Hitting Send

As I settle back into daily life in California, I cannot help but reflect upon the relationships to which I am returning, as well as the people with whom I just shared over two and a half months in Costa Rica. It was an absolute gift that despite having journeyed to Central America by myself I never felt as though I was alone. Almost immediately I found a few precious friends with whom I had a great deal in common and shared illuminating discussions and adventures. We shared our inspirations, goals, and knowledge, and I was able to learn and grow tremendously. With the ‘Surfer Goddess’ (as I call her) I shared deep discussions about conscious creation, and learned a new level of comfort and greater respect for the ocean. From my herbalist yogini friend I expanded my knowledge of plants, herbs, and foods for healing, and returned to a yoga practice which I had really missed. Another Amazing and clever friend helped to expand my business knowledge, and showed me a level of bravery which has inspired me tremendously. How Blessed indeed to have such Gorgeous modeling in my friendships. After all, the company we keep should be consciously considered, as life is short and it is extremely important that we surround ourselves with those who support living our best life.

I have been meditating upon the people with whom I give my time and attention, asking what they reflect in me, and looking at whether or not they accept me as I am while supporting my growth, a delicate dance. In my post The Beautiful Mirrors I wrote about the gift of friends who enter our lives to reflect both the Beauty and shadows of our inner self. These Amazing mirrors serve to bring greater awareness of self, both in our strengths and our disowned energy which may be needing attention. Taking this a step further, I find it important to look at the energy behind the relationships in my life. Are they respectful and Loving? Do they reflect that which I used to be, or that which I am working towards? Are they people I admire who lift me up, or people who drain my energy and hold me down? While it can be sad to let people go, it is important to do what is for our highest good, and perhaps the season has come to an end. We are influenced by that which with we surround ourselves, so taking stock of relationships can be a healthy practice. Taking care of ourselves in relation to the company we keep does not always mean having to cut people out of our lives entirely. Loving people from afar can sometimes be the best for all concerned, and allow room for new gifts to come into our lives. As people move through, be it for a reason, season, or lifetime, I give thanks for the Blessings they’ve bestow, and wish them all the best in their lives. How do you feel about the company you keep, Dear Readers?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

“Over there is the place to get fish around here,” my friend told me, pointing down a dirt drive along the river’s edge. We’d been walking one of the many Costa Rican river roads one afternoon when she pointed to a house, set back among the palms and lush green jungle which parallels the local river. I actually set the thought of it aside in my mind as I was filled with the Beauty of the walk we’d journeyed, with its small waterfalls cascading along the jungle walls, making their way to join the river below. My mind swam with images of the butterflies dancing along the path with us, and of the gentle lulling sounds of water swirling and birds chirping. The thought of buying fish at the house didn’t occur again until about a month later.

I’d certainly seen the fishermen at the beach pulling fish out of the water’s edge, but didn’t realize it could end up being sold from an out of town casa, nor did I know just how incredibly yummy it would be or I’d have gotten myself to do it sooner. ¿Qual casa vende pescados? I asked a couple of locals as I made my way down the river road on my quest for fresh fish. They pointed it out, and off I set towards it, soon arriving at a house with a large family sitting on the porch together, playing, laughing, and seemingly happy to stop to sell me fish. I bought a kilo (2.2 pounds) which was one of the smaller bags she had of well cleaned and filleted white fish for a mere $6.00. I know. I told you I’d have gone sooner if I’d known better! Adding freshly made pineapple mango salsa is an extra yummy bonus, which you are sure to Love, so I decided to share the scrumptious recipe I made with you, Dear Reader! It is delicious, nutritious, easy to make and perfect for Summertime. It can be blended with many types of fish, from mahi mahi, halibut, to salmon or any white fish. Bake, grill, fry your fish and add tropical salsa goodness! EnJOY!

Pineapple Mango Salsa
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1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed
1 mango, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
3-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2-1 lemon, juiced
1/2-1 lime, juiced
1/2-1 jalapeño, to taste, chopped (or red pepper flakes)
1 Tablespoon ginger, peeled and chopped (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl mix together the pineapple, mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, lemon and lime juice, and jalapeño. Add the ginger, if desired. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate covered. This salsa can be made up to two days in advance.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Since arriving in Costa Rica, I’ve been curious about the expression “Pura Vida” which I saw splashed across billboards, towels, t-shirts and heard often from the locals. While I knew that pura vida translates to “pure life”, I came to understand that the meaning encapsulates a Beautiful mentality of the tico culture. Pura vida is used as a greeting to mean both hello, goodbye, all is good, and even thank you, rather like the Hawaiian “aloha” or the Australian “no worries”, but holds even greater meaning, as it also encompasses the philosophy of living in balance, good spirits, and appreciation of the Beauty of the moment. While contextually it holds other meanings, such as “full of life”, “this is living”, “going great”, “cool” and even “f#ck it” this Lovely expression’s meaning is a mindset which recognizes that life is short and that it’s important to see the good in the grander scheme of life, in appreciation for community and the ability to persevere.

“But where did the expression come from?” I asked repeatedly, “Who started it?” With some research I’ve learned of a couple of theories about the origin of “Pura Vida” as the Costa Rican emblem. Wikipedia and other sources all agree that it began in 1956, some saying that the expression got its start from an exchange between surfers and the locals. According to Jose Melendez, a Costa Rican journalist who has done extensive research on the phrase, the expression arrived when the film Pura Vida arrived in Mexico in 1956. The main character in the film is an eternal optimist who cannot seem to get anything right, but maintains a great attitude of pura vida, the pure life which arrives with a positive mindset and appreciation for the good.

Pura Vida is a mentality of living in a flowing way which allows an appreciation for the Beauty of the moment and the gifts it holds. The expression carries the knowledge that all is in harmony and should be appreciated. As I sat on a Glorious sand beach where the lush greens of the mountains meets the clear blue of sea to watch the Sunset’s orangey glow across the sky I looked up at a local couple walking, “Pura vida,” they said, smiling. It is in these shared moments of Gratitude for the Beauty which makes its way through our lives that real understanding and appreciation for the saying will stay with me for the rest of my one precious, magickal and pure life.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

“Una pipa, por favor,” I say each day at the local fruit stand, as drinking this healthy coconut water has become a part of my daily Costa Rican routine. While delicious, it took me a couple of tries to adjust to the taste of the slightly salty sweet coconut water. I was repeatedly told that I was really missing out by not drinking them, and kept hearing that a pipa a day would keep me healthy. I began researching the opaque juice one finds inside young, green coconuts and was really impressed. It’s one of the most nutritious and wholesome beverages one can find.

Not to be confused with coconut milk, this liquid is found in a young coconut, the juice gradually gives way to the coconut meat as the coconut matures. Coconut water is fat-free, low calorie, full of electrolytes, contains lauric acid, and contains more potassium and less sodium than sports drinks. It also contains natural, unaltered sugar, which the body can readily use. The coconut meat in these young coconuts has a jelly-like consistency, which I like to put in my smoothies. Waste not, right? As it matures, the coconut water becomes the hardened coconut meat with which you are probably familiar, which when pressed is a fat-filled and far less nutritious coconut milk.

The nutritional value of coconut water decreases once exposed to air, so I always request that it be freshly cut. This wholesome beverage is known to build up the immune system, aid in urinary tract health, decrease kidney stones, help with artery pressure thus lowering blood pressure, and wards off fatigue. I’ve also read that it can kill intestinal worms, assists HIV patients, and has many more health benefits. The fact which really amazed me is that coconut water is naturally sterile and is closest to human blood plasma, which is why it is sometimes used in IV’s as a blood transfusion in place of blood plasma. While boxed varieties can be purchased, one can also buy Thai Coconuts (young, coconut water filled) at health food stores and local co-ops to maximize health benefits. I know that coconut water is a tremendous gift, which is why I happily subscribe to, “¡Una pipa al día!”

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Live within the seasons. Eat fresh, local fruits and vegetables in season to get the nutrient rich foods our bodies intrinsically crave. It’s best for us, the environment, our local growers, our planet. As I just made a rather drastic change in location from the long, cold, rainy winter of Northern California to the jungles of Costa Rica, I have found myself asking “What should I be eating?” My neighbour solved the problem for me by suggesting a local organic farm which was delivering foods to her the next day. I happily perused the long list of fruits, veggies and herbs available, some familiar, others a mystery. Too fun!

As I had just been remarking that I’d forgotten to bring a bottle of turmeric with me, I was very happy to find ‘curcumina’ listed among the plentiful foods available from the organic farm. Hey, isn’t that turmeric? A google search proved it to be so, and led to a wealth of information about the root. It looks like a small, orange variety of ginger, and is commonly used in South Asian, Indian, Persian, and Thai dishes. It has a long history throughout the ages as a medicinal plant used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and this antioxidant rich root is commonly used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It’s being researched for its benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal conditions, and other clinical disorders. It has also been valued for centuries as a natural cosmetic and dye, coloring everything from foods to the vibrant saffron robes of Buddhist monks.

The next day a box arrived full of all sorts of fresh goodies. For two days I played in the kitchen with the various foods, most unknown to me. I chose to make lentils and a vegetable curry, both choices based upon the ability to use my turmeric root. First the lentils, which are honestly some of the best I’ve ever made. Next a green curry made from vibrant green basil, fresh coconut milk and a host of intriguing vegetables like hearts of palm, and yuca. ¡Delicioso!

ooOOoo the woman from the farm brought me the most Amazing greens, too! Aren’t they Beautiful? I wish I could let you smell them, Dear Reader! Earthy, with hints of basil and oregano. It’s Fantastic, and I swear I was dreaming of the salads I’d make with them while I slept last night.

Allowing our bodies to eat seasonally is the most natural way to get what we need. I knew that allowing myself to explore new foods in Costa Rica would be a fantastic way to provide healthy sustenance for my body in a fun way. It’s allowing me to get to know the culture, the foods in season, and eat the way Mother Nature intended. What foods could you be utilizing in order to assist self and the whole?

One of the first things I noticed about Costa Rica were the brightly coloured butterflies drifting about the lush green jungle. As the travel van transported me through the windy mountain roads, the sugar cane fields squares standing out against the valley floor behind us, fertile rainforest surrounding us, I couldn’t help but delight in the occasional emerging butterfly. These Beautiful and enchanting creatures have always held a special place in my heart, and I was thrilled to learn of a butterfly sanctuary not far from the village in which I am staying.

My friends and I grabbed our cameras and headed to the local butterfly sanctuary, hoping the rain would hold off long enough to get in some great viewing and pictures. Sure enough, we were Blessed with an abundance of mariposas, as they’re called in spanish, lazily floating about the flourishing plants. There were smaller red ones darting between lavish overgrowth, and more elusive blue-winged Beauties which I tried to capture to no avail. I knew that patience was key, and stayed still, awaiting the opportunity to acquire my perfect shot.

While visiting an enclosed space full of these delicate insects is an Amazing way to see them, and provides many great photos, I am enchanted by the way they flutter by throughout the day. An orange mariposa was flitting about me as I made my way down the street this morning, adding its Loveliness to my day. Little white and yellow butterflies danced along the beach with me when I visited the Gorgeous oceanside yesterday. They make their way through restaurants, cafes, and local shops. That is one of the many gifts this spectacular country has to offer. It’s a Joy to share with you, my Dear Readers, and there will be many more treasures to come, I’m certain.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As near the ocean’s edge as I can go.

As a friend of mine and I both happen to be visitors in Southern California this week, we chose to journey to the ocean together yesterday. According to Google she was a mere 44 minutes south, if I could avoid traffic, and so I set off upon what felt like a synchronistic meeting. I was Grateful to find that driving down the six to seven lane stretches of freeway to Orange County came with the ease of many years of practice, despite its dramatic difference from the curvy back roads of Northern California to which I’ve now become accustomed. I don’t recall having visited Huntington Beach before, but my friend promised it was close and Gorgeous. She was quite right about that and despite overcast skies it was incredibly Beautiful and surprisingly warm. We both craved the ionized, healing breezes as much as the calming and rebalancing waters, and Joyously danced upon the sand upon arrival.

We lay out towels, and quickly made our way to the ocean’s edge, darting back and forth, challenging waves, our laughter carried out to sea. The clear aqua seafoam waves crashed before us, while distant gray skies sat above us, reflecting the unrevealed in our lives. There are always Amazing womyn around me whose processes are similar to my own, and as my friend and I are both Adventuring the unknown, we were able to support each other in the knowledge that with clear goals in mind, we could trust that all works out for our highest good. We presented our goals at the feet of the infinite body of water before us, allowing the desires to drift out into the World, just as we wish for our gifts to pour forth.

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.

While the beach wasn’t crowded, there were many surfers appreciating the waves. We watched as they balanced themselves in the unexpected, a Wonderful example of grace and ease. I have never been surfing before, but I’m told that it’s important to stay balanced in the present moment, not to over think, and to have fun and enJoy the ride. Sounds like pretty right on philosophy to me! I know that the ocean is an incredible gift for which I am appreciative, and that heading there with a friend was twice as nice.

Love and beach Blessings,
Antonia

I fumbled my football analogy twice this week, which serves me right since I do not watch the sport. I tried to use it as encouragement, you see? I wanted to remind dear ones in my life that they are so close to the finish line, that it was not much further now, and express how very proud of them I am. There are times in life when we are Blessed to share in cherished moments with those we Love, the kind of Beautiful occasions which we know will stay in our memory banks for a lifetime. I have been graced this week to watch a few beLoveds in my life arrive at benchmark stages in their life with courage and grace. Two women in my life are coming to the end of creational processes each spanning the past two decades! Amazing! Another girlfriend makes her way towards an important birthday, while also moving towards her dreams. And, a sweet friend and I both pack our belongings this week, saying goodbye to our homes, and preparing for new ones to arrive. All of us are leaping through fears of a substantial magnitude at the same time. How great is that? It feels like quite the synchronistic gift.

While in a free fall of trust, I find it important to remind myself to stay in the present moment, which is the true point of power where intuition and guidance arrives just as needed if we’re willing to listen. It was from this place that I was guided to visit my mother a couple of mornings ago. Upon my arrival I discovered that she was editing her book, Plant Whatever Brings You Joy, and needed an extra set of eyes to assist in the process. Sitting down at the table to read her Beautifully written book together, sharing in her Amazing birthing, which I promise is an incredible gift to the World, will always be etched in my memory as one of the dearest I’ve known. I was honoured to share in the completion of the momentous occasion, and am so proud of her, there are no words. Thank you. Thank you, for such a precious moment.

There are always those times in life when we must surrender and let go of something in our lives in order to allow ourselves to embrace the new. It is such an interesting yoga, isn’t it? With a Loving heart, we trust that we have done our best in the process, allowing chapters to come to a close, releasing it into the Universe. For each of us these dear times are allowing for different types of releases, but the completion allows for Beautiful new gifts to unfold as we move into a different stage. These touchstones mark important work done, and serve as the chapters which weave together the stories of our lives. I am thankful to bear witness to these poignant moments in the lives of those I Love, whom I remind that it really is not much further now, we are so close, and I am so appreciative to share in your magnificent achievements. Congratulations, and many Blessings upon the next.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

About her poem Oriah Mountain Dreamer wrote, ” “The Invitation” is about finding what we need-the inspiration, the intimacy, the courage and the commitment to live fully, every day.” I am Grateful that she generously granted me permission to share her Beautiful piece. Many thanks, and Blessings.

The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your
fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after a night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

by Oriah from her book THE INVITATION (c) 1999. Published by HarperONE,
San Francisco. All rights reserved. Presented with permission of the
author. www.oriah.org

With Love & Gratitude,
Antonia

As the rare collection of Iris plants residing on the property began bursting forth into spectacular blossom, I grabbed my camera in an attempt to capture their Beauty. There are about three hundred species of Iris in the World, many of which are natural hybrids. They take their name from the Greek word for a rainbow, due to the vast variety of colours in which they bloom. Most of those I was fortunate enough to capture blend creams and purples, though there was also a Lovely yellow variety, and the white “Ring Around the Rosie’ flowers were sharing their remarkable grace.

Ring Around the Rosie

I’m told they need to dry out very thoroughly between waterings, as they do not do well sitting in moist dirt. Unlike the rich dirt in which one would Loving place their tomato plants, the Iris plants prefer to be in sandy dirt which can dry quickly. They also need regular pruning, as the paper-like covering around the blossoms can be peeled back to reveal a second bud waiting beneath. They flower twice yearly, but the blooms tend to be fleeting Beauties. Another reason I was Grateful to capture their elegant charm to share with you, Dear Reader.

Tahitian Dream

The shape of the Iris allows for a special relationship with pollinating insects, its outer petals forming a perfect landing pad for flying insects. This also allows an opening for access to the nectar, showing the mutually helpful exchange between bug and flower. It also makes the Iris a Gorgeous addition to one’s garden and home.

Drama Queen

Secret Service

Panama Hattie

Love and Beauty Blessings,
Antonia