Hitting Send

The cool, purple flourite ball was the only thing in the store which called to me, and I knew I had to have it. I made another circle ‘round the shop again to be certain there was nothing being overlooked, a little something tucked here or there which might shift its energy towards me, grabbing my attention and proclaiming its rightful place in my home. I edged along the bookshelf, admiring their excellent collection, but finding nothing which spoke directly to me. I stood for a while over a table covered with baskets of glittering semiprecious stones, and Beautifully handmade crafts, but none seemed right for this particular moment. It became quite obvious that I’d quickly found the reason for entering the store, and I was excited to purchase my round piece of flourite, unaware of the lesson it would soon share with me.

As there were already customers completing transactions by the register, I pondered the semiprecious stone in my hand. Formerly known as Fluorspar, it’s understandable why the ancient Egyptians used Flourite to carve statues and scarabs, and why it remains one of the most popular stones with collectors. With its Magnificient array of colours, I’ve always been fond of Rainbow Flourite with its mixed bands of deep purple and fluorescent blues, aquamarines, greens and yellows. Knowing the owners of the store, I greeted them both as one took my purchase. Now, without any blame, my crystal did end up on the floor, cracking and breaking into two pieces. At first the surprise kept me a bit mute, but I opted to keep the stone, and departed the store a bit bewildered. There was a voice inside of me saying, “Did my Stone of Discernment just break? Shouldn’t I be concerned about that??” But, when I stopped to look at the Beautiful crystal in my hand, I saw a Wonderful reminder, and knew it was supposed to be with me.

It was not until the flourite ball was cracked open that it could share the depths of its true Beauty, for now not only can one see the magnificence of its cool, smooth purple exterior, but also the deep blues and fertile green which glows inside of it. ooOOoo yes, I see. For in the dropping and breaking, the stone had revealed even more of its Beauty to me. And, so it is.

Love and Blessings,

Antonia

It was just over two years and ninety-nine posts ago when I declared aloud, “I want a blog called ‘Hittingsend’; and, so it was. I had been following two passions of mine, research and writing, and wished to share both with like-minded people. Always true to my multi-faceted nature, I was soon juxtaposing a post on ‘rockin’ the Foo’ with a post about why and how one should meditate. Whether I write about my musings upon lessons learned in this circle of life and beyond, my Gratitude for the gift of being in nature, or my Love for Tattoos, the view through my lens hopefully is infused with my passionate Love and appreciation for life. It is a gift for which I am Grateful, and I try to compliment it with images which also uplift and inspire.

Thank you so much to my BeLoved readers, whose visits and kind words touch my heart and inspire me to continue researching, writing and sharing the view through my lens. I am especially Grateful to my Beautiful mother, who has Lovingly shared in everything I’ve written. How lucky am I? Yes, Blessed, indeed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

As another calendar year comes to an end, Mother Earth rests in the contentment of work well done, and silently renews in preparation for the Spring magick of rebirth. There is Beauty before us, and Beauty behind us. I have been utilizing this introspective energy to not only give thanks for the gifts to come, but also to reflect back upon my successes of the year, acknowledging myself for what I did right and the lessons I learned. Success breeds success, and it is important to celebrate both our big and small accomplishments. Last year I asked my BeLoved Readers, “What were your Gold Star moments?” It’s time to Celebrate our successes again! YAY! Acknowledging your achievements, or Self Gratitude, is a powerful exercise which is fun and often fuels creative energy which can flow into new ventures of which you can be proud!

I invite you to look back upon the year and notice the smaller steps which led to your greater achievements. What have you done which made you proud of yourself? Appreciating yourself is a form of self respect, instilling confidence and trust in your own abilities. Do you see how this could not only be a healthy, fun activity, but also one which would strengthen the place from which you can Create/Creatrix what you want in the new year? Yes, you should be proud of yourself! Look what you did, the learning which took place.. you did that for yourself! Bring awareness to that which you created in your life, be impressed with your abilities, and acknowledge yourself for your Gold Star moments.

Here are some of my achievements this year:

1. While I acknowledged last year that I am “both a delicate flower, who is also a strong womyn”, I have come to realize that I am both less fragile and stronger than I thought. By gently pushing through my comfort zones, I have grown stronger physically and emotionally this year.

2. True to my nomadic nature, I moved quite a few times this year. Along the journey I sought a physical home outside of myself, only to realize that home was within me all along. I am a nomadic global citizen, at home wherever I am.

3. I have been truly Blessed with many new friends/connections in my life this year. They are strong, intelligent, big-hearted, generous and Beautiful souls with ties which bind us in mutual healing and personal growth. For this Amazing support network, I am so Grateful.

4. Pushing through another level of comfort, I was able to connect my passion for music and Love for my soul siblings with my new radio show “From the Heart with EdenSol”, another Wonderful accomplishment of which I am proud.

5. Once again, I have listed my successes on the www! YAY, ME! *giggle*

Congratulations, Dear Reader, on another year! What achievements are you proud of?

Love and Successful Blessings,
Antonia

As the darker half of the year begins, Samhain, or ‘The Celtic New Year’ has just occurred on the 31 of October, and it is feeling like a new year has begun for myself and many I know. Are you or those you Love also feeling this way? I feel as though I am standing at a sort of crossroads, where important chapters in my life are coming to an end while new roads are forming. There’s both an introspective observance of what has been, blended with an excitement of what is to come. I, and many I know, are moving towards a higher purpose, led by that which has meaning and makes our hearts dance. I’m proud of myself and my friends as we release that which no longer holds meaning, and move towards a greater good.

For those of us in transition, the work is not completed, but continues to move into new directions, fueled by following our passions. As we extend positive energy, we are attracting new people, places, and things, which come into position so we can accomplish our goals. It’s so important that we know where we’re going on this next journey. Do you know where you want to be next? Can you feel what it’ll feel like to be there? If so, keep that feeling alive as you take actions to manifest these dreams.

Some are having difficulty bringing clarity to the actual form for the next chapter. There’s a clear knowledge that they no longer wish to be where they are, whether this relates to a home, job, or something else no longer serving them in their lives. Many also have a vague concept of what they wish to replace it with, but not enough clarity allowing definitive action. I know this can bring forth feelings of frustration. Not finding the perfect job, home, partnership, etc. when an antsy desire is present is not an easy yoga. Hang in there, stay grounded, trust and watch for the signs. When walking the land of grey clouds, it is best to wait for clarity. Know that it will come soon.

We are always welcome to new beginnings from where we are in life, and if you are ready to make changes in your life, start by focusing upon that which you do know you want, Love the questions keeping you from the other side, and trust that it all comes together Beautifully and in Perfect Timing. We get what we expect in life, and you deserve the very best. Imagine your best life, follow your passions, set intentions, feel it, and then bring it into being as the powerful creator/creatrix you are! You can do it! I believe in you.

Love and Crossroads Blessings,
Antonia

Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.

Just as there is a natural ebb and flow to life, so too is there a continuous flow of various people who serve as important mirrors in our lives. I give thanks for these Blessed gifts, who so Beautifully reflect myself back to me, the magnificence, strength, positivity, passion and compassion in me, the cycle of growth in my life, and also my shadows, the disowned self, where I could make some improvements. I’ve watched as people come into my life, their stories so similar to mine, we’re both blown away by the synchronicity. We assist each other in our current processes, then, more often than not, part ways with Loving appreciation for the lessons, support and time shared. I’ve learned to detach from the outcome of the details, trusting that the ebb and flow of our sharing shall all be in perfect time.

Friends are the mirror reflecting the truth of who we are.

I have been very Grateful for the presence of a few incredibly Beautiful womyn in my life of late. They are strong, intelligent, big-hearted, generous and Beautiful souls with ties that bind us in mutual healing and personal growth. They arrived both in person and on the internet, an acquaintanceship blossomed suddenly into an Amazing connection, or a new meeting became an immediate alliance. We share, laugh, cry, support, nudge, and even push, acting as important mirrors. We impart wisdom and share tools. They are Loving and inspiring, reflecting the commitment I’ve made to authenticity, happiness and living my best life. They are so important to me, and I am Grateful for their presence.

The best mirror is an old friend.

Sometimes, these mirrors depart from my life, only to return again at a later date, once again reflecting the choices made, and how those choices altered the course of our existence. A couple of BeLoved friends returned recently simply to thank me, then disappeared again. Awwwwe! I Love them so much, and they brought joy into my life when we shared stories, assisting each other in healing processes and personal development. One friend felt it important to write and share with me that I would never be forgotten. The sentiments are mutual. I wish all of the Beautiful mirrors many Blessings on their continued paths, and would welcome their return into my life. I also know that the gifts we gave each other have circled ’round, and shan’t be again.

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face.

Sometimes people arrive to reflect a disowned energy we need to embrace, other times we find people who reflect our growth, all are mirrors in our lives acting as important teachers. Their presence can be a short lived journey through a bank line, or a treasured lifetime friendship. How we feel about them often reflects how we feel about the parts of ourselves reflected by them, and in this awareness, growth can occur. What an amazing gift! The only constant is change, so as people show us where we’ve developed, and where stagnation has occurred, we can continue to move forward along the path in greater awareness of self. How have people in your life been Beautiful mirrors to you, Dear Reader?

When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities.

It was impossible to ignore the perfect and synchronistic timing. I looked over my mug of tea in awe as my friend detailed her upcoming journey south, the dates of which perfectly mirrored the trip I’d been planning, but hadn’t yet solidified. Clearly there was another plan for how I was to make the trek to Los Angeles for my close girlfriend’s wedding, and it was presenting itself in such a Wonderful form. A local friend just happened to be heading to Santa Barbara for her high school reunion, and welcomed me in her car for the ride down the Beautiful California coastline and back. Awesome!

Under the cover of darkness, hours before the sun would make its appearance, we set out on our auspicious journey south. Bundled against the crisp mountain air, I admired the blanket of stars one last time before we traversed the winding hillsides of wine country. Off we set, three womyn (a blonde, brunette and redhead) and three dogs (also blonde, brunette and redheaded) excited and adventurous energy surging. We all knew that it was an important road trip, each for our own reasons, and we allowed it to unfold with a Beautiful ease and flow. We chatted, laughed and enJoyed as the golden rolling hills and sensuously sweeping fertile green vineyards gave way to more industrial lands.

After fifteen hours of adventuring I found myself on my BeLoved girlfriend’s doorstep in Los Angeles. She had perfectly orchestrated accommodations at her place, and a ride the following morning to get me up to Idyllwild, where the wedding would take place. It felt really interesting to be back in the city of angels with its many palm trees and frenetic energy which seems to be going everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. The drive up the boulder-laden mountainsides was incredibly Beautiful, and I clicked the photo seen at the top of this post as we climbed to 6,000 feet.

Finally we arrived at the above cabin, where preparations were underway for the main event. I was ecstatic to see both the bride and groom, and joyous to be there to bear witness to their joining as man and wife. Very, very special, indeed. An interesting juxtaposition of family, many of whom had pushed their own comfort zones to travel from Tennessee, and creative industry friends from LaLa. Seemingly an odd combo, it was actually very Lovely, and a whole lot of fun!

I cried happy tears as my Gorgeous girlfriend walked down the aisle to a piece written for her by the groom. I wasn’t alone in the tears. It was incredibly Beautiful, watching these Amazing friends sharing their Love under the full Moon. And, once the Sun had set and celebrations were under way, I glimpsed the shining light through the clouds and thought I saw a heart. Do you see it too, Dear Reader?

The views from this magickal mountaintop are breathtaking, and I coined the above ledge ‘the end of the world’, for it really does have an enchanting feel. I snapped the above photo just prior to the return home. Another Glorious trip back up my BeLoved state, and a journey which will always hold an important place in my heart. I wouldn’t have missed it for the World; and, fortunately, the Universe aligned perfectly so I wouldn’t have to. Thank you. I am so Grateful.

Love and Synchronistic Blessings,
Antonia

“Perfect Timing,” my childhood friend said to me, smile upon her face. For me, these words have become a daily reassurance and mirror, which I hear at least once a day, and are uttered by people who have no idea of their significance. It was about sixteen months ago that I decided to consciously move myself to “Perfect Timing, California”, which cannot be found upon any map, but is a Wonderful place to reside! hehe If you follow me on Myspace or Twitter, you probably know that I live in Perfect Timing, having chosen to move away from my beLoved “Under a Palm Tree, California”; which was really nice while it lasted, but doesn’t quite have the same Beautiful flow.

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.

I know some of my readers say that time is an illusion, and I tend to agree, to an extent. In any case, let us set that aside and work within the confines of the structure we’ve collectively agreed upon. My Perfect Timing isn’t so much about clocks or calendars, it’s more of an energetic flow, being open to synchronicity, which allows me to trust that I will be in the right place at the right time. I highly recommend it, too! It’s pretty amazing to have so many people reflecting it back to me, “Oh, hey, Antonia, Perfect Timing!”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

Yes, illusion or not, time is limited in this circle of life, and I am choosing to come from a grounded and centered place of trust. Trusting that all is as it should be is very important in Perfect Timing. Over the past weekend I found myself getting a touch stressed, so I went outside and closed my eyes, grounded into Mother Earth and asked my intuition to assist me in smoothly moving from where I was to where I wanted to be. I proceeded to follow my guidance, which led me down the street, where I ran into a friend who had wished to connect with me, then ran into a client who wished to book some time with me. There was such an Amazing ease to my synchronistic afternoon, and I was most certainly in Perfect Time with my goals. How Awesome is that?

The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.

If you are aware of your dreams, and have your heart-centered goals set, moving yourself into the right timing and ability to trust in things coming together perfectly for you is an Amazing gift. So, firstly, trust. Secondly, when opportunities present themselves, be ready to act upon them. Stay open to the gifts, because they can arrive a bit disguised, or look slightly different from how we’ve pictured it. But, the opportunities will present themselves; so if it feels right and is in keeping for you, move forward with grace and watch the Beauty unfold. Oh, and be prepared to have people happily exclaim, “Hey, Perfect Timing!”

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.

I’ve been hiking around the local Northern California mountains, and I cannot help but notice that I always end up taking varying paths. There are so many of them, I’ve often found myself stopped along the mountain’s Glorious side, gray melding into greens and golds, staring down at two sets of worn pathways through the plethora of Beautiful trees wondering to myself which one to journey. I looked at a doe grazing along the edges, who seemed unconcerned by my presence, or ability to find my way. Which road did I take up? Fortunately this is a popular mountainside, and despite the many ways to traverse it, there’s no real threat of getting lost. I’m certain that I’ve never taken the same roads up and back, yet, I always find myself safely in the same parking lot at the bottom by the end. I smile to myself and think of the metaphor reflecting the many roads before us in life, and how we choose which to travel.

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be — because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things that you want to do.

Many of us are going through some major life path changes right now. How can we know which paths are the right ones? Which of the many options will lead us towards a better outcome? If we stop and reflect, the signposts lie within our bodies, life and relationships. I have learned that things are not always as they seem, and that we all have very different routes to take to accomplish what we set out to do in this lifetime. It is only ourselves that can judge if the path we’re on is the right one. But, when we’re doing what we set out to do and following our true course, life goes far more smoothly, and the bumps are far more manageable. If we’re constantly frustrated, in despair, or have a nagging feeling of uselessness, then we’re probably not on the right life path. Life is far too short to be wasted away by living from a fearful place, holding back from our real dreams and goals.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.

How do we move from where we are to where we want to be? Setting clear goals of that which we wish to accomplish and moving towards them every day, we can proactively work towards success. I really believe that answers lie within, and trusting inner guidance along the way is very important. By staying grounded, centered and in the moment, where the real power lies, we can hear the wisdom within as we are guided in the right directions to take. Asking for support from friends and family can also be helpful, for they too, want to see us living our best life. It’s so important that the path we choose is that which makes our heart sing and spirit soar, brings joy and makes us happy, for that is not only why we are here, but also lets us know that we are, indeed, journeying the right path. You deserve the best life you can lead, and I wish you Blessings on the journey which will take you there.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Make new friends
but keep the old
one is silver
and the other gold.
~Traditional Girl Scout Song~

I remember singing those lyrics when I was an elementary school student at Waldorf school. It’s true, too. Our treasured friends, old and new alike, are such a gift. It’s also a very apropos song for my recent birthday party, which blended some very dear friends I have known for most of my life, with more recently acquired gems. How Lovely and Blessed, I thought to myself on Sunday, as I sat in the living room, admiring those in attendance.

For the week leading up to this year’s birthday, I had been thinking about my fifth birthday and the two cakes I had that year. As I looked around the party this weekend, I realized that a few people had been in attendance at that fifth birthday. “Do you remember the two birthday cakes at my fifth birthday?” I asked them, not actually expecting them to recall the desserts, but enjoying the possibility, “One was purple, with blackberries around its edges; the other had candy corns adorning it!” I looked around the room and pointed to a few of my oldest friends, “You were there,” I delighted, “And, so were you!” I told another, huge smile upon my face. I mean really, Dear Readers, how special is that? Very, very, indeed. Others in the room were pretty Amazed by this, as well, for honouring our old friendships is a special pleasure, which most can appreciate. I am so lucky that they are still in my life, and that they were once again able to share in the celebration of another journey ‘round the Sun for me in this lifetime. It means a lot to me.

I also had such fun spending time with some of the newer friends in my life, as I have not been in this location for long, and meeting new people is always such a Gorgeous process. Sharing in commonalities, I giggled my way through an outrageous conversation with a relatively new friendship. We were clearly comfortable with each other, and had a really good time playfully joking together. I was so Grateful for her, and the exchange we had. Then, I enjoyed some time spent in a more spiritual conversation, with another Beautiful new friend with whom I also have a great deal in common, but a very different kind of mutual admiration. Awesome!

I tend to agree that when we connect with people, it’s for a reason, season or lifetime, and it is always so interesting to me to watch how different connections play out. I am very Grateful for the deeply respectful relationships in my life, and the Blessings each connection brings in its own way. Good times along the road of life, where different faces can come and go; one is silver and the other gold. All a Wonderful gift. Thank you, Dear Ones, for sharing with me this circle of life. You are so appreciated!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

Admittedly, I do an interesting job of bouncing back and forth between mostly not caring much about how I’m being perceived by others, and sometimes caring very deeply. It’s such an interesting dance, or rather, a battle, which takes place mostly within our own minds, right? Worrying if the person sitting across from us is judging; questioning how what we say, do, and look like will be perceived by everyone from the stranger in line at the grocery store, to our family members. But, if they’re looking to fault us, they’ll find a way, right? Does it really matter? The strangers whose paths we cross are probably not going to remember us. I’ve often heard it said that others are not thinking about us nearly as much as we think. I’m certain that’s true. And, if we’re busy thinking in our own minds about how we’re being perceived, then we’re leaving little time for judgment of those around us. Sounds like quite a waste of life and energy, if you ask me. Wouldn’t it be better to make peace with ourselves, and let the rest go?

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Perhaps it’s because I’ve always been the ‘new kid’, that hippie chick, with the waist-length hair, who came from a strange foreign land, which enabled me to come to a certain peace with the fact that I’d never really fit in, and thus it was better to just be myself. Other than my first three consecutive years in Holland, I was never at the same school for longer than two years. That changed in high school, but, by then I was content not to fit into any one mold, and happily made friends with a variety of people, never a part of any one clique, a gift in and of itself. I enjoyed being my own person, who leaned more towards the artsy side, but could adapt to almost any of the groups, thus shedding a great deal of the angsty teen perceptions game. This has assisted me a great deal in later life, as well, as I can blend into a variety of atmospheres comfortably.

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.

It’s not that I’m advocating for ill behavior, or blase thoughtlessness when I say that we shouldn’t care so much about what others think. I’m saying that as long as we do our best, we shouldn’t let what occurs in other’s minds affect how we think or behave. I know this is an interesting yoga, as we must adhere to societal norms to a certain extent, whether we’re blending into a work environment, trying to make guests comfortable in our home, tip-toeing as a guest in another’s home, or just out and about in our communities. I’m not asking you to set aside your manners, obviously. I’m asking you to stay true to your authentic self, speak your own truth, and stand up for who you are, as no matter what happens in the world, or how the players around you change, you are still you. Don’t abandon your inner self to paint a picture for another; be the most perfect version of your special and Beautiful self.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Let’s be honest here. What you think of me is really none of my business, so why should I allow it to alter me, or my own perception of self? I know who I am and Love me, faults and all! *giggle* People come in and out of our lives, and I have chosen to surround myself with people who Love and accept me for my true self. They still expect the best of me, but do not require that I shape myself into a mold or fit pictures of who or what I should be. Not compromising ’self’ is a true Blessing, and I highly recommend it. Life is far too short to limit or hold back on who we are and the gifts we came to share. We’re all different, and meant to be that way. This is the one chance to be the unique individual you really are, so be bold, be Beautiful you! I dare ya!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia