Stuff!

Watercolor by Sandy Brown

Just how much stuff can one person have?  Apparently quite a bit.  This purging process is definitely a good thing to do every so often.  Though I have to admit, this is a different kind of purge, where virtually everything is going.  While there is great storage in the coach, it leaves little room for any extras.  The motor home came with two small pictures and a clock.  These will be replaced with one piece of original art work (above) and something else that has yet to be determined.  I'll see what is left after the Estate Sale.

And here is a picture of the bamboo plant I received from Danielle many years ago.  (Do you remember this, Danielle?)  I added a metal butterfly and love the combination.  This will go nicely on the counter top, thanks to florist putty.  

Since I will be traveling a good part of the time, I will be unable to receive mail. This is going to be strange for me since I am such a paper person.  I love stationery and note cards.  I use them often with clients and friends.  My only downfall is wanting to write long individual notes to each person, so it takes me forever.  I'm glad I do it because each person is so unique and special.  It is unclear how I will do without actual mail.  It may be all electronic for a while.   So contact will be via email, or the blog.  

I will also miss hanging sheets, etc. out on the line to dry in the sunshine.  I love how everything smells and feels when I do.  This past winter was so mild I think I only had to resort to my dryer a few times.  Of course, it took longer outside with lower temperatures, though I was fine with all of it.  I'll be able to hang some things in the coach, however, sheets could be a bit tricky.  I doubt attaching them to the back of the coach as I am driving along will be wise.  I'll have to figure something out.

I am sure there will be many things I will need to figure out once I get started.  That is part of the fun for me.  I do so much better when I do it myself.  Then, of course, I write it down so the next time I go to do it, I am ready.  

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."

Native American Proverb                           

Hopefully the tracks will be gentle on the earth....

Enjoy leaving your tracks!

Cleaning!

I have started cleaning the motor home.  It is fairly clean already, so I'm thinking this will be a fairly easy project.  It has been warm still and I am leaving the vents and windows open, which does add to the dust in the coach.  Oh well.  I have to have something to do.

I am also checking out the campgrounds in Northern California, since I think this is where I will begin my travels.  I have only spent a little time there which means there is lots more to explore.  The redwoods there are amazing and beautiful.  And the northern coast is incredible.  There are places where the redwoods and the coast come together and to me it feels as though I am in the best of two worlds.  Absolutely love the mixture of the smells and energies.  I am really looking forward to enjoying these areas again and exploring them more.  There are these huge banana slugs that truly boggle the brain.  I will need to take some pictures of them.  

The temperatures here have cooled a bit and everyone is sighing with relief.  The nights are much cooler and light blankets are needed.  Love this.  The apples are repining on the trees and a few branches have broken from the heavy weight of the fruit.  Fresh apples right from the tree are such a treat.  The seeds on the Dogwood trees are turning red this year.  Hopefully they will have turned completely before I leave so I can take a picture.  Right now they are yellow and orange with a few red ones sprinkled here and there.  Nature is so amazing.  I imagine I will experience so much more of the abundance of nature during my journey and I get excited just thinking about all I will see.

The sun seems to be moving south already and the shadows are shifting.  It feels early this year though I'm sure everything is on schedule.  We will have another full moon in August this year, which will be on the 31st, Friday.  This is called a blue moon.  The only one this year and none will occur next year.  

I missed the meteor shower earlier this month.  I just didn't have enough time to go up the mountain to see it.  It has been several years since I have done this so I want to make sure I see it next year.  It is amazing to lay outside in a sleeping bag and watch the show.  The last time I did this was in a campground and everyone there was doing the same thing.  It was great listening to everyone as they ooded and ahhed at the spectacle.  Definitely a fun experience.

Laundry is waiting, as well as, getting things ready for the estate sale.  It is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2012.  One day only, from 9 am to 4 pm.  By then I should be toast.  The next day, September 9, I will have an open house for the motor home from 1pm to 4pm.    So, all of the local people are invited.  (And if you want to come from far away, know you are welcome.)  After that, it is finalize the details before departure. Hopefully I will be rested for the beginning of the Adventure.  Otherwise I could just go somewhere and simply rest and recoup.  We shall see.

Thanks to Kathy, Gaytrell, Tim and Darlene for all the assistance and goodies these past few weeks.  I am very grateful for all you have done.

Saint Therese's Prayer

May there be peace within you today.  May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.  May you use Gods gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.  May you be content knowing you are a child of the Universe.  Let this energy settle into your being and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, celebrate, create and love.  It is there, within, for each and every one of us.

Enjoy this Now!

It Is Here!

Wow!  I just arrived home with my motor home.  I am probably in shock a bit and yet it almost feels as though I have had it forever.  Must have been in a dream.  I have it plugged in to the house electricity and now my next adventure is to get the enzymes in the toilet with some water.  Then flush out the fresh water tank so I can put good fresh water in it.  It is all gassed up, thanks to the dealership, so I guess I am about ready to go. Not really.

Now it is getting serious about setting a date for the estate sale.  Predicting September 8th.  I also will have an open house for the motor home and I think September 9th would work out nicely.  Once that is complete then it is finishing disbursing items to their appropriate places.  Clean the motor home, clean the home I am leaving, buy some food and start the engine.

I have decided that since most of the time when I plan something and it gets changed, it will probably be a good idea to I write at the present event or after it has occurred.  This way it avoids changes and frustration on my part.  I spoke with my landlord and she is very accommodating in letting me stay in the house as long as I need.  Since I had the flu last week and the County decided to call me for standby jury duty next week, that the 12th is probably an unrealistic departure date.  Loosing two weeks was unexpected.  Obviously, I will venture forth when it is time.  

If any of you locally are interested in renting this sweet little house, or know someone who it might work out well for, call and let me know.  I will forward the information to my landlord and she will send them an application.  There is some work that needs to be done to the house before the next tenant moves in and it is unsure how long it will take.  She has been extremely wonderful over these past eight years.  I think this is part of why I have been here so long.  I suspect great landlords may be difficult to find.  I am very fortunate.

Also, to my local people, I will be selling my refrigerator, washer and dryer.  If you, or someone you know, is interested, give me a call.

Machado's has their first batch of apples off the trees and available.  There are only Gala's right now, and the promise of more varieties is just around the corner.  Today they have some fresh organic squash and zucchini.  Yummmmm!!!  Right now I am feeling pretty satisfied.

Once my hands stop shaking from all this excitement I will take pictures of my future home.  It is really kind of cute, though it is huge to me.  Very proud that I was able to back it into the driveway all by myself.  It just kind of happened.  Of course, I did get out and in of the cab several times to see how I was doing.  Overall, I did great.  Hooray for me!  I am very grateful I had practice, many years ago, of driving a truck and camper and towing a boat.  I was pretty good at getting the boat in the water without the truck getting wet.  So now it is practice, practice, practice.  

I will keep my car probably until a week before I take off into the wild blue yonder.  This way I will be able to easily run the errands I am sure I will be running.  I somehow feel that everything is coming into its own and all is in Divine Order.  I feel peaceful and calm and I am ready for this next phase of my life.  So, I need to keep moving and accomplish the things that need to be done.  Later.

Enjoy your life phases!

Dreaded Flu

Unbelievable!  Came down with the flu Monday evening and have been mostly horizontal since.  Today was motor home pick up day.  This has now been pushed out to next Thursday.  So, obviously, the clock has gotten stuck.  Doing my best to avoid frustration, which, at the moment, is a challenge.  I am certain the guys at the RV center are a bit put out, however, things are what they are.  Good news is I am still breathing!

Apparently this has affected my brain function, according to friends I have talked with in the past several days.  As far as I am aware, I am unable to think clearly at all.  Amazing how being ill can alter everything.  I somehow managed to remember that this morning was garbage pick up day.  Barely got the can to the curb when the garbage truck came barreling down the street.  The heat isn't helping either.  Add in the mix of the smoke from the six forest fires nearby, and I'm sure everyone is challenged at the moment.

I have been able to accomplish a few menial tasks, such as writing a few cards, paying a few bills, rescheduling a few clients and getting a package ready to ship to my niece, whose birthday is next week. (This is my first time on the computer since Monday.)   I failed to water the lawns and plants during all of this, so we shall see what is able to pull through from my neglect.  The ferns are looking very sad.  I suspect the heat and smoke may be too much for them.  Not their usual environment.  Mine either.

So, I think it time to head back to being horizontal again as the weakness is beginning to settle in.  This is some pretty crazy stuff.

"Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience."   -   Ralph Waldo Emerson

(I'm working on this one with much diligence right now.)

Enjoy your good health!!!

The Clock Is Ticking

I went to the dealership this morning with friends, to check my rv over again and make sure everything is being taken care of as agreed.  There are a few things left to be repaired, though all in all, it is looking good.  All systems are "go" at this time.  Thursday morning at 9 AM is when I do my final walk through and they show me everything I need to know about using this new (to me) coach.  And then I will drive it off the lot, bring it home and give it my personal touches. It is finally feeling real for me.  Up until now, it seemed as though it was some far off event that may or may not even happen.  Unless something occurs to change things, the time is almost here.  I am getting excited.

While I was driving there this morning,  I noticed in my rear view mirror that an rv was coming up on my left side.  I thought to myself, "That will be me in a short time."  Then, as it got closer, I saw that it was a Jayco Greyhawk, which is exactly what I will be driving.    It was a sign!  Gosh, I hope the world is ready for me being out there.  I am getting rather excited.

There is so much still to do.  I question if everything will be accomplished by my projected departure date.  September 12, 2012.  It feels strange to put this date out there.  We shall see if it holds.  Depending on how all things develop, I may be able to leave sooner.  I am getting very excited.

Lists and lists and more lists.  They have come and gone and have been recreated so many times.  Things are getting narrowed down now.  The paper stack is diminishing and final decisions are being made.  I still need to patch my shirt and pants (discovered a few other items in need of repair) and found some old cut up pillow cases that will work perfectly for this purpose.  Add to the list of things to go with;  sewing items and a container filled with various nuts, screws, wrenches, hammers, bolts, duct tape, electricians tape, pliers, tape, scissors, and etc.  I am excited.

The Station

by Robert J. Hastings

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.  We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent.  We are traveling by train.  Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination.  On a certain day, at a certain hour, we will pull into the station.

"When we reach the station, that will be it!" we cry.  "When I'm 18..."  "When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes Benz!"  When I put the last kid through college..."  When I have paid off the mortgage...!"

Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at, once and for all.  The true joy of life is the trip.  The station is only a dream.  It constantly outdistances us.

So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles.  Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less.  Life must be lived as we go along.  The station will come soon enough.

- - - - -

I came across this writing while going through papers and see this is so true for what I am currently doing.  All the "Whens" have been answered and now it is time to explore and be the true adventurer I am being drawn to be.  I am looking forward to the mountains, rivers, sunsets, sunrises and such.  I am especially looking forward to the more ice cream.  Did I mention, I am excited?

Enjoy your trip!

Documents Signed!

One thing down and another bizillion other things yet to do.  I worked on going through all of the materials from my past twenty years profession.  Teaching materials, school materials, student evaluations, job search materials and miscellaneous other materials.  All paper.  All needing to be handled to make sure I keep what is absolutely necessary.  My hands are so dry from all the paper handling.  Where is the hand lotion?  I also discovered that metal paper clips rust after twenty years.  Amazing that I have kept some of this stuff for so long.  This is definitely a purging time in many aspects.  

It was a wonderful exercise in staying on task and avoid stopping and reading everything I was sorting.  Some papers brought laughs, others tears (happy sweet tears), others brought questions (why have I been keeping this all these years?), and so on.  Remembering all the students I have had the honor of sharing information with and reading their comments on the classes and their experiences.  All of it very touching.  I am so glad I have the time to do this and it is causing me to silently send each of them a mental hug.  I hope they are feeling the energy sent.  Each one is so special in their own right.  I have been so honored to be a part of their lives.  They each taught me, as well, and I am forever grateful for them being in my life.  

I need to give my hands a rest from handling paper, so tomorrow will be organizing for the sale.  Sometimes I think it might be easier to just donate everything to the Salvation Army.  This would, however, eliminate the fun of a sale.  So I shall continue to vacillate between the two prospects.  We shall see what wins out in the end.  This decision, of course, needs to be sooner than later.  Time will probably dictate the outcome.  I keep remembering that soon, time will be irrelevant for me.  I relish the arrival of that event.

This day brought poems, letters, cards, notes, thoughts, perspectives, etc.  All from family, friends, classmates, students, teachers and more.  Some of these treasures will appear in future writings.  I came across essays and stories I wrote while taking a writing liberal arts class.  This is where I discovered how much I love to write.  One report was very funny and another was extremely deep and sensitive.  Perhaps some day I will share them here.  For now, they are in a box that is to be stored until they are retrieved at some other time.

I am doing my best to stay focused in the present moment and keep myself from fantasizing about my upcoming Adventure.  People ask me if I am excited.  I think in some way I am, though I feel calm, which fascinates me.  It is as though I am watching myself go through this process.  Laughing at myself and thinking things are funny.  This will get figured out as I travel.  I hope.

I am still too involved in the Olympics as I had a foot cramp yesterday.  I think this is from pointing my toes during the gymnastics and diving competitions.  I did a lot of holding my breath as the horses were going over the jumps.  And perhaps my dry hands and feet are also do to the sand volley ball playing.  Who knows.!  I shall survive all of this, I'm sure.  Maybe the foot cramp thing was because I spent the better part of an hour trimming my very tall and overgrown camellia bush.  It was way too tall for me to reach the top and I found myself on my tiptoes as I  unsuccessfully attempted to reach the highest branches.  I am so grateful the gardener came today with his hedge clippers and finished leveling off the top of the bush.  It looked pretty pathetic before he came to its rescue.  He is truly a blessing to me.  Thanks, Jim!!!

If you remember, from an earlier writing, I had a very moving experience with a pair of swans while I was visiting in Cayucos in January.  Well, while having lunch with a friend today, she gave me a beautiful card and envelope with an awesome swan gracing both.  Confirmations continue to occur reminding me that all is in order in the Universe.  Always a very good thing to remember.  So it is.

So, I best give my dry hands some most desired moisture and ready things for a good nights sleep.  I wonder if I should watch any of the Olympics before I head off to dream land?  Hummmm.  

"Suggestions on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life"

(Excerpted from "Suggestions for a Happy Life" 

from the United California State

 Employees Campaign video)

Wave at children on the school bus
Leave everything a little better than you found it
Leave the toilet seat in the down position
Keep it simple
Improve your performance by improving your attitude
Wear outrageous underwear under the most formal business attire
Never refuse homemade brownies

(Who would have thought these people had a sense of humor?)

Good night!

Enjoy your life!

Document Signing

Monday is the day!  Signing documents and then within a week, picking up the motor home.  Then the count down begins.  Given the current conditions, I expect to depart  just before the middle of September.  I will be exploring California, Arizona and New Mexico for the winter.  Spring time will take me east to visit family and then summer in the northwest.  Kind of a big counter-clockwise circle of the United States, with some zigzagging in between.  That is the thought for now.  Of course, as we all know, all things are subject to change.  


Thanks to those bringing me fresh home grown chicken eggs (and one very special egg, which was the first this little chicken had laid) and homemade jams.  I am so grateful for all who are in my life.  I am very fortunate to know so many wonderful people who are true to themselves.  I have been in this area for ten years and have had some amazing experiences and have developed many awesome friendships.  All of you will be carried in my heart throughout my Adventure.  


A huge thank you to all who have guided and assisted me with all the computer, phone, picture and blog stuff.  I have learned more than I ever thought I would ever need to learn.  It has been fun and I expect this will continue for a very long time.  

This is a picture of an "Angel Face" rose.  It is one of my most favorite roses.  My son and daughter-in-law gave me this rose bush as a "Mothers Day" gift one year.  I have kept it in its container and now it has been returned to them and is taking up residence in their back yard.  This way it has a home with family while I am traveling.  Feels good.

Always Believe In Yourself

Get to know yourself - what you can do

and what you cannot do - 

for only you can make your life happy.

Believe that by working

learning and achieving

you can reach your goals and be successful.

Believe in your own creativity

as a means of expressing your true feelings.

Believe in appreciating life.

Be sure to have fun every day

and to enjoy the beauty in the world.

Believe in love.

Love your friends 

your family

Yourself

and your life.

Believe in your dreams

and your dreams can become a reality.

Follow Your Dream

poem by Susan Polis Schutz

Enjoy your dream!

Olympics!

I think I need to reduce my participation in the Olympics.  Yesterday morning I woke to a very severe calf cramp.  When I got up a little later it was extremely sore.  What I have noticed is that when I am watching the various Olympic events, I tense, lean, hold my breath, jump and all sorts of other contortions to assist the athlete accomplish their goal.  I am usually exhausted each evening by the time I finish these events.  I can't even imagine how intense it must feel for the athletes parents and friends.  It is difficult enough just for me and I don't know any of them personally.  I do enjoy watching all of them and how they have perfected what they do.  It is truly amazing.  Yea to all the athletes!


Thanks to those bringing me fresh veggies.  I am enjoying fresh grown sprouts, cucumbers, zucchini and sweet peppers.  Steaming them with a little dill (my favorite seasoning for the moment) and a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is very tasty.  Yummm!

The tinkling of glass together is high pitched and lovely.  The blue glass reminds me of ocean waves and the angels, well, they are angels.  This was a gift from my long time friend.

I plan on taking several wind chimes along for the ride.  I suspect I will probably need to take them down while I am actually driving, since I am sure the various sounds they make may be a bit distracting.  








All of the chimes I am taking with me will be indoor chimes only.  I doubt they would survive outside very will since two of them are made of glass and the other one is made with shells.  I really enjoy the different music each of them makes.


Lately, I have been unable to listen to music while driving.  It seems too much of a disturbance.  I used to always have music on in the car.  I remember driving through Montana and Wyoming listening to Michael Jackson's sound track from "Free Willy."  It was so moving.  Curious how things are always changing.


"Joy is a net of love by which you catch souls."   -   Mother Teresa


Enjoy your performance!

Lizards

That sweet, cute, adorable cat, pictured recently, has done a number on one of the many lizards in the yard.  I found some partially chewed remains in the grass yesterday morning.  Rather gross, actually.  Definitely no picture taking for this.  The good news is the cat did not eat the whole critter because when he has done so in the past, it really makes him look sick.  I don't think he feels good either after he has eaten one.  Perhaps he has learned at least one thing, though I would much prefer he not catch them in the first place.  Apparently the chase is just too tempting.

I am dealing with a bit of a hiccup with the rv, so, delayed in actually picking it up and driving it home.  This entire process has been a great experience in patience.  I am a very patient person to begin with, as most of you know.   Apparently I wanted to take it to a whole new level.  I have succeeded.  Patient, I am being!!!


This gives me more time to sort papers, which are currently strewn about on the living room floor, and finalize everything for the sale.  I am still working on deciding whether to take things for my niece (the one leaving for London Veterinary School,  mid September ) with me or ship them.  Also, her brother is expected to return from his deployment in Afghanistan during early September.    I haven't  seen him in several years.  A lot of this depends on when I am able to get on the road.  I would prefer to amble versus charge full speed to the East Coast.  


The other thinking is to be on my way toward warmer wintering grounds before the weather gets too cold and stormy.  Being on the East Coast for winter is surely someone's  favorite picture.  Mine is someplace where the air is cool, breezy and sunshiny.  This is more what I have in mind.  These are the pictures I see in my head.  Leaving the snow, sleet and hail for all those brave at heart.  I admire their strength and fortitude to deal with what I consider harsh winters.  I guess I have lived in California too long.  Hence the change.  Transitioning slowly would be nice.  We shall see how all of this unfolds.

For now I shall continue on with what I am doing and when the Universe says "It is time to go," I will go.  

                               Enjoy Small Pleasures


"Little things seem nothing, but they give peace, like those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless but all together perfume the air."        -    George Bernanos










Enjoy your pleasures!!!