Well, we arrived home safely last night. At some time after one a.m. (Yes, technically that IS today, but not for me; my calendar date starts when I get up. You guys know this already, why am I even saying it?) We’d been on the road for 13 hours. So, ya know, NOT the most efficient journey. (Compare it to the drive down, which took less than 9.) However, it WAS festive. The reason we got back so late, after leaving so early (promptly after a café breakfast with the fam), was because we were going a-visiting.
Which was what I TRIED to tell you yesterday, as it was happening. Emmy’s lovely friend (and practically member of the family) Whitney is working on a farm. The nearest town to her is about three hours from where we were staying, but it is basically on our way north. Bonus, it was Farmer’s Market day.
Look carefully at this woman.
She brought us a market bag! (Plus some jam, which I forgot to photograph. And we got a loaf of garlic bread that was baked in their stone ovens. AND two wonderful, just-this-side-of-perfection, dessert bars.)
Our next stop was a spur-of-the-moment idea that actually worked very well. We would be passing right through where Corina lives. Obviously we had to say hi! She came up with a meeting spot and directed us in perfectly. (Special thanks go to the Universe and our Teams, who totally guided us along and made this extended communications/right-time-and-place experiment fall exactly, specifically, as it needed to.)
Taken with Emma’s new phone.
This is a fucking GORGEOUS location called Moonstone Beach. Was it made for me?! I’d have to say yes. (Holy crap, I want to LIVE there.) Thank you Corina, for bringing us supplies, and for leading us to this Paradise.
West coast highway sunset.
That above shot was taken by our thoughtful chauffeur, as we just zoomed along. (Some of us exclaiming about the view more than others.) He held my camera over his shoulder not even glancing out the damn window, clicking away madly. Ridiculous! And yet, some came out really nicely.
Made with real Oreos.
Sara baked me cupcakes! (I was going to take pictures BEFORE most of them were gone.) Thanks Bride-To-Be!
Yep, that’s right, a wedding is in the works. We’ll be heading down again right before July (just me and Dan this time though, Empress is back to work making local canines beautiful, and J.D. was notified that he will NOT be laid off this year, so, mixed blessings; yipee for no unemployment, boo for not being able to attend the nuptials).
Thank you tremendously generous California family, more than I can say. The ballgame might not have been precisely a winner, but we sure had a fabulous time!
Being calm and patient.
Max also had fun in that welcoming house with many dogs and loved ones. But we all know how it is when adventuring, just nice to come home. And since this is the only home he has right now, it felt peaceful to return here.
Empress and her father had to work today, I had an appointment. Plus I took the bike out for a spin. While we were visiting there were daily (sometimes more than once a day) walks around the loop. Our hostess lives on a large cul-de-sac, ideal for wandering and power walking, and ….. ready for this? I even jogged/ran a few half-laps!
I’d like to incorporate that into my around-the-neighborhood outings in the next few days and see how I do with it. Another item I’m working on right now is a mindful project that was brought to my attention this afternoon. The theory being that we all deserve rewards (I know that some of you have already covered this on your blogs, but it’s new to me). What we* want to strive for are non-food treats. And in my case, non-shopping, non-pampering gifts to my on-the-spectrum self elf who gets queasy at the very mention of all that touching and fondling and hands-y-ness.
*And by “we” you know I generally mean ME.
No massages nor manicures for me, thankyouverymuch. No retail therapy, no drinking events. I’m all about the non-materialistic system of giving. And look a this, how timely is our card?
“Nature ~
Take a walk.
Let the beauty of nature feed your soul.”
Or, in my own words, reward yourself with hammock time. Now, I don’t actually HAVE a hammock, but this is what we’re going to call it. Because that was the first example I received today. So it stuck.
It’s about tuning out all other distractions, like meditation, only the focus is outward, on whatever is around you. The reward is ten minutes (less or more, depending) of focus, no electronics or conversations, simply joyful freedom to be yourself. (Outside if possible.)
Say you ARE in a hammock, you watch the leaves over your head. You listen to the breeze or the neighborhood sounds. You touch your hands to the grass below you and feel the blades. You observe the temperature of the air on you skin. You are mindful, of all sensations. THAT is the treat.
In my case, it’ll be more about just sensing the out-of-doors because I’ll probably do it on one of the decks. But I’ll do it. Another one I’m calling Weather Appreciation. It’s similar to Hammock Time, but with more attention on the temperature, and ALWAYS outside, no matter the conditions.
Remember the saying we found? There is no such thing as inclement (bad) weather, only inappropriate clothing. We can all appreciate our circumstances more if we are enjoying and actively engaging in what’s happening climate-wise. Hot, cold, foggy, sunny, windy, rainy, whatever. Ten minutes. Stand or sit in it. Feel it with, on every level of our being. Mindfully. THERE is our second gift.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress, be sure to tell us yours if you feel like joining me in this new rewards project. As more pictures roll in (many cameras were in use this week) I’ll keep sharing this first-of-many summer expeditions away from The Burrow. In addition, I’ll soon be telling you about my other breakthrough today, about whole/complete vs separate/battling.
(Oh, did I not mention that I’m seeing a therapist now? I am.)
Today’s Deck:
Self-Care Cards by Cheryl Richardson
LateNight Acknowledgment:
yes, that IS the way Jenny, The Bloggess (goddess of all things brilliant and imperfect) says thankyouverymuch, so I want to give her credit. It truly captures the moment and essence of what I wanted to say. So I stole borrowed it.
