Life Lesson 'a la Oaxaca'

Smaller is really better. Less is really more… aka SIMPLICITY.

Time here has been spent not only getting acquainted with this beautiful, historical city filled with Mexican Flava, but also with la Casa Marisol. Prior to Oaxaca, our relationship lay within the boundries of fun transportation ... with an occasional sleepover. I had duped myself into believing that real living consisted of a foundation, 4 walls (Casa Majahua being the exception… wall-less is the way to go for beach living if you can pull it off like my MAPS), and some kind of roof. The bigger, the better… space to stretch and lay out all my pretty, pretty stuff. Long term living in Casa Marisol?!? Que? Imposible!

Turns out… Joke was on me.

I was the laughing stock of the (trailer) 'trash’ when I pulled into OTP (Oaxaca Trailer Park) with boxes, tires, massage table, and gigantic ice chest piled in the middle of my van. The only way I could sleep inside was to pull everything out each night. Efficiency at it's best!!!! As I look around at the organized set ups theses people had, I knew I had it all wrong...

and Two weeks later….

I live in a real Casa Marisol, with an abundance of living space, fancy new plaid walls, a comfy, almost queen sized bed, custom mosquito screens and plenty of room to move about my humble abode without falling over a pile of boxes on my front doorstep! Un Milagro! …

And what have we learned… that, yes, smaller really is better and less really is more. I have everything I need right here and right now (which does not include an oil lamp from the 1800s) in my small 10x10 space (minus my luxury, space taking items that consist of Trader Joe‘s foods and books.. but even with all that, I have plenty of space thanks to my savvy ‘Noah’ and plagiarized tricks from The Ark) and I am happier than I have ever been living in all the spaces I have lived in over the years. No big trips to the supermarket, no splurging of fancy home décor (despite the abundance of amazing Mexican art in Oaxaca), no excess. Simple… and the beachfront view, ain’t nothing to complain about…. God Bless the VW Westfalia.

(pre Remodel... notice pile of "stuff")

"...and The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round..."

Closing the chapter in Troncones and on to the next adventure... Finished off wih a proper send of from the Troncones famlia...Surfing Saladita, Thanksgiving Tamales/Pozole, Sipping exquisite Tequila while munching on Pumpkin Pie orgasmo Present Moment, and late night dancing at la Casa de Mitch... not a bad way to say adios... making it even harder to pull myself away... detach, detach, detach... Whats the point of clinging in a forever changing world?

I can't ignore the call South... or the compass reminder sitting on my dashboard alter. It's time... but not without a few challenges in the mix... Bliss and ease can't be every single moment... Wouldn't know bliss, if I didn't know shit. The lesson is to remain in a place of heart and find love in even the shittiest of situations... Which doesn't come easy when my first reaction to hitting a wall is to want to curl into a little sad ball of depression and try to cry... I accept that place of sadness and realize it's ok to feel that emotion without attachment... detach, detach, detach... It's all part of the game right? Shit and Bliss are really one in the same... One couldn't exist without the other... The beauty of polarity...

Currently, the shit is coming from the Mexican government.. one of my least favorite groups to deal with... Everything is hazy and questionable in Mexican law... Despite my numerous efforts to find the LOVE government official to support me in my endeavors of adopting Marisol as an official Mexican, I just can't seem to locate "the one." Shouldn't it just be an automatic thing? Me Mexican = Marisol Mexican? Not according to "them." They say she is too old and will not welcome her as a permanent Mexican.. only a 6 month visitor... And the only way the wheels on the bus (can) go round and round is if we go all the way back to "Go" (aka Nogales, Arizona) and start over with a new 6 month permit! I keep telling "them" that Marisol is a Mexican. What kind of Gringa name is Marisol? Can "they" not hear the find Mexican Diesel hum coming from her engine? What about the black smoke shooting out of her back end? If thats not a Mexican bus, I don't know what is... But at this point, I can't seem to convince them otherwise. The rules are the rules.. depending on who you ask and when... but for now, the consensus is NO! I refuse to bow down and call it quits... the stubborn in me says never take NO for an answer... Solution: Run to the hills of Oaxaca and hide like a true Guerrilla. Illegals on the run from La Migra... What a chapter in our adventures South! Wish us luck, mis amigos...


To be continued...

Foreign Exchange Student

Ten years ago, while living in Mexico as a college student, I decided to return to my old homeland for six months as a foreign exchange student... I had a round trip ticket, where the return was no longer California, but instead Mexico... I was a foreigner indeed... A whole lot has happened in the last ten years, including several changes of residences up and down the North American continent, but here I find myself reliving a similar situation...returning as a foreigner from Mexico to a place I once called my California home... This time, a foreign exchange student of life enrolled in the graduate program of LOVE.

This particular exchange program only lasted two weeks, just enough time to visit the beloved parents and friends, attend a childhood friend's wedding, and, of course, vote for the next president of the United States of America! Initially, I had my reservations about going back... I love my simple life in Mexico. How would I feel coming back as a foreigner in my old town? Would I get sucked back into the old complex way of life? Could I be my now simplified self and still feel at ease among the crowd? What sort of impact would these two weeks abroad have on my studies of Love(me)?

Now, with the course completed and on the plane ride home, these are my conclusions from my studies abroad...

Lesson 1
Life is in a constant state of change (even in the bubble of Santa Barbara...although less noticeable than other locations). All is consistently changing and evolving for the greater good of life... even if we don't always initially see the good in certain changes. The variety is beautiful and is what keeps things from becoming stale. It is when we resist the change and try to hang onto a past moment that we begin to feel frustrated. "Hay que fluir!" como dice mi querida amiga, Belen... But there is ONE constant amongst the ever moving flow - LOVE. And no matter how much change occurs, LOVE is the glue that keeps it all together. Six months has gone by since I was last with my parents and California friends, but being with them again was like no time had passed because of the LOVE that keeps us bonded. LOVE is of the heart and eternal, while, time and space are boxed in and limited creations strictly of the mind. Relationships bonded by LOVE are eternal and no amount of time and space change can break the bond. I am free to be my foreign self, always knowing that LOVE sticks and change takes care of the rest.

Lesson 2
Speaking of change, during my stay, I lived through (and safely observed) the fires that swept through the hillsides of Montecito. Most would say that it was a natural disaster, but my experience as an observer, prefers a more positive term for the event... a cleansing. I fully understand the devastation and grief that comes with this sort of cleansing, but also recognize it's polar opposite... knowing and accepting that one could not exist without the other and to appreciate both sides. I saw the fire first hand destroy my sweet Shanni's house, something her family (The Harts) had put their heart and soul into building. It was HARTbreaking to see their tears and feel their yearning to go home... a place that no longer existed outside of their memories. But in that deep moment of sorrow, came a huge burst of JOY from an Angel (in the) Skye. My best buddy Skye, gave her heart (and thousands of dollars worth of her favorite clothes) to our sad friend who was feeling incredibly blue and depressed about her loss. The happiness it gave Skye to share her material wealth with Shanni and her family far surpassed any momentary high she had experienced acquiring any of these "things." It's hard to find purpose in clutter after that experience... other than release and detachment... That's when you realize what has been underneath all along... LOVE is forever there, but sometimes goes unnoticed when buried by distractions of stature, wealth, image...

It was amazing to live this Pure space of giving and receiving. Absolute Oneness. Shanni may have received "tangible" gifts from Skye (that will definitely fill the void and then some in her closet) of material wealth...but the clothes were really just a symbol of the exchange taking place. More than "tangible" items, it was LOVE being exchanged... Priceless. No words can describe that LOVE and i was truly honored to be present in such heartfelt moment...

So many of us choose to define ourselves by these symbols, just cluttering our field with distraction from who we really are... LOVE. The material clutter brings sporadic moments of happniess, where LOVE invites a lifetime of JOY. Which one do you choose?



photo credit goes to PureSkye Images... website soon to follow...

PILgRimage to Zaragoza

For many years, I have had the curiosity to explore the town of Zaragoza(SPAIN) during their big holiday known as las Fiestas del Pilar. And birthday number 30 gave me just the incentive I needed to get over there and check this place out... here is what I have to share...

The name Pilar originates in Zaragoza from the way back when. Mary, la mama de Jesus(not my mechanic, but the original), while still alive and living in Jerusalem, appears to Saint James the Apostle on a pillar. Her message, although I didn't get it directly from our man James, went something like this..."build a church in my name. be it the first "Mary-iane" (mother) church. here is a pillar to get you started."
And fast forward to present day and Z-town did indeed follow through with building the Church of Mary, La Basilica de Nuestra Sra. Pilar. (because Mary appeared on the mighty pillar, they gave her the nickname Pilar... just one L!) It is a beautiful baroque-style cathedral, and present in the Chapel of Pilar, is the exact pillar she appeared on! Imagine that? And they say, a site of many miracles...

After hearing this great story of my name and knowing how much it meant to the people of Zaragoza, I wanted to experience the fiestas for myself, and this year it happened to coincide with my 30th birthday... I set out on my journey "abroad" alone, leaving behind my new/old homeland of Mexico, continuing with the no-plan-plan way of travel.

I forgot that Europe is all about walking and came totally unprepared with no shoes fit for the miles and miles and miles and miles I was about to walk. Duh! A pilgrimage with no walking shoes? What was I thinking? Just within the first hour(still in Mexico City airport) of wearing shoes(remember it's been 6 months of bare feet and flip flops), I had blisters on both feet. Shit. First day in Zaragoza, and I figure flip flips at least would give my blisters time/space to heal, but are Havianas really made for long distance walks?

First thing I do when I arrive is head straight to the Plaza de Nuestra Sra. Pilar and the famous cathedral to see what this place is all about(and to see if anyone is home...Pilar, mi tocaya). Along the way, I can see them gearing up for the prime weekend of fiesta-ing. This is "THE PARTY" of the year in Zaragoza and they spare no expense at going all out... PILAR everywhere. Seeing it and hearing my name all over the streets is a strange thing considering my background where almost no one is familiar with my name, let alone the pronunciation of it. Probably half of the women in Zaragoza are named Pilar... and especially anyone born on the 12th of October. For me, it was pure coincidence. The name was decided prior and i just happened to be born on the day of Pilar. strange? coincidence? I say no.
I arrive at the Plaza with really only wanting to sit in the church and meditate, but first things first, a bocadillo(spaniard sandwich) to get things started. Only one problem here...the Spaniards and their damn customer service. So fucking rude. At first, I take an offense to this. How could me, being nice, provoke assholeism? Later on I learn, the ruder you are, the better service you get... but that's just not my style, so I settle with not taking it personally and trying my best to have compassion for the unhappy souls in service... (and saying fuck it to tipping, just like the rest of Europe... also not my style... But "when in Rome"...or Zaragoza...)

I was overcome with something that you might call sacredness as I walked in the doors of the Cathedral. The choir of angels did not start singing in my ears, but something like that... All I could do was sit in awe of the miracle of being present in this 'holy' site... a birthplace of La Pilar. I felt honored. Privileged. Grateful. It was something to meditate on and keep me coming back everyday. Outside the church, I didn't really know what to do other than walk and watch. Im in total solitude mode, anti-tourist mode, and non-spender mode. So I'm left walking, exploring, and eating of course... Jamon! Croissants!! Queso! Tapas! The more time out of my closet-space-of-a-sad-room, the better... But damn do my feet ache...

On the eve of my actual birthday, an old friend from Mexico, living in Madrid, arrived to help me celebrate. Inside, I had my doubts about his visit, and not because I don't love him as a friend, but because it feels like a solo trip and re-living another birthday in a bar just doesn't appeal to me this time around. No gracias. But.. I did tell him I was going to be there, so I guess some part of me wanted birthday company. Upon arrival, he immediately wants to start the celebration off with drinks. Rats!... Here's the recap of his visit: wine, wine, tapas, wine, wine?, break, bottle of wine/nap, dinner + bottle of wine, drunk, cocktail, cocktail, shot of nastiness invited by bartender, shot of cheap tequila, wasted, dancing, bed, hangover, booze blues. All in all, the complete opposite of what I consciously wanted to do.... Ahhh...Pilar. Again? Por que? No mistakes. Just opportunities to learn. Maybe I got it this time.

The day of Pilar, hung over and depressed. The gloomy skies and rain don't help. It is also the culmination of the festivities with the procession of flowers. Many, many, many Zaragozians and countrymen from across the state of Aragon come dressed in traditional attire to honor the Virgin with an offering of flowers. This is an all day event. One continuous flow of people, waiting their turn, to set out on the walk to la Plaza del Pilar, to lay their flowers at the base of the Pillar. Honestly, it was depressing. It felt more like a funeral procession than a celebration in her honor. That, combined with my hangover and the regrets from the previous evening and the sad, sad music being blasted over the PA made me want to cry. And I think la Virgin got the same feeling... were those tear drops or rain drops? It made me wonder about the meaning of "las fiestas" and the devotees have for their local Mother Mary. It seemed to me the message that Mother Mary stood for and was trying to relay to the people was a message of Love, Love, Love... I fear that perhaps, the original message, might have been lost in translation... like mother, like son? Where was this great love on the day of the 12th of October in Zaragoza? Love was replaced with idolatry, a shrine to her memory, but nothing of her message seemed to be present.
This is the message I got: Pilar does not reside in the city walls of Zaragoza, nor in the beautiful cathedral built in her honor. Pilar resides in heart. Pure love. That I am. Always. Everywhere. It may have been a long way to travel for such a simple message (and one that I probably have heard before in other ways), but I think it was worth it, no?

And to wrap things up.. my last day in Spain... finishing things off in Barcelona, lunching on Jamon(ham...yummm)Serrano, cheese, and bread(my dad's favorite kind of lunch... yes, i am daddy's little girl), I am ready to go "home." Europe is nice, but not my style(especially fashion wise these days... 80's gypsy hippies.. with bodysuits. really? im shocked that those are back in style. shocked). I miss my warm, friendly Mexico and Mexicans. I miss Yola. I miss the ocean. And i miss salsa! I came. I saw. I went. But this time, I don't know if and when I will be back. To me, Europe lacks "vida" (life). It's got all these "pretty" walls, monuments and streets, but feels completely empty to me... AND it really pisses me off that I can't get anyone to serve me some Paella, damnit. They all say, minimum 2 people. WTF? It's me versus the Spanish and the Spanish win. Fuck'em. Im going for Indian tonight. Peace out.

Circle of Your Friends

"Circle of Your Friends" ... Listening to my new favorites, Iron and Wine, I am inspired to write down some thoughts that have been circling my own head regarding friendships.

I have been so fortunate for great friendships throughout my lifetime. They are people that come into my life at just the right moment - for support, for teachings, for laughter, for a little push in one direction ar another, for giving and sharing - and as the scenery changes, so do the friends... or better said, the circle continues to grow with each location. These travels add to the expansion of this great circle, but as with everything else, the flow is constant, and I have found that the more you try to hold onto something and make it permanent, the more you will find yourself struggling and frustrated. It´s like going upstream... you maybe can get away with it for awhile, but eventually you wear yourself out because you are going against the current of life, versus with it. Leaving a "home" (on more than one occasion) brought this to light... and it was brought up again through my travels... At first, I wanted to cling to these friendships and was allowing myself to feel "hurt" when it didn´t work the same as if i "had" them present in my daily life... but as i "let them go" (not in the snseof letting go of the friendship, bust just allowing for flow and being grateful for what their PRESENce brought to my life), knowing that i have everything i need at this moment and always, i created space for the expansion of the circle. People come and go in perfect syncronicity, and staying in the present, not anchored to the past or hopeful for the future, allows you to see those beautiful souls (reflections) that cross your path...and the network continues to grow...

which brings me to the opposite end of the spectrum (not forgetting that they are one in the same, just different expressions)... the best of all friendships...the center of ALL friendships... the one with SELF...finding comfort in the "interior."

from Osho
"Remember, when you are alone, you are not alone; you are lonely. You miss the company of the other. You miss the company of the other because you have not yet learned to be in your own company. You miss the company of the other because you don´t know how to be with yourself. Loneliness is negative, the absence of the other. Aloneness is POSITIVE, the presence of your own being. Loneliness is solitariness. Aloneness is Solitude. (*Remember "the wine"? Yum to Solitude!) Lonliness is ugly, Aloneness is beautiful. Aloneness has a lumonousity in it... When you are sitting alone, you are lonely, you are simply missing. Deep down you are seeking some company - where to go, what to do, how to get occupied so that you can forget yourself. You have not yet created a relationship with yourself. You have not yet fallen in love with yourSELF."

How beautiful life becomes when your bestest of best.. all time BFF... is Self. Then you are not lonely beacause you are forever ALLONE. Friends come and go that share love, laughter, wisdom, kindess, generosity, but joy does not rest in their presence. Joy is carried in the heart and is always present... and that goes for all "exterior" relationships...

P.S. I left my costal paradise for a honeymoon with Self to the place where it all began... Zaragoza, España...the birthplace of la Pilar... a time to celebrate the love of Self... aka Pilar(in this lifetime)... I heart I.

The Mask called Ego

For the last several weeks I have been pondering "costumes" and their everyday use, outside of Halloween, mascarade balls, and Lucha Libre matches (that's Mexican wrestling for those that are unfamiliar with the term or translation... refer to Nacho Libre, the movie, for a further explanation). How many of us don't realize that Halloween is something we unconsciously live everyday? The costumes we slip on from a young age as we absorb... imitate... emulate... the examples we have chosen around us... mother, father, family, friends.... We know at birth and a young age "the secret" but we are taught in school and by our families to forget... generation after generation... because that is all we know how to do. We are unaware (asleep... unconscious) that this "skin"... this costume... this mask we call ego... isn't really who we are or what this life is all about.

But there is hope...I believe. We are waking up to this itchy sensation as the masks and costumes start to suffocate. Here I am, approaching my 30th anniversary around the sun (in the vessel I know as "Pilar") and I am starting to wake up to this uncomfortable sensation as I follow the signs south and shed the layers with the heat. Im just starting to scratch the surface of "Pilar" as I leave behind parts of "Lynda" and "Rudi" and "others"... with no offense to my parents in any way... they are perfect beings and great teachers for me...But, alas, I am getting closer to being my naked, true self... and for now, I recognize this costume for what it is and work towards peeling of that last layer and accepting SELF.

And to end with a good story and fun pics for entertainment purposes... A night out with the boys in "Zihuat"... I don't get out of Troncones much, but this was a special occasion... Only Mexican Wrestling could drag me out of my little paradise and into the "city" on a Saturday night... and boy oh boy was it worth it. An unforgettable night of laughter and excitement as we cheered our stretchy-pant-wearing men on as they flew through the air performing the craziest kinds of acrobatics. I was thoroughly impressed and entertained with the spectacle... especially with the wrestling outside of the ring, amongst all the spectators, including them rolling right through our row banging on each others head with a cow bell! CLASSIC! I recommend not missing the chance to see this performance live... Nacho is cool, but this takes the cake! J and J, aren't you guys glad that "buddy" decided to stay in Saladita for a bit longer and keep you here for the best night of your Mexican life? Hell Yeah you are!!!!!


And for those of you worrying and praying for the health of our girl, Marisol, she is/was much better thanks to your kind thoughts and the work of her team of love doctors, Jesus, J and J... Unfortunately, we are having a bit of a "bad" day at the moment, but nothing a little love (and possibly some starter or alternator maintenance) can't fix.... ahhhhh... the life of a VW van owner... You never know what you are going to get. I love it!

A tribute to Marisol

My beloved Mari... she appeared in my dreams last summer as i meditated out on the overlook at the farm, "la yola", on Quadra. I asked for a 4-wheeled traveling companion, preferable a diesel Westy, that I could call "home" on the road south. After scouring all the craigslists of the pacific northwest, she finally appeared at just the right moment... weeks before my departure.... a well loved 1982 Diesel Westfalia, the color of sunshine, born to travel south and just waiting or her moment to shine. My (unknowing) co-conspirators, Don Ernesto, Mads, Mike, Carol and Glen, worked together to bring Marisol into my reality. Thank you, Team Love. We are very grateful for their contribution to our special union.

The initiation into our relationship began precisely at mile 130,000, out in "the sticks" of Portland.. aka Estacada... Christmas tree capital of the west coast. It was love at first gear as we purred along the back mountain road that we had completely to ourselves, minus a very occasional truck of hunters passing by. We couldn't have been more excited as we neared the top of this majestic mountain and the snow started to fall... what a perfect beginning to a long and beautiful partnership.

And here we are, 10,000 plus miles later (the odometer reads 140,626 exact, and will stay at that mark unless she decides to come out of her recent retirement) in the tropics of Mexico. We've come a long way, yet I know that this is "apenas comenzando" (como dice mi BF Sayulita, Jose)... just the beginning and we have many more kilometers to travel across many lands until we find a spot to retire and rest our wheels at a place we can call home.

This is true union... a marriage of sorts.. united by love, through sickness and in health, till death do us part... Just two days ago we were in prime health as we charged though the muddy jungle roads. No hesitation. No fear. Our off road campeona! I couldn't have been more proud... Go Mari!! Go!!!!!!!!! But as everything else in the game called life, there is no room for attachment(outside the mind/ego) as all is in a constant state of change. Today, I choose Marisol as my teacher of non-attachment as she switches gears from happy and healthy to moody and sick in a matter of 24 hours.... So we accept it as it is and I give thanks for the all that PRESENTs itself... including a fatigued Marisol. And just when she decides to get sick, my two VW Van angels appear, Joab and Joe(father of Marisol's name-less buddy...adorable couple, no?) and save us from abandonment on the side of the road.. so close to home, yet not... i love where she choses to call it quits... but thanks to the angels, plus the buddy, we get a tow back to base camp, aka "home Troncones". The VW Van angels are also wise in mechanics, yet Mari being in the mood that she is in, chose not to reveal her sickness to them or even to the love mechanic, Jesus, who sacrificed years of his own life for her to SUCK diesel out of the fuel injector WITH HIS MOUTH! (we are talking mouth fulls) But that was yesterday... and tomorrow is another day... The love mechanic, Jesus, will be back with new tricks up his no-sleeve, plus the presence of the blessed angels and me cheering from the sides. I have no doubt that we will nurse her back to health... As with any lasting relationship, patience, devotion, compassion, faith, and most importantly LOVE all come into play. I will be here with her, through sickness and in health, to hold her "wheels" and care for her while the team nurtures her back to health... I'm not going anywhere (literally... for the moment, it's bikes, buses and rides), Marisol. I'm here for you, always and forever.

P.S. Thank you guidance team for blessing us with our VW Van Angels. The moment I saw the VW Syncro parked in Saladita, I knew I had found new friends. They understand the love for the van and the ups and downs involved in a relationship... love, faith, commitment... the foundations of it all... and of course, the value of the "third person chair." We heart you guys!!!!!!

Butterflies and Burros

And on this episode of the Pilar travels south, pit stop Troncones, our cast consists of:

Alejandro, the beloved Tronconian, as our main guest star.

Chris, Present Moment Guest, a beautiful soul visiting from San Francisco.... unplugging for a week to take "Self" time out. Smart Chica.

Last, but definitely not least... a surprise appearance by the infamous Seferino de la Poblado,

Plus extras.... dogs, burros, cows, and people of Poblado.

On this episode, we leave the beachside bliss in exchange for a wild walk/burro ride in the jungle. Alejandro, this time, taking the position of Captain Team Love, leads us through on a tour through the hillside jungles of Guerrero. He is a very knowledgeable, kind hearted spirit that has been making a living running an eco tour business in the area.. amongst other jobs. We were so fortunate to have Alejandro as our guide, being that he knows so much about the flora and fauna, the history of the area, and most importantly he is involved in giving back to the local community of indigenous people.

On our way to "la Salta" we came across the surprise guest, Seferino, a last minute, unexpected add on to the group of three trekkers. We came across Seferino as he was working his "ejido" land, half farm (corn and mango), half cow grazing pasture... plus the burros... Senor Seferino is of la Poblado, which is not what I would call a town, but more of the suburbs of the teeney, tiny village. He has most surely lived in this isolated area of the jungle his whole life, making him a hidden gem, untouched by the roughness of society. He also knows the environment, not from text books, but from actual life experience and age old wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Ask him how old this ceder stump is, and he will most sure have an answer more exact than most machines or ecologists.... Or why the ants and the coral snakes have a simbiotic relationship... He was a great co-captain of Team Love. AND just as I was eyeing his burro, wishing I could have my own burro to ride... he offered up his saddle and I most certainly took him up on his kind hearted offer. Hell yeah I want to ride the Burro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



"La Salta" means "the jump" so you can only imagine what we had in store for us at the end of the trail... my favorite... rock/cliff (pequeno) jumping. The water was incredibly clear-green and refreshing... sun rays pouring through as I swam underwater with my eyes open of course. (reminded me of lake swimming on Quadra)... The jump was just the right height... just enough for the adrenaline rush... Gentle back massage underneath the waterfall... swimming with my baby girl, all grown up now, Yola for the first time ever! (Yes, she swims in the ocean, but the wave thing is a challenge and she is cautions... this time, it was a free for all in the calm waters of the water hole)... muy buenos tiempos....



The heart felt climax of the episode comes at the end of the eco tour when we get to experience and taste the real life of this small village. Alejandro, coming up as often as he does, with or without tours, has formed a relationship with some of the people there. He takes kids up to teach them about the environment, and work with them on small tree planting projects. What a guy, huh? A couple of Present Moment guests, the lovely Alfred and Joe, (personal favorites of mine... I really should blog a whole episode on them and their Apples to Apples... tal vez despues....) donated a whole bunch of school supplies for the children of and we just happened to be there for the repartition... School Supplies Santa. So on our way back through the village, we stopped at various houses to deliver the goods. And I must mention the houses, all adobe. That means mud, kids. Amazing and beautiful structures. Why bother with cement when we have earth? I might have to incorporate some of this adobe into the tree house concept? Think it will work? These people also still cook on wood burning stove and mill their corn on stone to make tortillas. Can you imagine the beauties that come out of that kitchen? Yo quiero... por favor....



This eco tour was so much more than seeing the beautiful surroundings in nature... trees, birds, mucho mucho butterflies of all colors and sorts, water hole swimming and diving, bonus burro ride for me... It ended up being a real experience of the indigenous culture. Unforgettable. And this is exactly what my brilliant mother is trying to do in Canada with Aboriginal Journeys. People take away a cultural experience beyond just site seeing. This is the stuff that changes peoples lives and what we can take back with us to "society" and apply these simple, beautiful customs. Theses people have very little in terms of what most of society would call "wealth" and they live very simply, yet as most of us know, the secret to life lies not in possessions, but in open hearts. These people live from their heart, no matter what comes up in life. I am sure things aren't always easy, but love conquers all....Just something to remember as we get tossed around in the chaos of society.... Love, Compassion, Gratitude... teachings to be found in the simple.

"Family Night" at Casa Majahua

A "family night" at Casa Majahua... the players consisting of Alberto and Pamen of Mexico and Cuernavaca, visiting for the weekend. Mariana and Alejandro, well known and loved players of Troncones. Myself. And of course the beautiful Denni and Moira welcoming us all into their lovely casa a la Swiss-Family-Robinson-meets-the-Beverly-Hill-Billies(probably one of the best places for a family reunion/wedding/friend gathering... in case anyone is looking for a vacation villa in the tropics of Mexico... for the second time to be mentioned in the blog... it's just that good)


The gathering starts with a sunset float in the seamless ocean front pool. Denni,continuing to live up to her reputation of all time hostess, serving a happy hour cosmopolitan that just happened to fit perfectly in my little raft cupholder. How many different types of clouds can you see in one sky? How many colors of the rainbow in one sunset? I don't think I can come up with a better description for "god" than a sunset like this one... and the many I have been a part of on this trip. How can their be any doubt of "its" pure existence?

Next moving into a stimulating conversation with Alberto... a time for story telling... the universe again lines up with my intentions and presents a connection to las shamanas de la Sierra de Oaxaca... my next campus site for learning/remembering. Gracias universo! That brings it up to three.... Peter QiGong, Connie Aztec Flower Elixirs and then some... and now Alberto uniting me with the chance to experience and learn from the ancient shamanic wisdom in the sacred lands of Mexico.... I am blessed....

Wrapping up the final moments of sunlight by the sea, TEAM LOVE then unites in the kitchen to prepare the most LOVEliest of meals. Alberto stepping in as Capitan of Team Love, directing the symphony of hands, creating a master piece of love through food. Each player of TEAM LOVE contributing their unique touch pulling together for a menu of...
Fresh Warm-out of the-oven, Homemade Wholewheat Bread, one loaf with olives, one without... prepared by yours truest, with the guidance of our Captain of course... a new skill to be added to my repitore of love for cooking.

First Course - Avocado Gazpacho Soup... thank you Denni.
Side Dish - Roasted Squash and Peppers... gracias Pamelen y Mariana
Main Course - Homemade Pasta A la Puttanesca, with a touch of sauted eggplant.... gracias Alberto, con la influencia de su bella mujer Pamen.


Another amazing meal created with love. The food in itself was amazing (the recipes I have locked tightly in the memory cells... with the condition that I can't reveal or sell them, but expected to share the creations with loved ones... anytime, lovely friends and family, it would be an honor to cook you such a feast), but what i believe made it even more special was the manner in which it was prepared. A communion of efforts. Pure Syncronicity of hands and hearts... culminating in a master piece of love.

The grand finale to "family night" ends with a hot tub soak flowing into a star gazing pool float with a dark, moonless night sky background. Pure Oneness with all.... And I ask you again... HOW DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS?


p.s. pictures aren't mine... took them from the Casa Majahua website so you could get an idea of the set up...

Lunatic

Lunatics = Moonstruck... "luna" being moon. "tic" being struck.... Struck by the moon = Lunatic.

Something to think about. We are 90% made up of water... so similar to the ocean... We see how the moon pulls the tides, so what makes us any different? Is the moon pulling us as well? Is it that we find ourselves a little off on those full moon nights? That being said, we just had our Leo full moon... Anybody notice anything different?I find myself more and more sensitive these days, and therefore noticing how the full moon plays it's part.... This time I was in San Miguel de Allende. I would advertise it as a "must see" because it is a beautiful, old colonial town in the heart of Mexico... but honestly, despite all it's charms(and it is loaded with charm... hilly,windy cobblestone streets, old colonial structures, a masterpiece of a cathedral), the town is just too (United States of) "American" for my liking. I find San Miguel beautiful to visit, appreciative how the non-nationals keep it orderly and clean, but find it lacking the flavor of real Mexico. Nonetheless, I was very happy to be there this past weekend, revisiting a place of my college/high school years...

After 6 weeks of life in Troncones and giving daily yoga classes, I found an escape to San Miguel for a QiGong workshop very inviting. So the girls(Marisol, Yola and myself) packed up, and we were on the road again for a 7+ hour drive inland... And we had Peter, (taking Margot's founding position) with us to ring the bell for all the passing we were doing on the highway... GO MARISOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Being that San Miguel is so close to Queretaro(where I lived and went to school for almost 7 years)o, I took the first day to see old friends, visit a healing practitioner that I have be hearing about for years, AND (most importantly) to indulge in one of my favorite Mexican cuisines... Tacos del Guerro. Eight years after my departure, and I still find myself dreaming about these damn tacos. Honestly, QiGong and friends come second to Tacos del Guerro...; ) no offense friends....

After the divine tacos... I picked up some organic supplies (What a treat!.... Man oh man, Californians are soooo fortunate for the abunface of organic foods... be thankful, little ones. And anyone near a Trader Joe's also must count their blessings and include Joe in their daily prayers). And then off to my date with an all knowing machine partnered up with the healer Connie Sanchez. The machine was incredibly accurate in depicting my hold ups, emotional and physical. Biofeedback machines are a grand tool/interpreter for those that are ready and open. The cherry on top was meeting a new teacher in Connie Sanchez... speaking of teachers(side note)... What is a teacher really? What is a master? What is a disciple? Is it possible that we all play the roles of teachers and disciples at different times? I think so. I find an opportunity to (re)learn in every encounter, teachers all around... The ones that get under my skin the most, prove to be my biggest teachers. Forgiveness is one I am working on at the moment, and I am very fortunate to have a close relative to learn from... again and again... And a master.... well, I think they are harder to come by, but when you find someone or something with a crystal clear reflection, that all you "need" is to be in their presence to learn the greatest lesson of life... and you know... no words required. no scripture. just simple "is-ing." Someone or something that reflects y(our) true essence. Love. That, to me, is a "master."

Three plus months into the journey and here I am presented with teachers of QiGong, flower essence remedies(Mexican Flowers in particular), and crystal chakra healing... and this is only the beginning. Part of my intention for this "trip" (besides finding a sacred land to create a conscious space of healing, transitions, and harmonious communion) is to (re)learn sacred, ancient methods of healing. I opted for an outside the classroom education and skipped the whole initial idea of spending 5 years of studying Chinese medicine/acupuncture... call me a LUNAtic, but I think I made the right choice (for me)... I do realize that there are many teachers "out" there, but in essence, I am my greatest teacher. I choose to vibrate in environments that help me remember who I AM. There is nothing that can be taught that we don't already know... But once in awhile, it is sure nice to get the people/things/places that remind us of things we have forgotten...

And the weekend continues... back to food... (If this is my last time through... then I am going to make damn sure that I experience life to the fullest and that includes savoring all the delicious tastes prepared by the most loving of hands)... and in comes "the Spaniard" at La Cartuja. If you happen to make it to San Miguel, this is a MUST stop. This adorable, older Spaniard has been running this small, intimate little restaurant for something like 30 + years... maybe even 40... He has no more than 6 or 7 tables... and he, himself does almost all the cooking. 3 or 4 entrees to choose from, changed every day, starting with a killer appetizer of cheese, jamon serrano, fresh baked bread... and then there is the homemade wine... My oh my.... What a heavenly reality we stumbled upon Friday evening. "Lucky" enough, Mr. Spaniard let us in, even though it was 10 by the time we walked in... He pleasantly welcomed us and said we could eat there as long as we were patient since he had sent his staff home and would have to do the cooking and serving himself. Really? Seriously? um... Yes! Please.

Saturday was QiGong all day... powerful stuff I tell you. No words here to describe. How little movement can create so much heat surely puts the Law of Least Effort into clarity.

And we finish the story with Sunday... A drive out to "the countryside," on lands of healing thermal waters, sits a beautiful little hotel called "Casa de Aves." My dad, the birdman, would call it heaven... (aves means birds in Spanish, btw). Rolling, green grass, sitting (and floating and waddling) ducks, a pond, a beautiful pond-side restaurant, and a ZIP LINE! (plus all the other fun stuff for "kids"... a tree house, a trampoline, small boas for rowing around the pond). Again, food was mouth watering delicious... tender, yummy meat.... ooh la la.... good company, enlightening Osho reads, warm afternoon sunshine. AND of course I did the Zip. Trix are definitely for Kids and a Kid AM I... Too bad I got stuck about 10 feet from the end and had to pull myself back to go. Rats! Still fun... picture proves it for all those in doubt.


I realize that there seems to be a theme of mouth watering, mind blowing food... Food is just one aspect. It's all the senses though that are really just soaking in all this love. So much beauty to see in all, flavors to taste, softness to touch, symphonies to hear, heaven to smell... Pure Bliss available to all of us if we choose to perceive it that way. Remember, it's all a choice. Free Will. Choose yes, choose love, choose life.... It's anywhere we want it to be... but you really have to set that intention, and then let go of any attachment to it. No hopes or expectations to any outcome... You will be amazed what PRESENTs itself...

P.S. Syncronicities? Is there such a thing? Can we say that all "time" is in sync with the divine plan? We may or may not see it in the moment, but always, when stepping back and looking at the puzzle, and not just the individual pieces, everything fits. Life is one giant Syncronicity. Sometime we perceive them as "good".. maybe even miraculous... when the magnets match up just right and are drawn together... (we are magnets, by the way, just like water. Bipolar.. some just swing more from opposite ends while others remain more toward the middle. Neither is right or wrong, it just is where it is and that is perfection in the moment)... Other times we may be frustrated when things don't line up just right and the magnets don't match up, but ultimately everything is always just right and we have to let go and trust that "it" has it all enveloped in the grand master plan.... Don't react to either "good" or "bad." Observe. Be aware. And have faith.

and to end with a picture of the Present Moment Girls. Can you feel the love?

and a poem by Hafiz
With That Moon Language

Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me."
Of course you do not do this out loud,
otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still, though,
think about this,
this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world
is dying to hear?

updates from the PRESENT

almost a month into life in Troncones and almost every day I have to ask myself... how does it get any better than this? This time is magical, and maybe that's just how things are now that I have made this big leap of faith and left a life of security behind. I live for the moment... there is nothing beyond today.... (well, except for Thursday Pozole/Tamale night in Buena Vista ; ) ... believe me... it's mouth watering delicious!). I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I live with an open heart and give thanks for whatever blessings (in whatever form) the universe bestows upon me. I feel like I am looking through a child's eyes... I am in awe and wonder of everything around me, like I am seeing life for the first time as it really is... a reflection of Self... Crystal clear blue-green ocean waters to soak and play in. Incredible, never ending sunsets with the most intense colors, changing and evolving into different blends of art in the sky. Butterflies of all colors fluttering about these luscious, tropical lands. Humming birds whizzing by as the go from flower to flower. The night sky lights up with electric storms. I stand outside my house, sitting on the wall overlooking the ocean as these lightening and thunder storms roll in... A harmonious symphony of lights. And the night sky with no moon and no clouds... imagine the stars in this center of life without all the street lights of city life. It's like looking up into the heavens. Sea turtles popping their heads and shells up as I wait for the right wave to catch... not a bad place to practice patience.
And then there are people... Margot, a sister, a goddess, an angel. She arrived a day before me to teach yoga and do massage, and from the moment we met, it was like we were already well acquainted. I found an old soulsister in Margot. I will truly miss her vibrant presence now that she is gone back to her community life in Chalmita, but I know I will see her when I am looking into her bright blue eyes. In the meantime, we are connected through our hearts... Big P. A match to share a conscious space with. A teacher. A mirror. A friend. Perfect syncronicity in the moment we met... I don't believe it is the first time, but definitely so in this lifetime. Our guidance teams did some work to line it all up, and it worked like a charm....

Denni and Moira. A beautiful match. So much fun and so welcoming. (Thanks ladies, for the fun game nights and delicious meals... and we still have another month to play!) They have the most amazing house. "Swiss Family Robinson meets the Beverly Hill Billies" (pictures to follow... or just look up casamajajua.com.. an insane house to rent for a family vacation, btw) Fortunate for me, they like to share their amazing home that overlooks Manzanillo Bay, perfectly located for catching the summer sunsets... Helena, a beautiful guest that has been here for the last two weeks. Our conversations have been few, but I know we speak more through our hearts. I will miss your calming presence and bright smile after you leave tomorrow... but I know we all have our work to do in different parts of the world. And finally, a mention to "Dad"... not my real dad, but my Mexican Surrogate father ; ) He's a vagabundo like myself, but more of a high class one, while I tend to be taking more of the hippy route... A man that very much reminds me of my own dad... crazy, eccentric, a connector, an explorer, a lover of life. Glad we found each other down here. My guess is that we will be sharing some adventures along the way...

Speaking of dad's... my real dad is amazing. He just added published author to his list of many talents. I am so proud. You did it! My example of going after what you want and never giving up... Anything is possible if you really want it. "Faces, Souls, and Painted Crows" Excited for my copy to arrive in the mail.

And to finish the entry with a quote that I found inspiring... thanks for sharing Big P. "Access to your true essence will also give you insight into the mirror of relationship, because all relationship is a reflection with yourself. For example, if you have guilt, fear and insecurity over money or success or anything else then these are reflections of guilt dear and insecurity as basic aspects of your personality. No amount of money of success will solve these basic problems of existence, only intimacy with the Self will bring about true healing. And when you are grounded in the knowledge of your true Self (understand you true nature) you will never feel guilty, fearful or insecure about money or affluence or fulfilling your desires, because you realize that the essence of all material wealth is life energy, it is pure potentiality. And pure potentiality is your intrinsic nature." And this is what life is about for me in the present... setting the space for intimacy with Self. As I awaken to that source of Self, my heart explodes with joy and everything in my perceived reality is revealed as love. "all relationship(nature, friends, environment, etc) is a reflection of (your)SELF."

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

P.S. just checked my horoscope for the week and found it had this to say..."Show yourself and everyone who looks to you for inspiration that real change can be motivated by an exuberant lust for life -- by a generous longing to risk adventures that will yield greater rewards." How about the timing in that?

and we have a winner....

got into my first fight today with my beautiful board. not sure how we ended up in an argument??? i thought we were getting along splendidly. it was a lovely morning in Saladita... sunny, uncrowded, long, long lefts, and fun sizes for us to play on... and out of no where... on the "last" wave of the monring... WACK! She decided to get fiesty with me and smack me upside the head. was i getting to cocky? who knows... but with blood dripping down my face, i decided to call it a day and let her take the win. with loving angels always looking out for me, i was not the least bit surprised when the universe blessed me with a doctor waiting on the shore. he kindly cleaned my battle wound and suggested that i get a stich or two to avoid any gaping scar on the fragile skin of the forehead. i took him up on his advice and went to the nearest "centro de salud." again, with my loving angels watching over me, i was blessed with an "amor" (love) of a doctor. he took excellent care of me... cleaned me right up, gave me a nice numbing shot of novocane and a tetnus shot for good measure, then and sewed my little wound back together... he even let me play with his pet scorpion!

what a guy! and when it came time to pay, he refused to take any money from me! wtf?!? a doctor that cares out of the kindness of his own heart? unheard of! ... but not in pilar's reality ; ) ...

namaste little ones.

Habitat Co-Creation

Yola and myself have once again co-created an amazing habitat for our extended stay in Troncones. Beach front home for the outrageous price of $300 a month. Yola has her yard to run and play all day, while mama hangs out 10 mins up the way at "work." At the moment, sidekick PP, the primary caretaker of la casa de David, is away for we don't know how long... So it's just us girls, ruling the house, frolicking in the yard, outdoor moonlit showers, yummy home cooked meals, and good company.... did we do good or did we do good?

Entering Phase II

Recap - Phase I was the initiation period. The, "ok, I can really do this" time. I was so excited to leave on this "exploration," but the day I was struggling to pack up and leave, my heart stopped for a minute as I finally grasped the reality of my decision to really, really leave. Holy Shit. I am doing what? Going where? Never coming back? Seriously? Up until then, it had just been a thought, and suddenly it hit as reality. I feel like the first Phase, settling into the Sayulita Pit Stop gave me the time to gather my courage. Yes, it was a little scary to say goodbye to my family and friends and be completely on my own... But the more I let go, the stronger I felt... I came to realize that everything I needed I carried inside "my" heart and the "need" for "external" support was swept away. I was finally allONE.

And moving into Phase II at the Present Moment, I decided to set my intention to one of cleansing. This would be a time where I could really I could focus on cleaning from the inside out.. surrounded in a loving, nurturing environment. Yoga, meditation, nutrition, tranquility, heat, ocean... If I am asking for a conscious environment, then I better be damn clean myself, right? I want to be looking at clean mirrors, so first I need to clean and polish up the bits of old dirt around the edges. With that full moon intention, one day later, I get hit by the "sick" train... at full speed. Wack! First in the throat... the swollen glands... the all over aches... the fever in the middle of a tropical summer.. and then straight up to the head. I really thought for 24 hours my head was going to EXPLODE! BAM BAM!!! Things were seriously rocking up there... and all I could think was... breathe. This too will pass. Gratitude for the uncomfortable sensations moving stiffened energy though my body... AND.... FUCKING GOD PLEASE MAKE THIS STOP... By the end of Day II, my good buddy Mike took pity on my sad, sick little being, and took a few of us up to the healing waters of the hot springs. Words, again, do not suffice for this MAGICAL experience... but just so you can get a lil taste: fire flies.. dancing ferries... almost full moon reflecting off the healing waters...night symphony...coconut trees...lush...tropical vegetation...the sound of moving spring water...beautiful beings of light and love sharing energy in silent mediation... a small piece of heaven. How could I not be healed? Buddy Mike was right on. A good night sweat, and head was all cleared up and squeaky clean... minus the snot run off, which is nothing to complain about. Who doesn't like to hock a loogie every once in awhile and clean out that old lung mucus? But wait... the cleanse doesn't end there... Were working are way from top to bottom... So adios nasty head-cold-fever-aches... and hola yucky stomach flu... the rolling nausea, the clammies, the pukes, the runs, the works... Day III. 3 being the Magic Number, and viola! Brand New Insides! And feeling goooood.... Mission acommplised/ing? Energy moving. Very nice.

I feel that as I release and let go of whatever it is that I am releasing and letting go of, consciously and unconsciously, im making space for higher, clearer energies in my life. It really is working. The connections im feeling, within myself and with these amazing beings im crossing paths with are definitely of another conscious. Gooooing uppppp....

and on a side note, tropical, humid climate makes great practice for non-attachment lifestyle. the salt, ocean, humid air eats everything up. Better not fall too in love with any possession. enjoy it in the moment, while it's there and functioning, and don't be surprised when it stops working or falls apart. asi es la vida... always changing... inviting you all to take that practice with you and not just keep it for myself down here in the tropics...

besos.

(picture of the place where I get to play yoga teacher....what a princess, eh?)

how does it get any better than this?

so... here i am. At "the" Present Moment in ZIJ. 4 days in and my head is spinning... 3 months ago, I take off from my life in Cali with no idea what is in store for me. That's called "faith" from what I hear... ("faith is what gets us out of bed, gets us on an airplane to an unknown land, opens us up to the possibility that life can be different. Though we may repeatedly stumble, afraid to move forward in the dark, we have the strength to take that magnitude of risk because of FAITH")... I keep thinking to myself, how does it get any better than this?!? And guess what? IT DOES.

I left on this trip not knowing what was in store for me... no plans, not itinerary, no nothing... Going off on pure FAITH... And after some time in Sayulita, I really started to wonder... What the hell is this all about? I am living the dream of traveling though the South, but now what? And POOF, doors open to now....

the Present Moment. what can i say? a very special place. a vortex... dreams really do manifest in a matter of no time. eternal sleeps. (seriously, i fall asleep at whatever time, and feel like I sleep for 4 days and 5 nights. it's odd... but I love sleep, so I am NOT complaining). frog choir at night (careful, one might launch itself right at your face if you get to close). intense dreams. gourmet food. pimp bamboo huts. silk? sheets. beautiful, beautiful guests.... Tao, I heart you!... and Claudia + Roberto... and Heinz + Leslie, and Chesney... wait, how long have I been here?!? Who are these people that I have fallen in love with in a matter of days? Staff is always friendly and smiling. (Ana, you are the cutest!)The management actually cares and loves... totally bizarre concept. I get paid for sharing love... yoga and massage. Wait till you see my stage(pictures to follow soon)... Margot, my perfect compliment to yoga and massage. What a team! The synchronicity here is uncanny... Where am I? I have no clue, but if you need and airport code to get here, it's ZIJ. Best of luck...

And a mention to Real Ray and sidekick mom Maurice. Rockin South Africans. Will you adopt me? Love, love the accent and the voice. Just keep talking because it's music to my ears. "CALIENTE!" - como dice mi amiga Ana. These people know how to live... and the rest of the Secret Spot-ians... my birthday brother/Ukalalie playing Joey, Shana-the-Westfalia-mama-of-Rusty. Top Spots on the traveling meter...


i know you are all probably sick of hearing this... but hot DAMN, I can't help it... I'm so unbelievably GRATEFUL for all of this. But I have to take some credit... right? This is the reality I choose to manifest, and i think I am finally get the hang of it... but NO attachments. "everything is moving onward to something else, inside us, and outside. seeing the truth is the foundation of FAITH. life is transition, movement and growth. however solid things may appear on the surface, everything in life is changing, without exception." which is why i love traveling... the Cliff Notes to change....

and wait! there's more.... we have waves AND a wine list.... AND it's raining mangoes...

to be continued.... over and out. the present moment.

p.s. today, the whole sky was a rainbow as the sun started to set. no words. no photos. thank you, thank you, thank YOU! I love you.

one more thing

a story. just for a little variety... my horoscope for the week says...

"In July 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin was the second human to walk on the moon. That was the good news. The bad news was that as he carried out his heroic feat, he wet his pants. He testifies to the event in the documentary film In the Shadow of the Moon. I suspect you may soon have a comparable experience, Libra: experiencing a little boo-boo or no-no while you're riding high. Though it may make you feel vulnerable at the time, it's trivial in the big scheme of things and isn't likely to stick with you. How many people even know that Aldrin accidentally peed at his moment of glory?"

and in fact, they were right... I'm in all my glory as I soar along the oceanside cliffs, basking in the beauty that surrounds me.... When.... my oil light goes on. i really thought i might be fucked.... (sorry, mom... you can skip this entry....) so, oil light goes on. not really wanting to stop and turn the bus off because i also have a faulty battery. i know the bus needs some oil, which luckily i have, and i have no choice but to turn her off on the side of the road and pray i can get her going again, at least with a push and a roll jump start which i have mastered... (yes, yes, i know... i definitely am a moron for ignoring the problem, especially for the drive... but that is that, and this is now... ) put the oil in, and of course i go to start the bus, and NOTHING. I do the push and pop out the clutch in 2nd gear and NOTHING. shit, shit, shit, shit... no more room for rolling. no one around. in the middle of nowhere. it's late afternoon. i have no idea how far i really am from my destination.... no bueno my friends. i start to shake. and pray.... the guardians came through. the bus miraculously starts. go team! im saved from my ass from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.... which i am sure would have resolved itself without major upsets, but nonetheless it was a nicer ending to the scare, si o no?

and here i am. bus, yola, and me. promise to get a new battery and a full check up in the next pit stop... lesson learned.

out and about

"on the road again.... just can't wait to get on the road again...." Should this be the theme song for my life? It seems to be a reoccurring theme... But what I decided today, that this chosen traveling lifestyle is good practice for me. It goes well with letting go... A great lesson to be learned. We all tend to define ourselves by our roles and our possessions. It's what society has told us that "separates" us from the rest... makes us "individuals." My friends, my family, my job, my house, my toys, my town, my religion, my politics, my beliefs, my my.... bla, bla, bla.... What are we without all these "things?" What happens when you risk "everything?" You get it all. There is nothing the be gotten and there is nothing to be had in a true non-dualistic life... I just saw a movie where the last line of the protagonist was, "I left everyone in my life. But in the end I realized that no one ever left me." How can we really leave anything if it is all just ONE? The test lies in the act of letting go... everything that you think defines who you are. And traveling is a good way to live that life. New places, new friends, new faces, doesn't leave as much room for attachment. Keeps me living in the present moment... Im so happy to be meeting all these new people and seeing all these beautiful places, but as quickly as they come, they go. They are gifts from the universe meant to be enjoyed in the moment, but not to be held onto. What is meant to be in your life, will be, and no amount or worrying or clinging will change it. I open my heart to the universe and welcome all it's blessings in whatever form they come...

adios sayulita

a quickie.... yola is surely hot haning out with Marisol, and mama is hungry for sushi.... but wanted to let the readers know that just in case they are looking for me in Sayulita Google Earth... the Chicas Aventureras have flown the coop... it was not an easy deaprture being that it is a very special place where dreams really do come true... BUT as we all know, the only constant in life is Change, and it was our time... I rested and was pampered in the Spa de los Dioses, and now im ready to embark on Phase II. http://presentmomentretreat.com/ Again... Lucky, lucky, lucky girl... But this time, I get to be the one pampering...loving... sharing....

TEAM LOVE - Expanded

ok, so here it is. the beginning of TEAM LOVE... "esta apenas esta comenzando...." (-Chile, BF Sayulita)... my mission of now is Love. everything in the name of Love. there are many of us out there procuring Love in all ways and forms and why not take recognition in our mighty intentions and see how that intention of Love is manifested throughout the universe? AllONE. and this is where TEAM LOVE is born... beings making a conscious effort to Live Love. Who doesn't want to be a part of that team? Love is the answer and will heal our wounds, giving birth to a new era of simple joy and peace.

LOVE. COMPASSION. GRATITUDE. Guides of TEAM LOVE.

remember a few blogs back i mentioned the phrase "why hate what you create?" whether we believe it or not, we are the creators of all, and essentially AllOne manifesting our reality in every moment. (ONEmind expressed in many... variety is nice, right?) so, when you experience/perceive something that provokes a "negative" emotion or feeling, take a moment to step back and find compassion and beauty in your creation. it is an aspect of Self and is an opportunity to learn. knowing that you created it, any sense of hate or resentment is something that you are directing back towards Self. Ho'oponopono fits in perfectly here. My BFotS, Karla, shared this one with me and I believe it is worth passing along and researching more for those that this resonates with... "im sorry. i Love you." We redirect that initial sense or feeling of disgust and through acceptance and compassion, redirect the energy back to Love.

We train in Love. We live in Love. We act in Love. We are Love.

TEAM LOVE SAYULITA.

TEAM LOVE

i keep thinking of little ideas for a blog entry, but really the best i come up with is that i have nothing to say. no words can really communicate what I am going through... sure, I can share stories of everyday Sayulita life, but i'd like to go a little deeper than story telling...but just to keep a regular blog presence, here are a few of my latest ponders...

TEAM LOVE
the nucleus is formed. team love starts here and now and the fire of love begins to spread. the team is composed of any and all with open hearts and loving intentions. no heart left behind. daily practice and training involved. are you in?

LESS IS MORE
definitely. simple as that. live it.

B.F.S
best friend with self. i am all about the BF's and I love you all dearly, including my latest Best Friends Sayulita and Best Friend of the Soul, but im finding the bestest of all the bestest starts with my forever friendship with self. being that everything is a reflection and really there is just only one of us, we better damn well love and cherish that one first and foremost. having that relationship as the foundation, allows us to see clearly in all. it makes it impossible to see anything but love, and the fear melts away... si o no? life starts to look pretty damn fantabulous. i swear.


and for the grand finale.... drummmm rolllll.... LA doljA!
ive been waiting anxiously for this great share. my dear and very talented BFS (best friend of the soul), Karla, just finished my most treasured possession... my very own "Dolja", a one of a kind piece of hand crafted (with love) huggable art... amazing!!! everyone should have their own Dolja! Muchissimas gracias BFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


**** for not having anything to say, there sure are a lot of words in this one.... oops.

agua run

Hidden Talents...

OneLove

Is there anything else?

bbbbbbbblessings

buses, bladders, and blessings.

Marisol was feeling a little Blue, and i think i mentioned, dehydrated, and i was worried that i might be trapped in Sayulita for awhile... not that it would be necessarily a Bad thing, but there is something about the Bus that adds a certain sense of freedom to the journey, no? being able to go anywhere, at anytime is comforting. anyways, once i finally got her to the car doctor, a local man of the town, i was very relieved to find an honest man, who had her nursed back to health after a simple "procedimiento" (procedure!)... lesson learned: make sure Marisol has water at least once a week. it's hot here, and she needs extra hydration too. that goes for all three of us girls. (me, yola and mari). And the best part of all of this was that the honest mechanic man, fixed her up in a matter of hours, and for the unheard of price of $10.... A BIG Blessing.

Another member of our little girl club, was also feeling, not so Bueno... Baby had a Bladder infection... poor little Yola. those of us that have experienced the loveliness of a Bladder infection, know how not fun it is. a trip to the vet, was a simple fix. Bladder is Bueno ahora. another Blessing...

BUT... i did have a little scare, first of the trip. with the Bus being back in action, i decided that i a surf trip was in order and went down to los Burros for some less crowded waters. i left Yola on the beach playing, thinking she would be ok with other people around. i could see from the water, that she was there, but after awhile, i lost sight of her and when she didn't reappear, i started to worry... came back out of the water, hoping she was close by, but she was no where to be found. i went back and forth on the jungle trail, calling for her, and crying in desperation. life without her is unfathomable. lucky for me i have a very smart girl on my hand, and upon not seeing me, she returned to the car and i found her napping underneath the car in front of us. (i was terrified that someone had stolen her). i can't begin to describe how relieved i was when i saw her sleepy little face appear. I am BLESSED to have this wonderful Being in my life. I vow to keep her close always.

and one last blessing to share... if you can bare with me for a few more lines... i have a new Buddy. re-connected with an old soul, a fellow tribesman, Karla. we have been anticipating our reunion for awhile now and have our friend Alex to thank for the rekindling. It's good to have you in my life, dear Karla. Ya lo sabes. Life in Sayulita is complete(ly fabulous... BUENESSIMO).

and p.s. also Blessed with Big waves this week....BAM!