Hitting Send

It was a Gloriously sunny day which begged for an adventure. But, where to go? I’d already been to the local lake; perhaps it was time to venture into the neighbouring county, appropriately named ‘Lake County’. Nestled between Northern California’s famous wine areas of Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino County, Lake County is home to a number of Beautiful lakes, including Clear Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in California. I chose, however, to head for Lakeport, as I had heard that it was a Lovely town in which to spend the day.

Winding through the curvy mountainside roads, climbing higher, past many vineyards, the journey into Lakeport affords one an opportunity to appreciate the Beauty for which Northern California is understandably known. Through the green forest surroundings, I spied the first of the various lakes for which the county is named. The very deep and aptly named “Blue Lakes”, which consists of two lakes, Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake, offers a Gorgeous escape. Resting at the base of a canyon, the majestic nature of this 125 acre body of water is breathtaking. There’s something very mysterious about these dark blue lakes which run so deep, they cannot even be measured.

The first four pictures in this post are of Blue Lakes, Dear Reader. Are you not mesmerized by the Amazing colours? Whether one chose to visit for lunch, fish from the pier, or take a boat along the exquisite water, I imagine the experience would stay with one for years to come. And, isn’t the gazebo charming? I envisioned a warm evening of live music and dancing! Can you see it, too?

Having eyes to look out there lets your consciousness out farther. Having ears extends your consciousness out farther. Learning something new extends your consciousness out farther. Learning of the existence of another town over the hill that you didn’t know about extends your consciousness out farther, expands your mind, expands your consciousness.

On the road again, past fields of wildflowers, green and golden mountains, and many orchards. I was particularly drawn to the orchard shown below, with its row after row of trees, light and dark intermingling between their branches. I could easily have sat beneath them for hours, absorbing the serene energy I felt emanating from the area. Isn’t it Wonderful?

At last, the roads revealed the quaint town of Lakeport, with it’s historic downtown and tree-lined streets. Incorporated in 1888, it is the oldest community in Lake County. Offering a museum I’m told is quite worthwhile to visit, a Beautiful library building, and lakeside park, it is very charming, indeed. The lake itself conjures images of a long ago Sausalito, yet to be built upon. It’s easy to understand why many pioneers returned to the area at the end of the gold rush to settle permanently into the area. With its temperate climate, it is also a great place for farming.

The lakeside park was thoughtfully planned to include play structures for the children, park benches for picnics and barbecues, all structured around a gazebo. There were many locales out appreciating the sunny day, the sounds of kids playing carried on the refreshing breezes. How Lovely! After some lakeside appreciation, a walk down main street and a yummy chilled mocha, it was time to journey back home.

On the return, I felt called to capture a picture of the alluring wildflowers, of which there are many, sharing their colourful blooms with the golden fields expansively stretched on each side of the road home. Oh, yes, I do so Love and appreciate my gorgeous Northern California home.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Why has Summer always been my favourite Season? Could it be the warmer days, spent outdoors? The promise of friends gathering, barbecues, sweet, icy refreshments, lazy poolside fun and galavanting on the beach? Yes, yes, I believe so! And, the fact that my birthday lies smack dab in the middle of the fun certainly helps the cause as well. *giggle* So, my recent excitement at Solstice’s arrival should surprise none. But, it’s also pretty Amazing to me just how many of the ancients celebrated the special time as well.

Many great stones, megaliths, tunnels and monuments have been constructed to honour this specific astronomical moment in time. The celebration of light at its brightest has held great significance for our ancients, for as the Sun warms Mother Earth with His strength and power, Earth is nurtured, and thus able to bring forth Her gifts to us. Whether you call it Solstice (latin for Sun standing still), Litha, Alben Heruin, St. John’s Day, or something else, the joyous solar festival of many names falls upon 21 June and will be the longest day of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the beginning of Summer with it.

Among the many monuments, the Solstice is commemorated in stone at Egypt’s Giza plateau. Can you imagine the ingenuity required to enable the Summer Solstice Sun to set precisely between the two Great Pyramids? The impressive Nazca Lines, a mysterious series of shallow trench designs dug in the Peruvian desert between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, include features aligned with both the Summer and Winter Solstice sunsets. In the Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park near Little Rock, Arkansas, the Solstice Sun sets directly behind a ceremonial mound constructed some thousand years ago by the North American Indians. Thousands of people will gather this year to celebrate the day at Stonehenge, where Sacred stones have been aligned with the Solstice for some 5,000 years.

For me, Midsummer, as its also known, doesn’t just mark the occasion when the Sun proudly reaches its peak strength, allowing Earth Her lush, Beautiful fertility; it is also a celebration of service, sharing and giving our due to the planet. We shall each do our part to prepare for the harvest season, for it is not just an agricultural reward we reap; we, too, shall be harvested. This involves sharing with our community, giving back to those who have helped us, through random acts of kindness, and assisting our fellow soul siblings however we can. It is a sharing of the harvest, and ourselves, in Gratitude for what we were Blessed to have been given.

Sunshine brings strength and inspiration, and Solstice is an excellent time to appreciate the day with some thoughtful solitude about what the next phase of the year will bring. Considered by ancient civilizations to be like our modern-day New Year’s Eve, it was viewed as a time of rebirth and renewal. I shall spend time outdoors, appreciating the new energy, and setting intentions for how I can best serve and bring the energy back around come harvest time. Should this not resonate with you, I hope that you shall at least be inspired to find a way to celebrate the long honoured time in a way which feels best for you. What do you feel inspired to do, Dear Reader?

At the end of last year, I wrote a post about The Ripple Effect in which I shared how my own reflections upon charity, and giving from the heart was being perfectly mirrored by my Beautiful mother’s latest philanthropic effort. She had been reading Greg Mortenson’s book, Three Cups of Tea, which features a remote, humble Pakistani village. As though the true story of Mortenson’s incredible humanitarian efforts to build schools, especially for girls, in the dangerous far reaches of Asia wasn’t motivation enough for an altruist effort of her own, mom’s heart was captured by the dear, sweet children. “It’s so cold there,” she explained to me, “Do you think people would help me make and send them scarves?” I knew that she desired more than providing protection from brutal Winter; she wanted to wrap them in Love. You know I’m right. The Scarf Initiative was born!

The initial response from ‘The Scarf Initiative’, a request mom made on her Gorgeous blog, plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com was a Beautiful thing to witness. She called me and delightedly shared with me that fellow bloggers and BeLoved readers alike were all willing to knit scarves for the Dear Pakistani children. YAY! Shortly thereafter scarves from across the states, Canada, and the United Kingdom began arriving in mom’s postal box! It was very exciting, indeed. However, as I’m sure you can well imagine, there is also a bit of an uphill climb in the logistics behind getting things into remote villages half-way around the World. Yeah, who knew, right?

I listened with admiration as mom worked through just a bit of red tape involved in carrying out this impressive undertaking. For one thing, there is only one way into the village of Askole, which had been chosen as the lucky recipient of this thoughtful project. It’s called the Karakoram Highway and traversing this incredibly narrow road is quite treacherous, and completely impossible during the icy, snowy Winter months. So, even when mom managed to collect two very large boxes of Lovingly knitted and crocheted scarves into Pakistan, she still needed an expert trekker to assist with getting them into Askole and distributing them upon arrival. Ever resourceful, mom found a kind-hearted expedition expert up for the challenge in a man named Nazir Sabir.

Mom knew that she was in great hands with Nazir Sabir, and proceeded with confidence that the scarves would arrive safely at their destination. We sent heart-felt prayers as we waited for word that the scarves had safely arrived. We were so happy when a message was received alerting us that the boxes, which had been sitting in storage in Skardu through the rough, cold months, would finally be driven along Karakoram Highway. More prayers and hopes. Did I mention that it’s the last stop before K2, the second largest mountain in the World?

A couple of days ago, mom had tears rolling down her face as she gazed upon the pictures which arrived via email of the scarves she had collected and shipped being distributed to not one, but two villages so far very away, upon a high mountain top. Wow! Almost one hundred scarves and many gloves and hats, made with Loving intention, sent to the village children. Isn’t it remarkable? I thought once again about the ripple effect of such an undertaking. While it’s impossible to know the full effect of how our actions effect others, I have to imagine that this was an effort which shall continue to pay itself forward in Amazing ways. Just look at the excitement from the children.

As I remarked in a prior post, it’s hard to know of the positive effects one has by sending soft, warm articles of clothing Lovingly handmade with the greatest intentions to a remote village on the other side of the planet, but I’m venturing to guess that the ripples shall continue. Beautiful work, mom! Blessings to you and all who contributed. You’re an inspiration which will hopefully inspire others to think about how they, too, can contribute to our fellow soul siblings. For, even in a simple “hello”, a genuine smile, compliment, or compassionate glance, we can all have Beautiful effects of which we’ll never fully know. How can you help, BeLoveds?

I’m going to share with you, my BeLoved Reader, one of my favourite places to visit in the Mendocino County area in which I’m visiting. While there are many Gorgeous examples of Wondrous Beauty around me to appreciate, it is actually the cemetery where I find my great solace. It is here where I can take a Lovely stroll, feelings of Divine peace and harmony surrounding and dwelling in me. It isn’t necessarily the most extraordinary of cemeteries, but, with the Magnificent mountains sweeping its borders, vineyard to the side of it, and many wildlife visitors and inhabitants, it is a Wonderful place to walk and be.

Upon arrival, one is often greeted by the many deer, who’ll stand on the vast, green expanse of grass at the graveyard’s front entrance. So accustomed to locals, these deer didn’t take much notice of me as they happily grazed.

As one might expect, there are sweet angels watching over the property.

With its many trees, it is often an interesting juxtapositioning of light and dark throughout the grounds. I Love the way the Sun filters in through the tree branches, the cacophony of woodpeckers and chirping squirrels drifting on the frequent breezes.

Oh, ho ho, who’s that over there?

I Love the moss-covered trees throughout the grounds…

Can you see the young deer in the middle of this pic?

Awww! Cuteness! This little squirrel was kind enough to allow me to capture his snack time!

Of course there is also plenty of religious symbology as well; something I always find quite fascinating, admittedly.

Most of the crosses are traditional Christian crosses, like the one below. Also known as the Latin cross or crux ordinaria, it is the most common symbol of Christianity, intended to represent the death of Jesus when he was crucified on the ‘True Cross’ and his resurrection in the New Testament.

While it intuitively seems Latin in design, my research found a few Celtic crosses which resemble the one below, though none as simplified.
Many thanks to anyone who can tell me the name of this cross..

No mistaking this very impressive Latin cross…

On the other side of the graveyard, another family of deer! Oh, yes, it is Spring!

With their red bark, I Love the Manzanita trees! Aren’t they Beautiful?

One of my favourites on the grounds…

Just look at the Spectacular mountains surrounding the area…

A reminder of what matters most… yes, solidarity…

For in the circle of Life, we are all ONE, regardless of when this is recognized.
Thank you, Dear Reader, for sharing with me a place I find very special indeed.
Where have you found unexpected solace?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

It all depends on whether you have things, or they have you.

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time and energy assessing and reassessing the material possessions I’ve chosen to keep in my life. What has true meaning and brings me Joy? What’s worth keeping and what would serve other’s lives through my willingness to let them go? While I understand all too well the reservations one might have for not wanting to go through possessions, reassessing, getting rid of things and clearing the clutter, there are so many excellent reasons for pushing through any resistance you have and doing so anyway. First of all, let’s look at it from an energetic perspective: everything is energy and clutter is low vibrational, stagnant energy which decreases our ability to focus, is stressful and draining. This stuck energy is thus reflected in our personal, and professional lives, negatively affecting our psyche, creativity, and general flow in life. I promise that once you begin getting through any clutter you’ve accumulated, you’ll quickly begin to feel happier and lighter, as you raise the vibration of your surroundings and yourself.

If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes.

Does your outer environment reflect your authentic self? There is a connection between our personal environment and our inner selves. You’re not just going to face your physical stuff, but come to a resolution with your past and incomplete processes. YAY! Good for you for being willing to face those old college papers, remnants of relationships past, and anything else you’ve understandably been hesitant to go through and let go of. You shall no longer be a victim of your possessions and stuck environment. By clearing clutter and removing that which you’ve been hanging onto, you’re putting yourself in the driver’s seat and taking back control of your life.

The old adage ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is so simple and so true. If you have to spend a great deal of time looking for things, you’re wasting time and energy, which will end up in frustration and feelings of irritation. If things are organized and systematized, not only will you feel in a flow, but the results are a better alignment with the principle of prosperity and abundance. There is also a Beautiful flow about completing one’s processes, as you’re continuing to move in a positive forwardly and organic direction, rather than staying stuck in the past. With this flow, you’ll feel better, expend less energy and experience greater harmony within yourself and environment.

One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach.
One can only collect a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.

If all of this hasn’t convinced you to tackle those piles of papers, boxes, or hodge-podgy drawers, then I’ll ask you to do so for the environment and your fellow Soul Siblings. As we’re all connected, your decreased clutter and ease of movement on a day to day level will reflect greater peace throughout. Also, giving Rocks! It’s also very green! Loading up your car with all of the stagnant energy in your environment and taking it to local libraries, or other charities is such a great feeling. As much as I Love books, for example, a recent large donation to a local library brought such a Joyful feeling as I thought of how many people could now enjoy them! Or, sell what you can and reinvest the money into something which makes you happy and adds value to your life. And, when you return to your organized, higher vibrational home, you are going to be Amazed by the wonderful results rippling out from your life into the World at large! Happy clearing, BeLoveds.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

The picture above is of my BeLoved grandparents, both now gone, and was taken not long after they were married. Didn’t he look handsome in his uniform? Last year at this time, I chose to write a piece about the history of Memorial Day. While researching for the post, I could not help but think of my grandfather and his time abroad during World War II. While it seemed a bit odd to me at the time to include him in a Memorial Day post, as he was still alive then, I am so Grateful that I did, as it allowed for me to candidly discuss his wartime with him. Blessed that was, I say now. And, as Memorial day creeps up again, memories of the Beautiful ancestors who’ve come before me have been swimming through my head, and my heart.

My greatgrandmother, Christine Barton, whom I called “Bestamor”, was a very important womyn in my life, and I feel so truly fortunate to have known her as well as I did, and have shared as much dear time with her as I was allowed. She was Awesome! When I was about nine years of age, I used to have sleep overs at her house every Saturday night. We had sweet rituals of eating pizza or hamburgers, then watching the Love Boat together. Wow! It makes me smile so to think back to those times now. She not only allowed for, but encouraged a certain artistic freedom in me, showed me how to balance being a soft, yet strong womyn, and boy oh boy, did she have a green thumb, which I could only hope to emulate.

Antonia and Bestamor

I’ve been thinking a great deal about the way in which those who came before us help to teach us, and shape our lives. They share their wisdom, but this, along with a certain energy, is left behind. And, of course, it is up to us to carry on their legacies as best we can. To take the Love they’ve shared, and energy they’ve left us, and not only allow it to continue assisting us, but also to share it with those we Love who are still among us.

Upon my recent visit to the Botanical gardens, I came across a Gorgeous example of what I am trying to describe. The roots of what must have been a very Beautiful and impressive tree had been left on its side. From the dirt, along one side of this root structure, burst forth new, spectacular life. Even in death lay Glorious Beauty. It is the circle of life, which continues to unfold, ’round and ’round.

This Memorial Day, I shall honour not just those brave men and womyn who have fought for our country, but all those Dearly BeLoved who have come before me, assisting in shaping me, and allowing for the life I have today. For all of you, I give thanks.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I perhaps owe being a painter to flowers.

When my mother asked me to join her on an adventure to the Mendocino Botanical Garden recently, I had no idea it would be a journey so rich in Beauty. I was clear that I was supposed to go, despite my reservations about the distance to get to our destination, albeit a Gorgeous drive over the Mendocino County hills, through the redwood forests, past beaches and coves to the small town of Fort Bragg, CA. Once there, we were greeted by a Lovely pond, seen above, which evoked images of one of my favourite painters. I was immediately very Grateful to be there, although still unaware of the exquisiteness which lay ahead.

The journey through the gardens began in a circular, open area, with small ponds, statues and flowers in bloom; a hint of the tremendous and awe-inspiring wonder upon which we would feast. “I see them!” my mom happily declared upon spying some of the rhododendrons she’d come to photograph. I turned to take in the very large and impressive red and pink flowers, and understood why she had made such a long trip. Do you see, Dear Reader?

The Earth laughs in flowers.

Yes, of course these Amazing trees, standing much taller than I, were extraordinary, but there was something magickal about this place, and I felt drawn into it, anxious to explore the paths to see what lay ahead. I was enraptured by pockets of Beauty all around me.

What could be down this path?

So accustomed to the bright orangey California poppy, I was quite taken with this white variety.

How Sweet are these Five Spots flowers?

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.

Dance along the path with me!

This Lovely pond left me with an overwhelming desire to stay the night, awaiting the potential fairy play. Don’t you see how inviting it would be for them?

Where flowers bloom so does hope.

Isn’t it truly Amazing that someone thought this place up and created it for our pleasure? What a gift!

This gate is so Creative!

View from a bridge.. can you see the stream?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

It was Cinco de Mayo, and I was browsing the internet when a new email appeared in my inbox entitled, “I’m making this”. It was from my Lovely mother, and it was a recipe for Coconut pudding. Sounded good to me! I Love coconut! But, would she? Ohh-ho-ho, the answer to that came shortly thereafter, when I heard the sound of pots and pans coming from the nearby kitchen. “Come and help me,” she called! I didn’t need to be asked twice!

She had already begun the first step, which is to heat the milk on the stove. A note about the milk we used, to which I initially had an aversion, but am now a big fan. It is excellent, fresh local, organic milk, antibiotic, hormone and preservative-free, and comes in glass bottles. My hesitancy wasn’t from its lacking in hormones, as I believe my body makes those just fine on its own, and certainly doesn’t need artificial varieties in my food or any other source. No, my resistance stemmed from the slightly lumpy texture at the top, which mom quickly explained comes from the fresh cream in it. Hmmm, I wasn’t so sure about that. But, she pointed out that even the low fat version had a certain amount of cream and that it was the natural form of milk. I tasted it… she was right! It was Excellent. I highly recommend trying to find this for yourself, Dear Reader.

The rest of the recipe is very easy to follow. The only other recommendation I would make is to read the directions through prior to making it, have ingredients measured, and make certain you beat the whole egg, plus the additional egg white prior to beginning, as one needs to stay put near the stove quite vigilantly for this recipe. I think the pudding is better when served warm. But, either way it is very, very yummy!

COCONUT PUDDING
~ Best served warm from Mexican Light Cooking
____________
2 1/2 cups low fat milk
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup sugar
(if using sweetened coconut, reduce the sugar to 2 Tbsp.)
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
pinch of salt
1 whole large egg, beaten, plus 1 lightly beaten egg white
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In medium saucepan, warm milk over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edges, 3-5 minutes. Add shredded coconut and half the sugar. Remove the pan from the heat and let the coconut steep in the milk 20 minutes. Transfer coconut mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
Combine remaining sugar with cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in coconut puree until well blended then beat in one whole beaten egg plus one lightly beaten egg white. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, whisking, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Let pudding cool slightly for 10 minutes and serve warm, which is traditional in Mexico. Or spoon into serving bowl/bowls and chill. (6 servings)

Mom found this recipe at Joey Randall’s blog

Enjoy, Dear Readers!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

In true Northern California form, it had been raining incessantly for days straight. At the first sign of a break, I thought it an opportune time for an explorative adventure to the lake. With directions in hand, I made a last check of the weather and sky.. hmmm, a lot of clouds, but they were white puffy clouds rather than the ominous-looking ones threatening a down-pour. Yes! Let’s take advantage of this opportunity! I made my way up the mountainside to the picturesque lake.

Nestled between the rolling hills, Lake Mendocino was created from the construction of Coyote Dam, and offers Beautiful sweeping views of the valley. This impressive lake has 1,822 acres of surface area, and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer. On the day I visited, there were a few people fishing from the water’s edge, and a lone boat gently drifting along, but I know people enjoy other nautical activities at the lake, such as water skiing and jet skiing. There are also areas set up for camping and barbecuing.

As I made my way along the paved pathway which lies parallel to the lake, the cacophony from the geese was unavoidable. They were grouped together by the little island in the lake’s middle, and they were very, very vocal! lol A few geese made their way up on land, shaking themselves off and squawking.. hopefully with delight! They seemed to be having fun and it cracked me up. I made my way down a rocky makeshift path to capture the above picture. Can you see them?

I climbed the hillside back up to the path and continued along with my adventure. The mustard caught my eye and I admired the Gorgeous tree in the center of the field. Other hikers made their way past me, as I stood snapping pictures and gazing out at the Amazing, relatively unspoiled landscape. After almost eleven years in Los Angeles, I crave nature, and am very Grateful for both the land below and blue skies above.

There were many buzzards circling about in the sky, and I shall admit that I envy them. What can they see as they drift through the air, high above the mountain tops? It looked like fun to me!

As I was walking back out to my car, I spied this Beautiful clover! Wow! Isn’t it pretty? And, I Love the little purple flowers juxtaposed throughout. Lovely. I thanked the lake, mountains, and active wildlife for offering such a special afternoon escape and headed back home.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

“There’s always something getting between you and your meditation practice, Antonia,” my mother joked with me. I cracked up! Ah, yes. First the squirrel orgy and now the mommy and daddy scrub jays squawking at me! lol Well, I shall not fall into anthropocentric thinking on this one, as I know that, to the jays, I am the uninvited guest in mom’s yard, and that these Beautiful scrub jays are merely protecting their sweet babies from my presence. The babies emerged from their eggs a few days ago, and so, when I stepped outdoors for my morning meditation, I was met by two Lovely scrub jays who perched nearby to where I stood and squawked their disapproval.

“Feed them peanuts,” mom suggested. ooOOoo, that appealed to me! Yes! As the “I’m not here to harm you, only to meditate” Loving energy I had sent them had not been met with the open-hearted nature in which it had been sent, perhaps a contribution to the new family would reassure them. I made my way along the side of the house, fist full of peanuts, and whistled, just as my mom usually does. Yet, they were not convinced, and did not greet me as they would have her. Hmmmm… Perhaps I should just meditate on the front porch.

I made myself comfortable on the front porch, grounded in, and began meditating. Fortunately, I was almost done and was making my way back to this realm when the squawking began again. haha Evidently I was still too close to their nest, as the daddy jay was now sitting in a nearby camellia bush, none too pleased with me. Oh, dear. “I’m sorry! I’m just trying to meditate, not harm your family,” I wanted to explain to him, while respecting his vigilant protective nature. There really is no way to build chi energy faster than outdoor meditation, and as I am most definitely in need of some restorative energy building, I would like for some sort of agreement to be made during my little visit upon the property. However, I also understand that one cannot barge into a new environment and expect to be accepted right away. Some things take time. Perhaps there is a morning walk to the local park in my future!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia