Saturday, April 30, 2011

Aahhh

Peace. Tranquility.
Finally.

 Don’t get me wrong, Austin was wonderful. The people that I met and shared time with were difficult to leave. The city is amazing. So much to do on a cultural level, a small town feel, with the ability to recharge through nature, which is everywhere throughout the city. Then there was Carlsbad. Again, Eydie and Mike made the time there priceless. The connection to people is becoming a requirement for me. Then there was Albuquerque and Santa Fe. ABQ was a total ick. The energy there is not for me. I would be very content to never visit there again. Santa Fe was….sorry to say, a typical tourist town. I didn’t feel the connection that I was hoping for. I would consider a revisit, this time with a friend/s or a significant other.

 Finally, I have found peace. Listening to my souls needs has been difficult, for some idiotic reason. I instinctively knew what it needed but accomplishing it was a step into faith. Now that I have attained the lack of fear to fulfill my souls needs, I am confident that what it and I need will be provided.

 I am renewed. The past 2 days, although not perfect weather wise, actually far from it, have afforded me an inner peace that I haven’t felt for some time on this journey. I don’t mean to negate my previous experiences, that is not my intent. They were what I needed at that time. It is just to say that my souls needs are becoming unavoidable. By honoring its needs, it in turn honors me with total peace, tranquility, and an experience in nature that is filled with beauty and awe. I am boondocking in Madrid, NM. An old mining town from the 1800’s with lots of stories to support its drab façade. Mostly comprised of shacks, which I have an affinity for, that were imported from another mining town back east. While the land looks as though it was used as a sand box, the views it affords are as far as the eye can see. Valleys, plateaus, soft hills, gigantic mountains with snow on them all dotted with scrub brush the only green in sight. I can’t even imagine the next spot that will be off the beaten path, earmarked by fate to be my next address, if only for a night.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Albuquerque

46 degrees at 7:30pm. I was wearing shorts and a Tshirt





 Once again too many days between writings. Once again not much to write about although I was in ABQ, hence the reason.
 Approaching the city from I25, nestled between the mountains, you begin to see the makings of a city. One of the first landmarks is a casino. Now, I know one or two people that would be thrilled at the site but I for one am not. The mountains continue to envelop the city as it begins to show itself to you while still on the highway. My stay was only a few blocks from the downtown area and route 66. The city was sleepy with little to no energy, even during the day and the infamous 66 was littered with the tragic attempts at reminders of what was. In the case of route 66 through this area, memory or postcards are the best experience. While the weather is phenomenal, little humidity makes for great exploring out of doors. The residents of said city appear to all have been neutered in region of the brain that has anything to do with kindness, compassion, and driving skills. For the first 2 days every red light was ran by at least one driver, if not more. Yes, every red light. It makes towing ones life behind you quite uneasy. I can go on for some time about the grotesque experience of Albuquerque, though there were some bright spots, namely not the people. The Sandi Peak tram was breathtaking. I choose the most beautiful night for a sunset. The museums were interesting as the area is unto itself with history of earth and man. The meals were good, albeit I have no idea what the big deal is about red or green. So, goodbye ABQ, goodbye. The best way to see the city is in your rear view mirror. As a note, I did have my truck repaired there by a very conscious garage owner, who actually charged me less than her quote.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Eydie and Mike

 Be careful what you pray for, you may just get it.
I had such a wonderful experience with numerous warm and friendliy people in Austin that I prayed to meet more amazing people as it enhances my journey substantially. Some prayers are answered quickly as is the case with Eydie and Mike. My sisters friend Holly posted on my facebook page about her friends living in Carlsbad. I asked if I could perhaps meet them, if only to get information on the area. After 3 days I am still parked in their yard.

  It isn't often, in my experience, that I meet people who completely open themselves and their home to a stranger. We shared delicious home cooked meals, conversation on varied topics some considered taboo, (ie, sharing our true opinions) and outing to their favorite park, and many other experiences. I was quickly treated as one of the family or an old old friend. When is the last time any of you have done this? Image what experiences you could have, image what you could learn about yourself by doing this.

The energy we create by this exchange is substantial. That bond that we as humans crave is fulfilled instantly, lifting our hearts and minds and energy to a seldom experiences plateau. It is a snow ball or an addiction: once the taste of pure love is felt, more is needed. And once it is created and released, it goes out into the universe, picks up more of like energy, and (the really cool part) comes back to you and knocks you off your feet! ( whatever you send out comes back so be very careful about what you give because the same is true with any energy, negative or positive . Any.)  I want more! I want to give and receive the kinds of exchanges that I experienced for the past few days. I want that bond with people, I want that connection, I want that instant fulfillment that IS possible between strangers.

 Thank you Universe, thank you. My gratitude for knowing the laws of the Universe and applying them fulfills me.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Driving through Texas to NM

 The drive through western Texas to NM was a 2 day journey. The scenery changed constantly in Texas and who knew it could be so breathtaking. Soft rolling hills naked or covered with green short vegetation, majestic mountains with their tops shaved off, windmills for as far as the eyes could see atop mountain plateaus, and much more. Day 2 was...interesting. Their was a wind advisory, up to 50 mph. Wow. I'd have my foot on the pedal and the wind would push me back to 50 mph. I went through lots of extra gas but pushed on to Carlsbad for a fun reason. When I left Austin I prayed that this journey include more exchanges with fun and interesting people. For me, experiencing people is making this incredibly journey twice as enjoyable. Well, my sisters friend posted on my Facebook wall that her best friend lived in Carlsbad. I took a chance and contacted Holly who I have never met but knew that she has been my sisters friend for many years. I inquired if I could possibly talk to her friends or meet them to get an idea of the area. They invited me to park my trailer in their yard, chatted me up like an old friend would, broke bread, and are incredibly gracious. I feel sooo blessed to have met them. I know that my praying and expecting made a difference. I know that praying/setting myself up for what I want is as easy as asking for it, believing that I am worthy and that it will come, and then getting out of my own way so that it does come. It is a very easy concept that I have practiced for years with huge success. I am so blessed.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Austin!

 Austin is the only city that I have been to that, as soon as I show up, I have friends. Lots of them. Friends, not just acquaintances. These people know what life is about and don't take it sitting down. The name of the game is living life to the fullest, experiencing what it has to offer. Truly amazing people.

 A few years past I had intentions of moving to Austin. The same thing happened when I arrived then. I attended church, Science of Mind it was called. Now it is the Center for Spiritual Living.  I met Gail, who introduced me to numerous friends of hers and it just kept going. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, amazing friendly people were around me. It makes continuing on my journey somewhat difficult to leave those bonds behind. And a city that offers an eclectic verity of music that one can always find a live show somewhere. It still makes me smile to think that bands play at grocery stores, and not just any band but top of shelf entertainers. If you've never been to Austin, GO. There is so much to do that anyone's interest can easily be pursued. I have never held a city, it's people and culture, so dear to my heart. Thank you Austin, I Love You!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

time off

 I haven't posted in a while, I know. For some reason I felt the need to withdraw. I guess we all need to from time to time. Regroup, take inventory, plan. Recharge. Process.

  I Couchsurfed a week in Fairhope, AL. My host, as all of them seem to be lately, was interesting. Not in the interesting way you hope people to be. He talked over me. Constantly. I despise that. But, I resigned myself to listen, and to learn something from the experience. That appears to be my innate mantra as of late. No matter who I talk to, or listen to in this situation, I  gather experiences about others and myself. My ability to let go of control and question my perceptions while others tug as tight as they can on an idea, imposing their concepts and beliefs without listening to others keeps replaying itself. Never allowing themselves the opportunity to hear an others view of the world, limiting themselves and their experiences into their tiny perception of reality seems opposite of the Couchsurfing mission. When the idea is to share opinions and experiences to open ourselves to other possible interpretations, not limiting ourselves through our own interpretation of our experiences.
Mobile Bay, Alabama

 He has a nice home a half a block up from the Mobile Bay. It's charming, as one of the remaining original homes although updated and remodeled. He was knowledgeable in several fields, somewhat competent as a host, a singer and musician, and a sailor. He single handed sailed to Belize. I stayed parked in his driveway for 7 days, 5 of which he was working out of state. The time alone was not as recharging as I had hoped it to be although it allowed me to make some realizations, which in turn, came about as recharging.