Bonjour, sunshine! This is the last time youll be bonjoured from Portland until next year. As much as I miss Joe, Roxi, Oliver + the beach, a big part of me wants to stay here. Its a special place. I recall conversations with my dad over the years where hed tell me how sometimes he felt like driving off, never looking back. This was long after he raised us, so he wasnt a bailer. He simply wanted to explore. I get it. Im a gypsy in that way too. Just another thing my dad + I had in common. Do you ever feel that way? Just wanna take off? One day Im going to the airport empty-handed but for a few essentials + my passport, scan the departure board, see what grabs me, buy a ticket + fly, out of the blue into the blue. One day. But first, Portland. Im on the red-eye so I still have a full day ahead. Im going to The Grotto, a Catholic sanctuary center for mass at noon + wondering + wandering around the beautiful property. I like to finish trips with a more reflective day or two. That way I can assimilate what Ive learned from the adventure + Im not just talking about the World Domination Summit. I return from every trip a changed person...more vast, open, knowing myself + the world more. Being exposed to different cultures, climates, geographies + demographics causes a shift within. As I explore new places, I explore myself. Discoveries outside + inside. For me, travel is necessary for my evolution. My ability to be in the present moment, mindful of whats in front of me is strengthened when I travel. The unfamiliarity of a new place forces you to be present or else youll get lost. Like life, huh? Absolutely. With senses fully engaged, youre able to navigate foreign lands all the while changing your own internal landscape. It happens whether youre aware of it or not. Its a damn cool thing. I obviously use my vacation days. No secret there. And I have a bunch of sick hours on the books. I wonder if theres a nexus? Me thinks so. Honoring my need to travel keeps me healthy. Even though I never disconnect from work (my choice...respond to others while sitting on a bench by the Eiffel Tower? No prob!), Im doing what I love which makes me enjoy my day job more. One big happy circle. I used to cringe when someone would say, Must be nice! I wish I could get away. Maybe in my next life. Thats a bunch of crap. If you want something bad enough itll happen. I believe that if you want to travel, you must. When I was a starving student I still found a way to get out of town. There are many ways to go go go. On that note, yesterdays main adventure was the International Rose Testing Garden. Heaven! It was worth the many scorching minutes I walked to get there. I meandered around + through rows + rows of roses in a variety of colors + shapes. I was overwhelmed by the beauty. I may not have the beach right now but the colorful fragrant rose garden satisfied my desire for natural beauty. As I strolled, I got a little emotional. And then a lot. The more time I spent in the garden in silence, the bigger the years. It was uncomfortable at first because I actually sobbed out loud a few times, but I didnt care. I let go. With my dad by my side. We had a nice conversation. He gave me some good advice. It was a lovely experience but why so sad? Even though hes with me spiritually constantly, I would have done anything to have Mel physically in that garden with me. All part of the process. I reminded myself that he wasnt himself towards the end, that hes much better off in heaven, that he had been finished with earth for awhile. I smiled when he told me that the garden was similar to heaven. Lucky guy! Im sure there will be more reflecting at The Grotto. Im looking forward to another quiet day, to tapping into deeper sources for guidance. My journal + extra pens are already in my bag. Speaking of bags, I better pack up. But first, as a big LUSH, I need my fix. Todays treat is a Creamy Candy Bar bubble bar. Yum. Even though I consumed enough sugar Monday to last me until Valentines Day 2015, I can indulge in a sweet,calorie-free, good for me bath. Need a sugar-rush to pack. Yep. Im there again. Not as bad as NYC was but still. How could I resist the worlds largest book store? Good thing I brought that NYC bag as an extra. And good thing AMEX picks up the extra bag charge. Cray-cray. If youre a citizen of the world, too, start planning your journey. Jot down your desired destination. Thats all you have to do to get things rolling. Place your intention in a folder + start collecting info. Set a date when youre gonna go, even if its years away. Just plant the seed now + watch your itinerary manifest. Really. Dont wait. It may be too late. Its your dash...life...live it!...in + with love. Much 💙 + a lifes what you make it hug, Denise-Marie xx
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:17:00 +0000
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