“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

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

Leap and the net will appear.

I watched one of the Beautiful womyn in my life take an Amazing leap of faith this week. She’s not alone, as she’s joined by a few brave souls who have surpassed their desires to stop at the edge, toes sticking over the unknown abyss. Bearing witness to these courageous acts of stepping through fears to follow the heart’s inner calling is an honour and incredibly inspiring.

Most of our obstacles would melt away if…we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.

One has to let go to make room to embrace the new, even if it’s ‘only’ fear that we’re releasing. When one of the womyn confided that it was a little scary, I replied, “It’s supposed to be.” She burst out laughing, which I expected from her, and have found to be an Excellent way to disperse fear. It wouldn’t be a leap of faith if there weren’t at least a few fears to hurdle and faith required, right? But, once the dream has been heard and the decision to act on the desire made, what we set into motion through our advancements are far stronger than any fears which could hold us back. Surrendering to the free fall, intimidation is left behind on that cliff’s ledge.

Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.

Ultimately, we have to trust our inner guidance system to guide us through, knowing that the Universe will support us as we move towards our dreams. We have within us the ability to push through the daunting voices and emotions which stand between where we are, and our ability to live up to the fullest expression of who we are. We can also prevail as we encounter the many tasks to perform in order to bring the goal into manifestation. Keep moving forward, allowing it to be as easy and flowing as possible. Sitting on our own gifts does not serve ourselves or others. We’re here to fly! Bravo to the Wonderful, bold womyn in my life for taking a leap of faith towards their true callings! I applaud you and wish you the most Joy~full, abundant Blessings.

Love and Leaping Blessings,
Antonia

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it..

Life is what we make it, a mirror reflecting from the inside out, our attitudes the view through which things materialize. I believe that life is Beautiful, each moment an opportunity and Gorgeous gift. It is for that reason that I began to capitalize words, typically adjectives or nouns, which remind me of the Glorious nature of life and my Gratitude for living. Love is always capitalized in my World! Well, as often as I can get away with doing so anyway. I like to remind myself and others to put the Joy back in enJoying each precious step of this Amazing adventure. While words which disparage or belittle are known as pejoratives, words which express praise, or have a positive effect are known as laudatives or approbatives. Enthusiastic words and actions which share inspiring energy should have a term, and those words which can remind us to stay uplifted in the challenging times, I think, deserve to be capitalized occasionally.

I Love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

Being in Nature is an Incredible opportunity to get closer to God/Goddess/Source energy, and by breathing in the sights and sounds we allow for an unfolding of life’s mysteries through which we can hear what our internal guidance system is wishing to share with us. Mother Nature, Nature, Earth, Sun and Moon all contribute such Loving energy into our lives, whether we accept consciously or not. Shouldn’t they be capitalized too? It’s an Awe~some miracle to bear witness to the Magnificent magick of Spring’s renewal, as plants and trees burst forth in new buds overnight. Much can be learned from the forests, lakes, streams, trees, plants, flowers and the Joy~full energy which abounds therein. It’s hard for me to believe that our life-giving Planet should not be given an upper-case status.

All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.

As life mirrors our thinking, I consciously choose to accentuate the Wonderful positives. When we are enthusiastic, seeing the Beauty of what is, we transform challenging situations and bring greater awareness to the Wondrous moment. Through us, this Dazzling energy is shared with those around us, allowing for a rippling out of positivity. Love life and share Joy with yourself and those around you, my BeLoved reader. Watch how it deeply enriches all. At least, that’s the view through my lens, and why I chose to start capitalizing my laudatives! What words would you capitalize?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

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