18 January 2011

infinity


The other day I dreamed that I made a flagstone infinity sign connecting our two small apple trees. Who am I to question important messages that come through the dream state? I went out and did it.

Maybe I should meditate right there in the center.

03 January 2011

saul david raye


Saul David Raye led an afternoon of yoga, and an evening of kirtan with Ram Dass and at Studio Maui in Haiku. He suggested kneeling to touch the Earth and to connect our hearts with the heart of Mother Earth. It reminded me of a gathering of friends where Laura suggested that because Amanda had hooked her light to Divine Light, she was eternal and invincible, and when Saul spoke these words about Gaia, EVERYTHING felt connected in Radiance.

That was late October, and this holiday season has been an ever expanding understanding of the Divinity of all creation. I had the beautiful opportunity to be in the presence of Saul once again from Hawaii via the Cosmic Webstream to celebrate the Winter Solstice, and now I'm between classes as I participate in his virtual New Year's weekend practice from Kauai.

As the holidays have unfolded, I have had family time, connection with our homeless brothers, labyrinth walking time, powerful live music, yoga, and a day of Buddhist practice at Deer Park Monastery. Consistently, the message is to keep opening up my idea of God, of Holiness, and to always dwell in Divine Light.

04 December 2010

down to kihei

There's so much to share about our recent trip to Maui, that I'm going just keep posting segments until I feel complete. I hope you enjoy the slow journey around the island with me.


On anniversary Wednesday, my horoscope in the Honolulu Star-Adviser said "The world is your oyster." The exact words my high school counselor, Mr. Bononi, used when we were reviewing my aptitude tests. I could have benefited from some concrete advice about college funding, but really, it's a nice timeless blessing, and has turned out to be true.


After driving between double rainbows on our way to Kihei, via Kahului, we made a nice connection with Johanna for yoga at the beach, swam at Kamaole and Big Beach, stopped off at Joy's Place where we were greeted warmly by Jimmy's radiant smile! Perched on a stool with our chili, hummus wrap, and thai mushroom soup, I spotted a Green Anole Lizard out in the bushes. I wasn't able to get a shot of him, but click here for a beautiful photo from another Hawaiian traveler.

Dinner back in Paia at the amazing veggie Vietnamese restaurant Fresh Mint, was spectacular. I am one happily married woman. So much joy!

03 December 2010

haiku in haiku

One morning on our way to Kahului by car, a big vibrant rainbow appeared off to the right, then it split into a double rainbow, and as we drove, we passed between the two arcs. I didn't have my camera but I did have my notebook...

tropical highway
bends between surreal rainbows
sacred mountain breathes

12 November 2010

coconut heaven


With a little help from Matt, we discovered Coconut Glen's at mile marker 27 on the Hana Hwy: Coconut-based ice cream at the friendliest little shack on the island.


The incomparable Glen was on hand for this photo op. His chocolate chili chipotle flavor is incredible! You really have to taste it to believe it.


The lovely Joei served up local passionfruit (Lilikoi) flavor in a coconut half with a green coconut spoon. Everything is fully compostable, so it wasn't a big surprise to find the latest issue of Permaculture Activist magazine on the front counter. Joei is quite the vegan baker too! You can connect with them on Facebook to see how things are progressing with both ventures.


Fresh coconuts, apple bananas and enormous avocadoes make days in Hawaii so sweet!


...and of course, strawberry papayas with a squeeze of lime every morning!

08 November 2010

island anniversary


Celebrating our anniversary in Hawaii was restorative. Our first couple of days we laid low, checking out Haiku and Paia, and walking in the rain. There are quite a few sacred sites on the island. Ram Dass was taking people to see all of them. We visited this Tibetan stupa on our anniversary, and did a clockwise rotation to set positive intentions for our next blissful year.


Vietnamese dinner at Fresh Mint was the best, and I recommend it highly. Everything is totally veg, so no worries about hidden fish sauce! For our anniversary dinner we had Pho noodle soup, fresh salad rolls, mushrooms and green beans. It was fresh and delicate and so good, it was gone before I even thought about taking pictures. The next day, we went back for lunch and had Pad Thai and another delicious noodle dish. Took pictures this time.


In Haiku, we met Claire from the Basque region of France. She made the pretty silver, turquoise, freshwater pearl earrings I'm wearing here.

05 November 2010

discovering maui


What is it about mountains that feel so sacred? Is it that they're reaching for Heaven? We just returned from a beautiful week on Maui, the Hawaiian island formed by Haleakala. We discovered tropical beauty along the Hana Highway, and the mellow, welcoming spirit of Haiku.


The road to Hana takes you right through the middle of lush rain forest. You can see how the road cuts along the green in the background here. Most stunning is the black volcanic rock against the turquoise sea.


A major highlight was meeting Annie, our host at the Haiku Plantation Inn. She was so loving and invested in every guest's comfort and happiness! She had the jacuzzi warmed up and ready for us each night when we came home. Thank you Annie!