  Inside and out coincides with Yin and Yang, the Alpha and the Omega, “as above, so below”, the Tree of Life, and so much more.  All of these underline that there are the seen and the unseen parts of ourselves and of the world.  It is mystery and it is certainty.  One cannot exist without the other.  And a balance of the two is where we all aspire to be. 

In my blog and in my life, this is what I want to explore in the world, the inner and the outer.  And this is what I want to encourage others to see as well.  Because one without the other just doesn’t make sense.  And it simply cannot be.  As the lyrics say, “I love you inside and out.  Backwards and forwards with my heart hanging out.”  That is exactly what I am doing with this blog thus far.  I am seriously letting my heart hang out.  And I am so pleased. 

Reminders of Me

Whenever I am feeling disconnected and far away from myself, all I need to do is play a song or pick up a book that inspires me.  At least that temporarily jolts me back to myself.  It fills me with a peace and knowing.  A spark of my own Spirit returns and reminds me of who I am.

I have many choices that I turn to when I am in need of inspiration, but there are a few go-to items that I always have handy.  Since I live with minimal possessions due to my constantly traveling job, I can only have perhaps 4 books with me at a time (which is tough, because I love my books!).  Currently I am so grateful to have with me, “Warrior of the Light: A Manual” by Paulo Coelho.  I always have a Coelho book near, and this particular one has been my closest travel companion for quite a while now.  Another book I refer to often is by, perhaps a less known author, but no less impactful, John O’Donohue, and his book, “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom”.  Incredible really.  Also usually in the mix is any book by Sanaya Roman (often co-authored with Duane Packer).   I have so much more to share about these books and authors, but I think I need to devote a post per book, as lumping them all together in one entry just wouldn’t do them proper justice.

A few of my favorites

My other must-have is music.  I absolutely cherish my music and need to have it handy at all times.  My iPod is my saving grace, for nearly any mood I am in.  I love my music so much, and I am so baffled by people who either do not have a musical opinion, or who simply listen to and are satisfied with whatever is played for them (i.e. commercial radio stations, and yes, I am mainly referring to POP).  I have an ever-rotating playlist, going in and out of phases of love with many artists, but I always seem to have a specific theme song during a certain time period.  Also another topic that deserves its own entry.  But for now, I’ll just conclude my music love by saying that sometimes all I need to do to feel like me again, is turn on a favorite song, listen closely to every word, feel the beat, harmony, and life of the song course through me.

What do you turn to when you need a boost?  What is your reminder of “you” when you are getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the everyday?  Whatever it is, find it, cherish it, and share it with others, if you so dare.

Cultivating Fun :)

What do you really want?  Isn’t that the question so many of us ask ourselves?  What do we want?   When I answer this question, I want days filled with happiness, love, and fulfillment.  I want to be healthy and balanced in every way; body, mind, and spirit.  Now, the question is, how do I acquire this?

I was recently given some advice on this matter from a very wise and intuitive individual.  I was told to do whatever sounded most fun to me.  Really??  Yes, really.  I was advised to be like a child again, to play, and allow myself to go wherever my heart wants me to go, and to be creative about it.  Doesn’t that sound blissful?  I am going to try this method, but I do imagine I will bump into a few challenges along the way.

sodahead.com

First and foremost, my challenge will be simply to overcome my own thinking.  The limitations I have placed upon myself.  The limitations my friends, my family, and society have placed upon me.  Upon all of us.  But they are only limitations of the mind, not of what is or what can be.  Limitless thinking is where I need to be, which in itself can be a bit intimidating.  But indulging in the idea of doing whatever makes me happy and brings me joy far outweighs my fear. 

So, from this point forward, my objective is to make my life decisions based upon what sounds most fun.  The options are endless; I just have to discover what they all are!  And I am talking about everything from small daily activities to big life-changing choices (career, living space, etc.), and everything in between.  Does anyone reading have any suggestions for me?? 

Here’s to cultivating more child-like fun in my life!

Labyrinth

A few years ago, I remember writing a list of things I’d like to do by 2012.  The list was made up of  items both large and small.  A few things I had hoped to do ranged from looking through a telescope at the night sky to learning Spanish.  Unfortunately, neither of those have been crossed off yet.  (I can learn Spanish in 3 months, right?)

Tonight, I feel accomplished, as I can cross one item off of my list.  Walking a labyrinth.  I walked my first labyrinth tonight under the light of a beautiful nearly full moon hung in a crisp, clear sky.  And the experience was amazing. 

Commonly mistaken for a maze, a labyrinth only has one path.  There are no dead-ends, no tricks, and no wrong ways as mazes have.  Rather, a labyrinth is a circular winding path with one entrance, and one path that leads you into the center, where you then must turn around and come back out the way you came in.  


Labyrinths are walked as a type of meditation, dating back to the times of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.  They serve as a spiritual symbol of our lives, among other things, filled with twists and turns, often heading us back in the same direction in from which we just came.   Sometimes, the path we are on is so close to the center you can touch it, only to encounter yet again another turn that takes you even further away from the center than you were before.  This is a gentle reminder that we cannot predict what is ahead, but as long as we continue on and stay true to the path that is laid before us,  we will eventualy reach our goal.   And perhaps most humbling, after the entire journey is done, we end up in the same place where we first began.  Well traveled, and perhaps a bit wiser.

Nurture

What a lovely word.  Nurture.  Who doesn’t want to be nurtured?  Just think of everything in life that we take the time to nurture.  All the things and people and places we love, hopefully, we nurture. 

Surprisingly, Merriam-Webster defines nurture as this:

1) to supply with nourishment

2) Educate

3) To further the development of

I say surprisingly, because for such a warm word, it has such a dry definition (sorry M-W).  To me Nurture is to want the best for someone or thing and to encourage growth through love.  It has a beautiful feminine, motherly quality to it, as it implies taking care of another in a way, or at least providing the resources needed to get to the state where the person or object can take care of itself.

yankodesign.com

There is so much you can Nurture.  You can nurture a plant, a person, an idea, your body, your spirit, or a physical place.  Nurture is taking loving care.  Nurture is wishing only goodness for someone or thing.  Nurture is what we hopefully all are doing for ourselves and for each other.  Nurturing the parts within us and those around us that need some love, encouragement, and growth.

Nurture.  What a beautiful word.

Bliss

My "group" painting

Oh finding bliss is so amazing, but figuring out how to maintain it & make it a daily occurrence is another story.  Two days ago I flew a few states over from my busy boat to a spiritual and wellness retreat.  This experience, only two days in, mind you, has served as concrete evidence that in order to maintain balance in my life, I need a healthy physical and spiritual practice present in my everyday.

I have been in bliss ever since I arrived here.  My first full day consisted of meditation in a gorgeous sanctuary, belly dancing (complete with jingly sarong wrapped around my hips and a crystal adornment on my 3rd eye), a lovely yoga class, browsing the library, puddle jumping (non-stop rain here!), a nap (yes a nap), and participated in a "group" painting.  Lucky for me, I was the only student, so the instructor and I were the  “group”, and we painted a painting together (see our picture to the right).  The experience was simply amazing.  In addition, I am eating delicious vegetarian meals, and am meeting beautiful people from all over.

Today, day two, I have decided to take it a bit easier.  Two yoga classes, a qigong class, and some quiet time writing in my journal (and surprise surprise, writing on my blog!), and I will be attending a tarot reading later tonight. 

Universe, how can I live this way everyday?  How can I cultivate this bliss I feel on a regular basis?  That is my challenge to fulfill.

Bird in a Cage

“There was a dream and one day I could see it, like a bird in a cage, 
I broke in and demanded that somebody free it," 

~ from the song “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” by The Avett Brothers. 

So many of us hold on desperately to our dreams without realizing that we are strangle-holding them.  Clutching onto what we hold most dear.  The best thing to do when you realize this is to release it, let it go.  Set it free.  Free to be whatever it may turn out to be.

Anyhow, I always get a rush of inspiration when I hear this song.  I hope you do too.  Enjoy.  

Silly Fish

"It is a silly fish that is caught twice with the same bait."  This is what my fortune cookie said today.  I had to laugh when I read it, because right about now I fear I may be a very silly fish.  

In-Between

 As much as I accept and welcome change, I never really love that in-between phase, the adjustment period.  Neither here nor there, the past still very fresh and important, and the future not quite formed yet.  At least I am at the point where the decision has been made, and action has been taken, as the decision-making can sometimes be the most difficult for me.  But I have made the change.  I am on a new boat, working for new owners, in a new location, with a new Captain and a new crew.  Although, as I said, I am neither here nor there. 

My old boat is just a memory, and my old crew, who were my family for over a year, are now just people I tell stories about.  Of course I am still in touch with them, but as far as my new crew are concerned, this old family of mine is irrelevant.  In addition, that “family” will never physically exist again.  Meaning, those same 10 people will never be physically together again.  It’s sad really. 

I do believe that we must first let go of what we have to make room for the new.  I have let go, and I have grasped onto the new.  Unsure of where this move will take me.  Unsure of whether I have made the “right” decision or not.  Although, one of my friends from what seems like a lifetime ago, (before I even entered the world of yachting), once told me that I don’t need to worry about making the “right” decision, because whatever decision I make, will BE the right one.  I will make it so.  I thought that was very wise, and I remind myself of that often, whenever I am faced with a crossroads (as I often am). 

But for now, I am in-between.  I am just in the beginning phases of befriending my new crew.  Working out the quirks, seeing if I fit in with them, and if they are a fit for me.  It all works out with time.  But patience never was a virtue of mine.   So in-between I remain.  In-between what exactly, I can’t really even tell you.   But I look forward to getting closer to wherever it is that I am going with every day.

Travel Day...

The day is almost over.  I am quite wiped out after a long day of flying and driving.  Currently, I am fighting off sleep, as I lay sprawled out on my hotel room bed, with my computer on my lap, and some delicious Thai curry in my belly.  Anxiously awaiting tomorrow, when I will meet up with my new crew, and see, for the first time, my new home and place of work.  In other words, I will get the first glimpse of my new world and my new life.


It's funny how some decisions I mull over and over, while others just simply happen with little to no effort. The decision to join this boat was the latter; it just simply happened.  And I feel good about it.  Whether this yacht  turns out to be a dream or a nightmare, or just somewhere in between, I know it is meant to be.  I know this opportunity  will produce an event, person, or lesson of significance for me, and I look forward to finding out just what that may be. 


Now, I simply must go to bed.  That decision took no effort at all.  'Night!

Gratitude: New Gig

Today I am grateful to have the opportunity to start working on a new boat.  Tomorrow morning I will be flying to meet my new boat and crew.  Although, luckily, I am already one step ahead, as I have already met the entire crew, since my good friend Tami is the chef on this particular yacht.  Actually that was one of the major deciding factors, the fact that I already knew the crew was cool and laid-back.  Another added bonus, is that the boat is in Lake Michigan, very close to home!  So, hooray for new adventures!  I am excited to see what comes of all of this, and rest assured, I will keep my blog up-to-date on what all goes down!  Thanks new Captain, new boat and crew!!  

La Luna

La Luna La Luna.  Majestic and strong.  You light the path before us when we cannot see what lies ahead.  Your strength controls the tides, the woman’s body, human emotions, intuition, imagination, our sleep, our dreams, and the memory of times before and beyond our own knowing.  Your mystery, beauty, and feminine strength have lasted for eons and will last forever more.  La Luna.

Gratitude: Peeps

Short and sweet.  I am grateful for my lovely friends.  Near and far.  International and local.  Thanks to Skype, Facebook, Gmail, and Blogger, we are able to easily keep in touch. :)  Love you all!  Cheers!

Gratitude: Starbucks, yes Starbucks

Ok, let me elaborate.  Specifically, I would like to thank Starbucks’ person in charge of selecting the music played in their stores.  Dear Miss, Mrs., or Mr. Corporate Music Selector, you are doing a truly splendid job.  Really.  Song after song, I am surprised and pleased by what I am hearing.  It’s almost like I am listening to my favorite radio station from home, 89.3 The Current.  And this does lead me to further explanation.  I have been spending a bit of time in Starbucks lately.  It’s true.  I confess.  The atmosphere is chill, the music rocks, and I can sit, uninterrupted, in a cushy leather armchair typing away on my computer for hours on end for the price of a hot tea.  Isn’t Starbucks grand?  Today, Starbucks, you are worthy of my deepest Gratitude!  Muchas Gracias!

Gratitude: Hermit-Time!

Today, I am grateful for quiet time.  Yes, quiet.  I am so used to living in an environment where I am constantly (as in truly 24-7), surrounded by other people.  In close-proximity.  The same people.  Chatting all day, going out many of the nights.  Ok, you’ve figured it out, a yacht crew. Even since I left my boat last month, while staying in a crew house, I still have been surrounded by friends everyday and night (which is wonderful and amazing).   That is, until the past week or so.  Pretty much all of my friends in the area have now left with their prospective boats or have flown home.  Leaving me quite alone.  And to be honest, I am enjoying it.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my yachtie folk dearly, but I haven’t been truly, physically alone for ages (2009 perhaps?).  So this actually is a treat for me.  The first two days, I just chilled out.  As in, I didn’t leave the house, or the couch for that matter.  I watched movies and surfed the net- it’s amazing how much of a time suck the Internet can be!  (Says the girl who has a blog and hopes people will read it!  Ha!)  But after that initial lazy-fest, I now have a great new energy and motivation.  I am cooking healthy delicious meals (vegetarian, wheat-free and corn-free) for myself, and sometimes my roommate, although he wrinkles his nose when I tell him there is no meat in the dish.  I also have a renewed dedication to my blog.  Yes, I know I was seriously slacking, sorry.  Overall, I am pleased with my hermit-time.  I’m sure it won’t last for long, so I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.  So today, my gratitude goes to being given this opportunity to be a hermit.  A happy hermit.  Hooray! 

Gratitude: Funny IS Sexy

Today I went to see Bridesmaids, hi-larious.  Loved it.  If you are craving a laugh-out-loud flick with heart, this movie will fit the bill.  Kristen Wig and Maya Rudolph are each amazing on their own, and are even better together.  I was especially touched by the ending scene (no, I am not about to ruin the movie for those of you who have not seen it), where Maya and Kristen rock out to one of their favorite songs.  It reminded me of myself and my friends, and how wonderful it is to have the type of people in your life that are not afraid to be silly and look like a fool.  Rather, I find people who are willing to laugh at themselves to be the ones with true strength.  In Bridesmaids' closing scene, Kristen and Maya showed their true strength and beauty, and that funny is sexy.  Kudos to them and a special kudos to the four other leading ladies and the men too!.  But sorry guys, today my gratitude goes out to funny, sexy, strong women!!  Rock on ;)

Snapshot of St. Barth’s

St Barth's 2010

Oh yes, the lovely, beautiful, picturesque island of Saint Barthelemy in the Caribbean.  St. Barth's is a little European oasis nestled amid the French West Indies.  As you walk down the streets past the shops and cafes, with mopeds and compact cars and trucks whizzing by, you could easily be fooled into thinking that you were in Europe.  Only a map would tell you otherwise.  In my case it was a nautical chart, since I had the pleasure of spending several months in Saint Barth’s while working on a private yacht. 

I can’t even tell you how many times we pulled into and out of Gustavia’s harbor on the West side of the island.  But every time, the excitement ran high among the crew.  We never tired of St. Barth’s.  As soon as you sail in, you see and feel the immediate difference from the other surrounding islands.  St. Barth’s truly is a little piece of Europe.  Being a territory of France, the inhabitants there are actually French, and as one can imagine, there is plenty of high fashion, amazing food and wine, charming architecture, and beautiful people.

Did I mention the beautiful people?  I am not kidding; everyone living in St. Barth’s is worthy of being a supermodel.  The girls working in the shops?  Models.  The men pouring concrete on the side of the street?  Models.  Tanned, lean, and gorgeous, all of them.  We had to chuckle to ourselves, that of course, only in St. Barth’s would every delivery boy, bartender, and dishwasher be deemed worthy of the cover of Vogue.  The women of course had the classic understated, natural French look; wearing little to no makeup, with tousled, messy, yet sexy hair.  And in classic French style, all the women, young or old, had a certain sex appeal that American culture for whatever reason does not embrace.  So don’t forget to pack your self-esteem in your handbag, or you’ll shrink like a wallflower next to these beauties.

The fashion itself was very classy and what one would expect from the combination of France and the Caribbean.  Very laid-back, no-fuss attire; flowy dresses, linen tops and pants.  For women, a straw hat and stylish belt were essential. The men wore fitted T’s, linen pants or capris.  Everyone, of course, wore designer sunglasses.  It was very easy to pick out the locals from the cruise-shippers.  No offense, cruisers.

Shell Beach 

Oh my, I haven’t even mentioned the beaches yet.  The beaches are also very French, and not for the shy, as you are sure to see topless women (of all ages), as well as the occasional person completely in the nude (both men and women, and yes of all ages).  You have been warned.  Besides the eye-candy (and the not-so-much eye-candy), the beaches themselves are breathtaking.  Shimmering blue-green water and soft white sand to dig your toes into. Every beach is surrounded by steep hills creating a safe harbor for the many sailboats that come in to anchor.  It’s the perfect setting for a lovely afternoon picnic.  Chilled pink wine is optional, but highly recommended.

Getting around is easy, as nearly everyone in St. Barth’s speaks English.  There are plenty of cabs, or you can walk between certain towns, as long as you don’t mind hiking up very steep hills.  There is a huge tourist draw to St. Barth’s, many smaller cruise ships anchor there, yachting is very popular, and the rich and famous love to vacation there as well.

So far it sounds great, right?  You are probably ready to pack your bags and book your flight to come and mingle with the celebs and lovely locals.  Yes?  Well, unfortunately, there is one drawback.  St. Barth’s is, without a doubt, obscenely expensive!!!  Everything is in the euro, and because it is so pristinely well kept, imports lovely wines, cheeses and other products across the Atlantic from France, and being it is a tourist’s paradise, the cost for anything and everything is high. 

On example of how expensive it is in St. Barth’s is the cute little shop where we’d buy our provisions for the yacht.  We called it the “Million Euro Shop” because you could never get out of there without spending oodles of money.  Example: one avocado cost us €5.  Five euros!  For ONE avocado.  That is roughly $7 for an avocado!  Is that insane or what?  And this is where we did the majority of our grocery shopping.  Gorgeous vine-on tomatoes from France, cooking sauces from Japan, organic milk from the States, fresh lobsters just caught that morning off St. Barth’s shores, oh, and kettle potato chips for the crew, all added up quite quickly.  Thank goodness the yacht was paying, otherwise we would have starved while in St. Barth’s. 

As for any other shopping, one might have guessed it, expensive.  A random (but beautiful) linen flowy top would cost, minimal €200, going on up to €500, easily.  That’s $280-$710, for a top similar to the ones Target is now selling for $30 in their new Calypso St. Barth line (which was very clever of Target).  Similarly, any beauty product, lotion, or perfume was equally as expensive, but I did indulge in some Ligne St. Barth’s perfumes and lotions, which are divine, F.Y.I.

If you can foot the bill, or have a wealthy relative who will fund you, St. Barth’s is worth the trip.  It is one of my favorite places in the Caribbean, and I’d love to have the chance to go back.  Who wouldn’t love visiting a quaint little piece of France, speeding mopeds, lovely wines, beautiful people and all, set in the picturesque Caribbean?  Yes, point made, I do believe.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite places on the island:

Image from www.lignestbarth.com

Bar de L’Oubli – Lovely coffee, wines, and amazing french fries!

Baz Bar- Great drinks, live music (most bands were from NYC, go figure).

Le Select- Home of the famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, also the ONLY inexpensive place to get a drink- $3 (yes dollars) for any beer, wine, or mixed drink.  

Any of the beaches, but I frequented Shell Beach the most.

Ligne St Barth lotions and perfumes

Memories to Keep, Memories to Toss

Image from www.layoutsparks.com/1/124631/memories-1-road-drive.html

Isn’t the memory-keeping file-cabinet within our minds amazing?  We store so many facts, figures, pictures, feelings, emotions, and more.  What types of memories do you keep?

Like most people, I have fond memories, funny memories, and sad memories.  At this moment in time, I am struggling with overcoming a hurtful memory.  Isn’t it strange how we allow a mere memory, an event or relationship from the past, control how we feel today?  It’s silly if you think about it.  What is really bothering me is that the majority of my struggle is not so much with the memory itself, but the fact that I am allowing this memory to hold such power over me.  I feel I have gotten to a point in my life where I am able to release negativity, therefore, denying it of its ability to affect me.  And that is why this memory haunts me so, because I can’t seem to shake its affect on me.  Logically, I know that events from the past have no power over my life TODAY, so why does this memory keep re-surfacing in my mind, and dredging up emotion?  Clearly, this is just another challenge, another lesson to learn.  Perhaps because I have been doing well with releasing the old, I am now given a tougher one than usual to test my strength.  It certainly is challenging, but I will succeed in releasing it; there is no doubt.

The up side it that we can choose what we keep in that dusty old file-cabinet of memories, just as we can chose our thoughts and our life’s direction.  It is true that releasing old thoughts and memories that no longer serve us is a wonderful and healthy thing to do.  It may not be easy, but it is possible.  Also, equally important is making sure to keep the fun, happy, and loving memories near and dear to your heart. 

My absolute favorite memories are the ones that make you laugh out loud when you recollect them.  Yes, of course I love re-hashing a funny story from the past with friends, but I am talking about the ones that make you laugh out loud while you are merely sitting by yourself, thinking about it.  Those are my favorite.  If you can laugh out loud while sitting all by yourself, you surely will hoot and holler with laughter when you recall the story with a friend.  These memories are always good counter-actors to the negative ones.  If you’re in a funk, think of one of these funny memories, there is no doubt your mood will elevate.

Whether you keep memories that make you laugh or make you cry, always remember that it is the Now that is most important.  It is what you say and do right now that creates who you are today.  It is the thoughts you choose today, the memories you chose to reflect upon today.  The hopes and dreams you have for the future.  No memory or event from the past has the power to control who you are today.  As with anything in life, balance is key.  True balance is being able to look at the past with fondness, look towards the future with hope, and feel gratitude for being exactly where you are today.  Enjoy today!

Gratitude: Nine Types of Light

Today's Gratitude goes to the awesome album and video made by TV on the Radio, called Nine Types of Light.  I love the music, and I love the imagination that went into the videos.  I also love the friends who turned me onto it.  :)  Thanks Wes & JP.  Check it out and Enjoy.
Nine Types of Light video

Gratefulness

Here is an inspirational video clip that I like to re-visit from time to time.  It is a beautiful reminder that all we need in life are the simple things, and that we have so much to be grateful for everyday.  Please watch it if you have the time.  Today, this clip was just what I needed.  I hope you enjoy it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw

Cheerleading

Below is a quote from an email I received a few days ago from author and life coach Cheryl Richardson:  

"Choose Your Audience Wisely. Surround yourself with people who see you and appreciate who you really are.  Make it a practice to keep the company of those who only want the very best for you.  Stop wasting your time trying to convince those who don't "get" you or understand your choices in life. You need cheerleaders, not projects."

This quote has really stuck with me.  I currently have it on my desktop as a reminder of what is important to me while I take this time to make some difficult desicions on what I want out of life and what my next move will be. 

Although, I think this idea is good to keep in mind at any point in our lives.  Why surround yourself with nay-sayers, and people who bring you down?  I vow to surround myself with positive, like-minded people, who understand who I am, and who will cheer me on in all my endeavors.  And I vow to be a cheerleader for others as well.

Check out Cheryl's website here: http://www.cherylrichardson.com/

Abandon Ship

It’s amazing the difference a week can make.  Since my last entry, my life has taken a twist, a turn, and then jumped through a hoop.  Or at least it feels that way.

In yachting, your entire life can change in a moment.  As one of my crewmates once said, in comparing yachting to living and working a “normal” life & job, in yachting, one person (normally your Captain) can make a decision, for any reason at all, and tell you, “Um, yes, I know you haven’t been given any warning, but as of tomorrow, you will have no job, no home, and you may even have to hop on a flight to somewhere half-way across the world.  Tomorrow.  Ok?  Yeah.  Buh-bye.”  Because in yachting there are no rules or regulations, just the end-all, be-all of the man (sometimes woman) in charge.  And this is pretty much what has happened on my boat.  The new Captain started this past week and brought on his crew from his old boat, eliminating my entire crew.  I was “lucky” enough to be given the opportunity to stay, but upon meeting the new crew, I opted to bow out.  One of my crewmates literally was given an 8-hour notice to pack & leave the boat.  Pretty harsh, but he too, is now happy about it, as staying would have been miserable.

I have only been off the boat for 32 hours, but in that time, I have never felt so wonderfully taken care of before.  Before I hardly even had a chance to tell anyone, I was receiving phone calls and emails of friends telling me they knew of a job, or were going to help me look.  A friend offered her place for me to stay in for the weekend, which is where I sit now, with a crewmate, and an adorable kitty companion named Maya.  I have also received a few actual job offers from old Captains and old crew I have worked with prior.  I am going to be all right, this is clear. 

As I see it, there are two ways of looking at this situation.  One is that I am now jobless, homeless, and have an endless abyss in front of me, in which I am not entirely clear on where I am headed to next.  Or two, I am completely free to create and attract the next wonderful opportunity and chapter in my life.  And it can be anything I want.  Both one and two are true, but I am going to focus on two, and create something amazing.  To be honest, I was feeling ready for a change, and in this case, change came to me.  It came to all of us involved with my boat, whether we wanted it or not.  So I am lucky that I wanted it, even if I wasn’t necessarily ready for it at that moment.  Since we cannot control the timing of the Universe, we can simply choose to either fight it, or flow with it.  So here I flow.

My gratitude today goes out to Debbie for hosting the chef and myself in her lovely oasis of a home.  I am grateful to have a cute cuddly kitty around for a few days.  I am grateful for friends and colleagues who have my best interest in mind.  And I am grateful for having had a wonderful experience on my boat for the past year plus, working and living with an amazing group of people that I will never forget.  For this and so much more, Thank You. 

Gratitude: Seafood & Chefs

Just a quickie today: Seafood.  Well, and having our own private chef, as yachts do.  Tonight for dinner, our chef made an AMAZING salmon with potatoes, and shrimp with a white bean dish.  Wow, yum.  And for yesterday's dinner he made seafood pasta- one of our favorites, with mussels, shrimp, scallops and flounder.   How can you not love some amazing seafood lovingly prepared for you by a professional chef?  Thanks to our chef for whipping up some masterpieces for us to enjoy and thanks Whole Foods for the yummy seafood!

Option Three

Dun-dun-dunnnnn…. Option Three.  Option three is what I would do with my life if I were to leave yachting.  Option three is made up of several different ideas, all connected to one another in some shape or fashion.  Well at least they connect in my brain.  Option three is made up of my passion, my desire, my life’s ambition.  I know, I am not kidding around here, this is heavy stuff.

As I said, this is a multi-part answer, explanation, and I’m not sure how well I can translate it all to paper, or keypad in this instance, but I’ll give it a go.  Perhaps I’ll make a list, that may be the easiest:

·      Work at an ashram/meditation retreat:  I want to fully immerse myself in a positive, healthy atmosphere filled with like-minded people.  I want to take the time to make my body and mind and spirit as healthy as it can be through daily yoga, vegetarian food, meditation, and being in a tranquil nature setting, free of any distractions other than my own mind.  I am especially attracted to retreats that offer creative outlet classes as well.  I have taught a creative course in the past, myself, and hope to again in the future.  Perhaps, after I am done with all my traveling, and I am old and gray, I would like to possibly run a retreat of my own, so that travelers can come to me, and I can offer a place for people to relax, rejuvenate, and reinvigorate.

      Walk the Camino de Santiago:  The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage that spans over 500 miles across northern Spain, from France to Spain’s west coast.  Granted, this is not a job, but this is an experience I have wanted to do for a very long time, and I feel it may become a reality for me soon.  I hope it does.

      Travel to all the sacred places of the world:  It would be my greatest dream to personally experience as many of the ancient sacred places on this earth that I can.  The Egyptian Pyramids, the Mayan ruins, Machu Picchu, Cathedral Chartres.  Along with the sights, I want to learn the culture of the area, the history, their rituals and ceremonies.  Their healing practices, how they lived with and treated the earth.  I am fascinated by such topics, and believe they are important for humanity to re-learn and re-embrace in modern day. 

·      Write Oprah with a show idea for OWN:  I know, reading this blog, you would probably think I am obsessed with Oprah, but really I am not.  She just happens to be popping up in my brain as of late.  Just to set the record straight, and to assure you of my sanity, no, I haven’t ever written a celebrity before, I have never voted on American Idol, in fact I don’t even watch it, and no I do not wish to become a reality T.V. star.  I just happen to have an idea that I think Oprah would love.  Doesn’t hurt to try, right?

One thing I know for sure is this, I know that when I love something so much, I get so excited about it and I can’t help but let the enthusiasm for it overflow and bubble out of me.  My entire life, one of my greatest joys has been to turn people onto things that I have found that have brought me happiness, contentment, and/or adventure.  And because of this, I hope to be able to do all the things included in my Option Three, and more.  And once I do them, or as I do them, I hope to be able to share as much of my experiences with those interested as possible.  In whatever form it may be.

Wowzaz, so what do you think of that?!  Whomp, there it is, to the n-th degree. 

Decision Time, Part Deux

In picking up where I left off with my very first entry, “Decision Time”, I will take a moment to give a little update.  So, recap, my Captain is leaving, and a new Captain is starting next week.  The crew is in upheaval; many have quit in this last week, leaving only 4 out of 10 crew remaining.  I am one of the four.

So, one of four remaining.  What will I do?  It’s hard to say.  It depends on what this new Captain is like, and the new crew.  Do I really have the energy to start all over again, staying on the same boat, but working and living with a whole new crew??  Eiy-yei-yei!  It’s a tall order, but thus is yachting.  Your entire life as you know it can be turned on its head on a moments notice.

Ok, time to consider the options:

One, stay aboard, and hope that the new crew is wonderful.  Because the crew makes or breaks a boat, and I have been so very fortunate these past few months to have had an amazing, beautiful crew. 

Two, hope and pray that the elusive purser position that I have been chasing after for ages, magically appears.  A purser is a position aboard a boat that is responsible for all accounts, documents, oversees the interior crew, etc., and it is an extremely rare position to find.  Actually sighting a purser position is quite rare, and many would have me believe a "Purser" is no more than a mythical creature, such as a leprechaun or centaur.  But I believe.  In fact, I just saw a posting last week, and I applied.  Fingers and toes crossed. 

I would LOVE to be a purser because I could still live my adventurous life, traveling by sea, while using my smarts, rather than my brawn ;)  And to make the deal even sweeter, I have applied for a rotation position- a few months on, a few months off.  That would be incredible, because then I could pursue my true dreams in my off months.

What are my true dreams?  That would be option three, and that is a whole other can of worms, which I promise I will open up for all of you soon (all two of you who read this ;)).  For now, I am not going to fret, because I know everything will happen as it should, when it should.  I patiently (actually quite impatiently, but outwardly trying my darndest to be patient) await the right opportunity for me.

For now, I am thankful that I still have my job, to have a cozy (cramped, some would say) place to call home, and to always be fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends wherever I go.  And I know that whatever does happen, I will be all right.   

Gratitude: Barbette

Simple and sweet:  While at home, I visited my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis, Barbette, located in my old stomp, Uptown neighborhood.  Barbette offers delicious French cuisine made with local, organic, and natural ingredients, and an amazing wine list.  The atmosphere is eclectic and charming, with mis-matched vintage glass light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, rotating local artwork, funky clientele, and live music.

My picks: warm olives, cheese plate, mussels, and wine- all their wine is divine ;)

My thanks today goes out to my lovely Barbette!!

Check out their website:  http://www.barbette.com

Gratitude: Acoustic Sunrise

Acoustic Sunrise!!!  Who doesn't love Sunday mornings' Acoustic Sunrise on Cities97?  This was one of my favorite activities when I lived in Minneapolis.  Sunday mornings, leisurely waking up, sipping some coffee, reading the paper, and tuning into Acoustic Sunrise.

For those who don't know what it is, I'll explain.  It's simple, I'm sure you can guess, but it's a radio program that plays acoustic version songs every Sunday morning (also an Acoustic Sunset on Sunday evenings), so the over-all feel is a more chilled-out, relaxed set of music.  Such a great way to start what should be a chilled-out, relaxing day.  Don't you think?

Continuing the love-fest for my hometown, as I listened to the tunes, I read the Sunday Life section highlighting all the music, theatre and arts present in the area.  Minneapolis really has an amazing creative scene.  I hope Minnesotans really appreciates the variety of arts available here. I know people do, but I guess, for me, having been many places as of late that really lack this kind of artistic culture, I am just so impressed that this Midwestern city, is so wonderfully cultured as it is.  And that's just one of the reasons why I love Minneapolis, and I am proud to tell people it is where I am from.


Thank you Minneapolis for your lovely art scene!  Long live music, theatre & art, galore!!

Gratitude: Scenic Byways

Last night I joined a couple of my friends in a very Wisconsinite activity.  We went Up North.  That's right.  For those of you not from the area, this term so often used here simply means going up to someone's cabin, usually situated on a a picturesque lake in northern WI.  The visit itself was all I could have asked for- good chats and laughs shared around a campfire with a beverage in hand.  Good times.

But today's thanks isn't dedicated to the actual time Up North, but rather the drive home.  My friends were staying at the cabin all weekend, and since I am only home for a few days, I drove home by myself on Saturday.  To leave the cabin on my own, the directions given to me were, "Take road Z to N and turn left, left, right, left, right."  What?!  Needless to say poor road markers and the left- right system added a few extra miles to my trip.  But I didn't mind too much as I was enjoying the gorgeous Wisconsin countryside, the sun was shining, and I was listening to my all-time favorite radio station, 89.3 The Current.

Upon reaching the MN/WI border, rather than take the Wisconsin side, as I had heading up, I decided to take another route, Hwy 95, along the Minnesota side.  Somehow, having lived 18 plus years of my life in this area, I have never driven 95 between St Croix Falls, WI and Stillwater, MN.  Oh my dear goodness, it was beautiful!  Again, as I had thought when I landed in MN, I was wishing I had someone new to the area with me to experience this and see just how beautiful this area is.  I was driving along, just as happy as could be.  I stopped a few times to take some pictures and I wandered through a sculpture park.  It reminded me of how much I love this place, and how I could possibly see myself living here again one day.  Some day, perhaps.

Once again, I marvel at the natural beauty the Midwest has to offer.  And I marvel at the way it makes me feel.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.  A fun road trip, good music, great sites.  Even though I am a huge advocate of RT's with friends, this short trip by myself was perfect.  Working and living on a boat doesn't afford me much alone time, so when I get it, I cherish it.  Thanks for the wonderful day!