Hitting Send

Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky..

~Kahlil Gibran~

She was the first thing I noticed about my new home. With her large moss covered trunk, her many branches reaching high into the sky, the conifer tree stands 150 feet tall in her magnificent grander. Surely, Dear Reader, you can imagine my delight at the presence of a Sacred tree, my desire to learn more about her, and my longing to sit at her base in meditation. The tree’s a twin, you know? From its base, a branching of two, it is thus considered to be a Sacred tree by the Native American Pomo tradition, a tribe which inhabited this area long ago. She’s also a heritage tree, protected by a county ordinance, and recorded as being over six hundred years old. Can you imagine what she’s seen?

The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

While her thick trunk has branched out over time, she is a ‘Lone Wolf’ regally stretched above the valley, bearing witness to the history of the land, and many Sacred ceremonies. While impressive, it isn’t the age nor height which makes this Douglas Fir tree so special, but the location in which she has lived since the 1400’s, as its considered inhospitable for her kind. Yet, despite poor soil and weather conditions, she has grown and thrived. Home to many more creatures than I can imagine, including a beehive tucked into a nook in the trunk, I found mushrooms growing against the lush green moss, and a Beautiful spiderweb drifting in the cool morning breeze.

How she came to be, we’ll never know, it probably wasn’t a human though. Indigenous tribes were the only ones residing in the area in the 1400’s, and as they were not known for planting fir trees, it is thus believed that the seeds for this tree were brought incidentally by a traveling animal. Grow she did, the landscape beneath changing form as shelters and roads were built near by. A group of Bahá’í’s owned the land, gathering often, I’m told, for speeches and ceremonies beneath the Sacred tree. About one hundred years ago she was visited by Luther Burbank, who identified the conifer as being over five hundred years old, which is consistent with what arborists are saying today. She currently watches over a retreat center and animal sanctuary, which is also my new home.

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider,
every green tree is far more glorious
than if it were made of gold and silver.

~Martin Luther~

She stands strong, deeply grounded, she knows the earth’s secrets, yet also converses with the heaven’s above. As I sat at the base in silent meditation, I felt Blessed by the presence of this Amazing Sacred tree, whose gentle heartbeat pulses with the music of Mother nature and all life, a part of the whole, sharing simple truths and wisdom. What a Wonderful gift is the heritage tree.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

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

Thick, grey clouds made their way over the valley’s surrounding mountains yesterday, sitting heavily against the snow-capped tops, threatening downpours in the small town. As the mist settled upon the valley floor, Christmas shoppers dodged the scattered showers, seeking warmth in local cafes. As Winter was only a day away, I felt inspired to pull out my family mulled wine recipe, as I Love making it this time of year. It’s a festive blend of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, citrus and sweetener, which is fun to offer friends and family, and makes the house smell yummy.

Making mulled wine not only makes me feel as though I am carrying on the tradition handed down by my mother and grandmother, but also connects me with the holiday tradition of my ancestors, as making mulled wine has a long history. ‘Mulled’ simply means heated and spiced, and this can be done with cider, mead, wine, and liquors. In medievel times the heated wine was known as Ypocras or Hipocris, named after the physician Hippocrates. In the 1500s, cookbooks listed methods of mulling “Clarrey”, or Bordeaux. Recipes involved honey, cinnamon, cardamon, galingale and French wine. Mulled wine was a favorite in Victorian England, and was known in Nordic countries as Glögg. In German-speaking countries the beverage is known as Glühwein and has a documented history dating back to around 1420. In Romania it is called vin fiert (“boiled wine”), and can be made using either red or white wine, sometimes made with peppercorns. In Italy, mulled wine is made in the northern part of the country and is known as vin brulè. And, in Chile the drink is called navegado and is heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves and sugar. Almonds and raisins are also commonly added.

There are many recipes for mulled wine, and the recipe can be used with apple or cranapple juice in lieu of wine, if one prefers a non-alcoholic spiced beverage. My family recipe:

1/2 gallon Burgandy wine (any dry red wine can be used, but use less expensive wine)
1/4 gallon apple juice (or water)
sugar to taste
4-6 cinnamon sticks
8-12 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
orange slices

other spices one could add:
ginger
peppercorns
star anise
allspice
vanilla bean
lemon slices

In a large pan, heat ingredients to just below boiling point. Mull for at least fifteen minutes. I like to heat it for an hour or so. One can put the spices in cheesecloth, but I prefer to let them drift about in the wine. Float slices of orange and/or lemons on top. It’s very pretty!

Love and Holiday Blessings,
Antonia

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

“Oh my gosh, Kassie!” I proclaimed to my friend’s back as I watched her lithe form climb over the creek bed’s wall before us with ease and grace. I followed suit with less finesse, pushing any fears stirring in my mind aside. As an avid hiker with a curious and adventurous spirit, I am usually game for venturing a new path. Yesterday I found myself on a hike with a friend who likes to journey where there are no paths. Aptly nicknamed the “Rugged Faerie in Boots”, Kassie’s daring nature and agility is an Amazing thing to witness, and I appreciated the conscientious way she pushed me out of my comfort zone. Breaking through fears is such an important yoga in life. In order to grow and expand, we must mindfully push ourselves through our limitations, boundaries and comfort of everyday life.

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

~Albert Einstein~

While knowing our limits can be healthy, we must be careful not to allow self-limiting belief systems and fear of the unknown to confine our lives and keep us stuck and doubting of our own abilities. When I hike, it is usually along paths like the one pictured above; there are some steep hillsides, but it is all part of a journey within my comfort zone. During my hike with Kassie, I stepped outside the safe and predictable into the unknown, pushing my own perceived limitations. “You may want to know that you can do this,” she reminded me as she descended down an insanely steep hillside from which one might actually get vertigo. “Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed again, as I stretched my arms out for balance and cautiously edged my way down the unbeaten path, moving through my fears to the grassy knoll below.

The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path.

~Jim Rohn~

You know what? She was right! I can do it! And, as we traversed creek side and rounded the rocky, fern-lined path, I had to stop to admire the incredible Beauty of the expedition. Look what I could have missed! I highly recommend looking at self limiting beliefs. It is incredibly empowering to daringly break through. We are here to learn and grow, and can only do so through courageously exploring. So, let us go forward, towards those secretly longings of the heart, towards the light together, mindfully pushing through. What is standing in your way, Dear Reader?

Love and Adventurous Blessings,
Antonia

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