Hitting Send

Start wherever you are and start small.

~Rita Baily~

As we still the mind, the heart speaks of dreams wishing to be fulfilled, allowing us to strive for a greater good and grow with the continuous flow of life. But, how can we best achieve this? In a recent post I wrote about Standing at the Crossroads, and the process of letting go of what is no longer working in our lives, while embracing the new. The desire to simply leap across the divide between where we are now and the dreams of where we wish to be can be so great! But, the best route is to take slow, steady steps towards the goal. There can be many different types of obstacles which keep us from moving with consistent determination towards our goals, but by giving ourselves permission to proceed in gentle “baby steps” we can get there realistically and compassionately.

Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Nature does a remarkable job of patiently getting everything accomplished in slow, gentle steps. If we try to move too quickly, we risk procrastination, frustrations, or some form of burn out which will more than likely stagnate the process. Making life changes and following dreams takes a great deal of courage. By implementing small changes, allowing for the unfolding and reassessments along the way, we can evolve as nature herself does, patiently and successfully. In a recent conversation with Career Coach Tarra Christoff, she said that she calls this process “turtle steps” and reminded me of the Aesop fable about The Tortoise and the Hare. The slow moving tortoise challenges and beats the fast moving hare in a race, because, as the moral states: “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.

~Indira Gandhi~

With the goal firmly in mind, we shall move forward in more easily achievable steps, thus increasing the likelihood of arriving at the finish line. You deserve to have your dreams realized! I find it helpful to think of myself as the deeply rooted tree by the flowing river; I stay grounded and focused, yet flowing, trusting in the process while making it happen. Taking manageable steps in a disciplined manner can lead to big results. Nudge yourself along, stopping to celebrate the successes along the way. As Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” What can you do today to move yourself toward your goals?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

When I awakened this morning, I was greeted by the sound of birds chirping, the Sun’s warm rays stretching through the tree branches, light playing off the moisture still dripping from the prior night’s rain. I sat in silent morning meditation, bundled against the crisp morning air, the Sun warming my brow as it rose higher in the bright blue sky. There was a special Beauty about the Fall day, perhaps brought about by the fresh post-rain air, and I felt compelled to grab my camera and take myself upon an Artist’s Date! What a Wonderful way to fill the Creative well, and enJoy the Gorgeous day! And, it is phenomenally Beautiful around here.

Just look at these colours! Isn’t it Fantastic?!

See the vivid green of the moss juxtaposed with gold, orange and red leaves?

I fell in Love with these orange berries!

Dreamy golden Autumn Beauty

Rain-kissed roses in November are a special gift

Blissful Beauty Abounds

The vineyards in Autumn are breathtaking!

Lastly, my favourite bright red stands out across mountaintops

The Artist’s Date is a conscious choice to set aside time for an excursion during which your inner child gets to play. I know it can be challenging to take extra time for play, but it is so worthwhile. After my adventure I felt relaxed, yet energized. It was such fun! Exploring the community, seeing the Beauty with different eyes, and exploring new paths is a great way to expand self and gain new perspective. I highly recommend some creative time with yourself, just for you! We are Creative beings, and by setting aside the everyday we can allow expression at deeper levels. Jump, sing, laugh, dance, imagine and play! You deserve it, and will appreciate the rewards it brings. How could you cultivate your creativity, Dear Reader?

Love and Playful 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.

~Alexander Smith~

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.

~Unknown~

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.

~George Herbert~

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.

~William M. Thackeray~

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.

~Deepak Chopra~

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.

~Albert Einstein~

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.

~Steve Jobs~

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.

~Ray Kroc~

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

Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.

~William Wordsworth~

As I made my morning climb up the Glorious local mountainside recently, I could not deny the approach of season’s change, evident in the gold, orange and red colours emerging throughout the trees and landscape. Wow! In all honesty, after almost eleven years in Los Angeles, I have craved real seasons, which one must forego in lieu of near year-round sunshine. As I am now surrounded by the Beautiful Northern California orchards brimming with apples and pears, and vast stretches of vineyards, I am suddenly keenly aware of harvest in a renewed way. It’s quite Lovely!

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

~Elizabeth Lawrence~

Though it will be another 100 degree day here today, it is Autumnal Equinox/Mabon, and the beginning of Fall for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the religious significance of which I covered quite thoroughly in a post last year. There is a drawing in of energy which occurs as harvest approaches, and with it the cooler months of the year. This is a time of thanks giving for the Blessed gifts bestowed upon us. Remember all of those seeds we’ve planted, both internally and externally? Yes, they’re forming into Magnificent gifts, BeLoveds! YAY!

Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.

~Faith Baldwin~

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

~John Muir~

It’s time to create a receptive environment so that our harvest can be successful, staying open to the gifts being brought forth. This occurs both within and in the outer world. I am continuing to stay grounded into Mother Earth, to whom we give thanks, climbing the mountains and getting outdoor time while it is still possible. It really helps a lot to stay connected with nature, and I highly encourage it.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.

~Emily Bronte~

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky…

~Percy Shelley~

As we reap the fruits of both our labour and life lessons, we can Gratefully and Joyously celebrate the crops and experiences this year has shared with us. We also give thanks and joyous remembrance to the ancestors who have come before us, honouring the time and energy they gave to our growth and development. As all is a circle, the winding down also marks new beginnings, so continue to look forward to the next Amazing chapter! For now, I wish you a most Blessed Autumn, filled with health, harmony, Love and abundance.

Autumn
by Abhinabha Tangerman

O season of ripe beauty, you I greet!
Whose heart is love’s calm wisdom at its throbbing core;
Your deep hues and myriad colors make the soul’s wings beat
And lift a lover like me to your ambrosial shore.
Through you Nature weeps its precious golden tears,
In you a mortal eye could glimpse its native Immortality,
O endless fount of inspiration to the poet-seers
To be bound by your embrace is to be truly free!
A glad earth bathes in your benign and lustrous smile
And man’s heart thrills with an unknown rapture and delight
By your whispers and footfalls and flute-call beguiled,
An ancient kinship links him to your celestial height.
A brimming of golden sweetness in your dreaming eyes
Fills the world with the beauty of a realm divine,
The sun’s last rays serenely trickle from your purple skies:
I send my love and song and call your blessings mine.

Love and Autumnal Blessings,
Antonia

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.

~Oscar Wilde~

I’m going to tell you a secret! Shhhh… just between us, okay? I don’t even remember who told me to do it, but she (yes, it was definitely a female) said it would feel awkward at first.. and, she was right. However, I am very grateful that I began and kept up with the practice, as it has improved my life from the inside out; which is the order of things, our being the creators/creatrix’s of our lives. “Simply look at your reflection in the mirror,” she told me, “and, tell yourself, ‘I Love you!’ whether you mean it or not.” Hmmmm… yes, well, as I mentioned, it did, in fact, feel a bit odd at first, but I continued to do it once or twice a day, everyday. It really does make a difference, which is why I am confessing this little secret to you. I believe that while the only constant is change, the times of late have been a touch more challenging for many people, and, thus, require more self-Love. By beginning each day with a smile and proclamation of Love, the self is given extra reassurance it will welcome.

He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.

~Benjamin Franklin~

There are other things which we can do in self-Love, to tend the body, mind and spirit in a conscious manner. I made a Bliss List which includes laughter, meditation, music, movies and many other things which can assist one in raising their vibration, quickly shifting a difficult day or moment. How we perceive our life situations begins within us, and our minds, so it is up to us to use tools to get us through these shifts and changes which might otherwise bring us down. This too shall pass. All is a constantly changing energy, taking new forms along the journey of life. If it’s Amazingly Gorgeous, drink it up and cherish the moment. If it’s feeling a little intense, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s all about to get really Beautiful. Then make it so for yourself. You so deserve it.

I to myself am dearer than a friend.

~William Shakespeare~

It’s time for many of us to be gentle with ourselves, appreciate the questions, and know that there are times when it’s okay not to know the answers. Let go. Surrender into the ‘not knowing’ and trust in the process. You are a shining and Beautiful soul, and you will be cared for. It all works out perfectly. It could be no other way. It’s all just a part of the ever-unfolding circle. So, go, now, to the mirror, and look at that Amazing reflection of Beauty and Perfection, and repeat after me, “I Love You!” Oh, yeah, sometimes I wink, too. Life is a rollercoaster, may as well Laugh and Love through it, right? That Love begins with you. What practices have you found, Dear Reader, to assist you through in self-Love?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

~Theodore Roosevelt~

If there was one quote that summed up my life of late, the above nails it perfectly. I have been calling it the “spaghetti method,” in essence, throwing all I possibly can to the wall to see what sticks. Ha! The planting of seeds throughout not only Spring, but Summer as well, asking myself, “What can I do?” then setting to work to make it happen, knowing that as long as I do all I can, to the best of my ability, from a grounded and balanced place residing in faith, all will work out. Well, it’s been my experience in life that all does work out, and while it doesn’t always look like what I think it should, it’s for the best in the end. It’s in the darkest moments that the stars shine brightest and Beautiful Blessings can be counted. But, it’s all shifting. Can you feel it? The seeds are sprouting.

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.

~Albert Einstein~

The winding down of Summer is such a Gorgeous time of year, as the high temperatures begin to cool here in Sunny Northern California, preparations begin for the next season of harvest. I am very excited about it. Watching that which I’ve worked so hard for beginning to show promise. That doesn’t mean that the work is over by any means. We shall continue in a Beautiful forward moving flow towards the goals. But, I have noticed that the pieces of the puzzles seem to be forming into a Gorgeous picture, promises of the gifts to come. Don’t fret about that which doesn’t ’stick’, remind yourself instead that “Something better this way comes!” So, I give thanks for that which is to come, stay balanced, grounded into Mother Earth, trusting and yet continue to do what I can each day. My success is up to me, right?

What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.

~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry~

Eye on the prize, Baby! Yes, we are the Co-Creators/Creatrix’s of our lives, the storytellers of the tale, so having goals clearly set, and a plan of action on how to accomplish these goals is of great importance. Then, we can move towards the goals, inch by inch, to our successes. Taking the next step, making it happen. I also have found that I am getting support in the most Wonderfully unexpected ways. It’s Beautiful and so appreciated, as people come forth into my life, both new and old friends alike, each a gift in some way. We’re all mirrors, representing Beauty or shadow, both a reflection needed to assist in the manifestation of the story, or puzzle. It does fit together. Can you see it coming together, Dear Reader? Stay grounded and centered, do what you can and keep your focus, because it’s very close, and it’s going to be Amazing!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I was recently invited to visit a butterfly garden and thought it would be a Wonderful field trip upon which to take my BeLoved Readers! Aren’t they fascinating insects? They go through such a dramatic metamorphosis, beginning as an egg, out of which hatches a little caterpillar, it then goes into an inactive pupil stage in a chrysalis, later emerging as a colourful winged adult. What a transformation! I Love these Beautiful creatures! How can one not admire their Beauty? Since they feed primarily on the nectar of flowers and need specific flowers upon which to lay their eggs, the plants are considerately and thoughtfully landscaped for them at the Hallberg Butterfly Gardens in Sonoma County, CA. A Gorgeous treasure set among miles of vineyards and apple orchards. What a gift!

Wildflower garden for the butterflies

Run by 92-year old Louise Hallberg, who has lived on the property her entire life, the gardens have an apple orchard to one side, eucalyptus trees on another, the green mountains in the far distance, it is a dreamy, magickal place. As mentioned, it is filled with very specific wildflowers for the resident butterflies. Flower-lined paths lead one into grassy meadows of nectaring plants, a host also to many bumblebees. Lucky visitors may glimpse the Beautiful butterflies flitting about. Flit, flit.. yes, yes they do. And, some, such as the skippers, dart about so quickly, I did not stand a chance of capturing pictures.

The woodpeckers have been visiting hehe

Bench area with thoughtfully insect-friendly surroundings

The dragonfly pond

The dragonflies were pretty Amazing, too! They were incredibly large and flew high up above the trees, much to our delight. The dragonfly pond adds an enchanting Beauty to this truly special place. The soft murmur of bubbling water in the pond mixed with the wind gently dancing through the trees. Lovely!

Louise had considerately awaited our arrival to release a few of the emerged California dogface butterflies. The above cage was brought out, and among its chrysalis-filled treasures, were a few of the California state insect, ready to make their way into the world. What’s that? You didn’t know that California had a state insect? Nor did I! hehe But, we do! The California dogface butterfly! Are you ready?

Hello Lovely California dogface butterfly

Isn’t it Beautiful? Yes, yes it is, indeed! And, how very kind of it to sit still while I took a picture! Thank you, Dear One! Sorry you did not want to open your wings a bit more, but we shall take what we can get, and be Grateful! Ohhh, but Loiuse had yet another surprise in store! Ready?

Louise releases an Anise swallowtail

Beautiful Anise swallowtail

Probably an American painted lady

The above Painted lady was a welcome visitor just prior to our departure. A Lovely send off. Many thanks to Louise and the butterflies for sharing so much with us. It was a memorable and special adventure to have had. What treasures lie among your neck of the woods, Dear Reader?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia