What day is it?

I walk briskly down the cold corridor of the staff housing only to find my room is colder than the outside. I immediately crank up my heater and turn on the electric blanket, ( which I am lucky to have, "thank you Mike") as I began to get ready for bed. Getting ready to collapse into a bed that sinks horribly in the middle and always attempts to jab me with its springs is more like it. Nevertheless its a bed and I am most happy and grateful for it. Once I have all of my layers on, I fall into bed, being mindful of course of the jabbing springs and the ever growing sink hole.
I can hear a South African accent in the background and the loud but intriguing chatter of three Brazilians down the hall. I am not sure if they realize just how their voices carry....
Within no time I have tuned them out only to be guided by the calling of the nocturnal birds, the rhythm of the Tasman Sea which rocks us all to sleep and the mighty presence of the Southern Alps that are just outside my window. I am in a glorious paradise that has the ability to inspire and uplift the soul.
There was a light dusting of snow on the mountains today, and as the blue sky ran into the white mountain tips and the green flora floated up to meet the earth brown base, I felt swept away.
Haast is in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and I have been here now for over 4 weeks. Some days I am amazed, even bewildered that here I am living and working with the same people everyday, in a extremely remote place and yet I have managed to keep some of my sanity. I suppose, when I think about it, how much did I have to begin with?
It wasn't until recently that I noticed just how isolated Haast truly is. Although being so remote is just one of many qualities that Haast bestowes on a person. Here you can loose and find yourself all in a day, its unbelievable . Although some days you find yourself in the most peculiar places....perhaps its in the vastness of the Tasman Sea or maybe in the laundry room where you fold what feels like twenty thousand sheets....but wherever you are you are not alone.
The season is ending, the craziness at the World Heritage Hotel is slowing down and we all cant help but feel exhausted and yet excited for some time off to explore more. When I first arrived I noticed how often people asked what day it was and I now I know why. Its like a vortex here, all we have been doing is working and sleeping...the days melt together and before you know it, its been a week and now its the middle of my 5th week. It seems impossible, odd, surreal...I have been here that long? I must admit, its been really nice to stay awhile in one place, but the itch of moving on is making its presence known more and more each day.
Here, in Haast, I have been able to explore the under world of housekeeping.... and I feel quite confident in my bed making abilities now and I am pleased to say that I can clean a room in 15 mins....oh yes....and it looks good too!!

A week or so ago Barbara ( a sweet girl from France) and I walked down to Haast beach and as we stepped out from the pony-greeted path and onto the sand, the world stopped. It came to a halt. Barbara and I stood in a bubble of mountains, luscious green mountains, tall tan grasses, still drift wood, soft sand, divers rocks, ocean, sky, clouds, and sun. It was angelic. Time didn't exit and we ran like children running out to recess into the salty juice of the Earth. We stood as the natural world turned and twisted all around us. The sky, dotted with white to light grey puffs of clouds shone an orange sun setting in the distance. The reflection of both clouds and water created and set the stage for all the senses to absorb the moment. The colors and feelings were unreal. A pale blue clothe covered practically everything above the sand. The pale blue seemed as if it was sinking into my eyes and filling my entire being. We became the pale blue. We rolled with the waves, sand with the birds, stood tall with the grass and grounded with the trees. We were one. I gazed in awe of what was happening all around and inside of me. I still find trouble getting the words right, because just as a picture taken with a camera, it isn't captured as it truly was.
Something is happening out there. Somethings is pulling at me in a ways that I haven't felt before. I am drawn to that beach, in that space, I am drawn to loose time and let the world around me go, melt, fade, evaporate. There is a silence there that can be heard. A silence that lets you know it is alive. A deep breath. A long slow breath that empties you into the space.
The crests of the water's waves were floating above everything else, calmly, in perfect harmony. I am immersed in this greatness forever.

A piece of my journal:
As she lays pondering her day, looking over what has happened, she thinks of the beach. Haast Beach.
The sun dusting over her like powdered sugar through a sieve, coating her skin, flicking in her hair, caressing her whole being.
The tunnel-like sound swept across the waves to meet her at the shore line like a galloping horse through free fields.
There is a trance like state that magnifies every sense she experiences, every tickle, every thought is consumed by the depth of power and grounding the moment has brought.
The salt water runs over her pale toes, cleansing aways the day bringing new life to the roots of her body.
The soft stones slip through her hands like water, leaving a glow that radiates her skin.
She closes her eyes only to be open to the smells, the touching, the sound.
The moment my leave, but it will always return.
It is always here, there, everywhere...just waiting for her to remember, and remember she WILL.

Oh, by the way....the strawberries are doing just fine....at least most of them!!!! HOORAY!!!!!
Love you all soooo much!!

Strawberries?!?!?!?!?!

A handful of Sundays ago I went to the Portobello Farmer's market only to be blown away by the generosity and kindness of yet again, another Kiwi. Thelma Elmslie, ( a local artist and art teacher) invited me to stay with her and her husband Colin for a few days so that I may learn how to weave native flax. It was as if this woman read my mind, she had somehow felt my burning desire to understand this beautiful and respected Maori tradition that not only weaves the fibers of the flax plant, but the fibers of their people. After I finished my stay with Dennis and Annie I was once again swapped at the Otago Farmer's Market to go on to my next adventure.
I began my first weaving lesson that afternoon. In order to be able to weave, I had to learn the importance of flax and how flax is cherished and held high in the Maori culture. Thelma is not of Maori descent, but she creates and teaches focusing on all aspects and rituals of the Maori people. I feel blessed to have studied with beautiful and deep rooted pieces of the Maori culture and people and I am especially grateful for the time Thelma spent with me, showing me the way of flax weaving.
The Otago Peninsula is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and rightfully so. Here you can find yellow-eyed and blue penguins, fur seals, sea lions and of course the famous albatross birds. Colin had arranged for me to get a guided tour at the albatross center, and although this particular day it was cloudy and grey, we set off to see the albatrosses. Unfortunately all that was to be seen were a couple of white puffs clutching to their nests awaiting food from their parents. I still marveled in the life of these creatures, they are so massive and yet they glide through the air with the greatest of ease and powerful grace. I had hoped, (like most) to see one flying, but with the thick fog and virtually no wind, that wasn't going to happen.
My time with Colin and Thelma was just fantastic. One night I attempted to make dahl soup, but I mistakenly put in small red beans instead of red lentils...which doesn't work at all! Thelma, being the amazing chef she is was able to salvage the "soup" I had created.
A few days turned into almost a weeks and then I headed back into Dunedin where I was to meet up with Dennis and Annie again in time to help with their Autumn Equinox Harvest Festival.
This time I was one of three wwoofers, the other two Ronan from France and Elizza from Germany. We had a blast!! Although looking back, all we did was eat and laugh and eat and laugh and eat some more and have massive fits of uncontrollable laughter.
You know when you meet somebody, and you just click, you don't have to wade waist high through all of the monotonous "stuff" to get to the real person? Well, that's how I felt with Elizza. We would just laugh like little school girls and we had so much fun. Real genuine fun highlighted with belly bursting laughter. I soon came to the realization that although there are only eight years between us, those eight years change your body....and I had to STOP EATING!!!
The Harvest Festival was a smashing success!! Of course we ended up with lots and lots of food left over, but we could handle it!
It was so refreshing to be around someone like Annie who took the time to really celebrate the seasons. So much of who we are, what we have, and who we are to become is written within the changing of the seasons, the changing of the world, and the changing of the time. It is vital to celebrate and share with others during these moments of change because it is then that we can create a strong community and a sense of humanity in this sometimes dark world. What better way to come together and give thanks for each other, our Earth, and the bounty that lies with in the soil and with in our souls. It was glorious!! Thank you!
I was in for another treat...Dennis had planned a day at the albatross center and this time I saw everything I wanted to! I was able to watch as these magnificent birds flewabove us with their 3 meter wingspan, I saw them gather on the hill side and chat, and one just about walked right up to us.....perfect day, such a perfect time to yet again, give thanks. After our adventure here we went to Sandfly Beach....another breath taking gem of New Zealand.
(Oh, and by the way there are now only two ducklings left out of the original nine....I didn't have anything to do with this....I swear!)

I had my last good-byes with Dennis and Annie...but we all know that I will return for another visit.....
Maia needed someone to house/dog sit for her while she went off to the Catlins and I thought, perfect....I wanted some time alone before I headed into central Otago and this would give me that. I wonder now if Maia regrets asking me to handle this task.....
See, everything was going great, better then great. Brambel, (her dog) had stopped sulking in the bedroom and the sun was shining so brightly through out the morning that I thought, what a excellent day to get the weeding done. I headed over to the area which I would be working in and I pondered my task at hand. They sure looked like strawberries, but then what was I to weed? Well, I looked around at the other compost piles and noticed that the same plants had been pulled out....so, ok their are to be pulled out, they are not strawberries (and most certainly not RARE strawberries that Maia had been cultivating and taking care of for the last couple of yeas). I kept thinking, "man, they sure look like strawberries, but then why would there be a massive pile of them by the compost. She must want them to be removed?!". I was so proud of myself cleaning these beds up, oh they looked just great.....not a "weed" to be found. I still had a couple of days before Maia returned home and so I spent the rest of my time tending to other chores and not thinking at all of the "strawberry or not a strawberry" dilemma I had the day before.
Luckily, my time alone didn't last long, as Ronan surprised me with a visit, (which Maia had offered to him earlier when we all met up downtown Dunedin) and I say luckily because on the night Maia arrived home Ronan would play a big part in helping me redeem myself and bring the STRAWBERRIES back to life. Yep, they were bloody strawberries! Maia, the gracious sweet heart that she is, didn't appear to be too terribly mad when I told her about all of my finished tasks...including the weeding of those three beds.....the strawberry patch to be more accurate.By this time it was about 9 at night, dark and cold. I had to do something, I couldn't just leave all of those strawberries in their newly formed piles....I had to re plant them, no matter what time it was. I grabbed my head lamp, a shovel, a hose and I headed outside...but the credit lies with Ronan. With out his help, (which was done with minimal laughter) I wouldn't have been able to complete my SAVE THE STRAWBERRIES mission....so thank you Ronan! I need to call Maia and see if any of them survived....oh I hope some did......and yes I know I shouldn't have strawberries or farm animals.....EVER!!

Alright college education...I cant make soup and I apparently don't know what a bloody strawberry is, but I can SCOOP POOP!!


At this point, I knew it and Dunedin knew it...it was time for me to leave and head into Central Otago, there I would be staying with Bob and his truly magical forest. Bob has been on his land for about thirty years and his main objective is to offer a space for ALL people to come visit and enjoy. Its a very special place and this time of year is filled with all kinds of color and delite. Ronan came with me to Bob's place and its a good thing too, because Bob needed some help with his computer and Ronan knows a thing or two computers. Its funny, I cant seem to get away from computers.....hmmmm......
The stay with Bob didn't last as long as I had thought it would, but he has offered to have me back as he says I am a great book but, he only got to read one chapter.... I may return but now I am facing the challenge of getting to all of these other places and my time here is running out. I may have to rethink my time here....maybe stay longer....

Now I am in TeAnau.....home of the Fiordland National Park...the Milford Sound is one of the most precious spots in New Zealand....words can't describe the massive fiords and mountains that surround this place. Its.....its.......its somewhere everyone should go. I have been here for awhile now, but I am going to be leaving probably Tuesday or Wednesday...not sure just yet. I have not been wwoofing, which is a good thing for my sanity but not for my pocket book.....I was just starting to think, "I need a job...and probably soon" when I got an email from a hotel on the west coast...and hey, I have a job now. I will be working in Haast at the World Heritage Hotel, and from what I hear its, (you guessed it) AMAZING!! Of course it is, I mean we are talking about New Zealand.

and then there was THE pig

All that time in college finally paid off, I am a professional pig-poop-scooper...and some of you questioned what I was doing!! Might I add that we aren't talking about just any pig, oh no....this is Devina....one of the largest pigs I have ever seen, ruler of the farm, maker of the vital ingredients in the compost, she is a force all in her own right. You should see it when she runs, it just the cutest thing I have ever seen. This massive pig bouncing, like a ballerina, ears flopping, tail wagging, its just precious. She likes me, although I know its only because I bring her sweet, delicious apples everyday. I suppose I am jumping headed in this story, because I have not written in so long, my location has changed, in fact it has changed a few times.

Let me take you back to the crazy, but oh so beautiful Stewart Island...the anchor.......

I was in need of more than my usual coffee on this particularly damp and cold morning and so I headed off down the hill side to this welcoming and cozy coffee house in the heart of "downtown" Stewart Island. I was sipping on a delightful long black, (americano) when I began to slip into a longing for home, a desire to be around people I knew, I was just wanting a little familiarity. I just wanted something to remind me of home, a place that I cherish so dear to my heart, a place filled with all of these incredible people that I love and have been blessed with through out my life. As the long black warmed my mouth and flowed down my throat I heard a familiar accent, because in fact it wasn't an accent to me at all. Within minutes I was chatting with two sisters from California, perfect I thought, a little bit of what I needed. As our conversation grew it was evident that we got along well and that they were heading in the direction I desired to sail in. At that moment it was decided...I would get off the island and ride with these two ladies to the Catlins, (where my friend Ruth was staying\working) I remember feeling so good about this choice and thinking, this is superb because they had a rental car!!!! No more buses, shuttles, trains, etc etc.....I could just ride and relax and enjoy the new conversations and landscapes that we would come across. I didn't have a place to stay for the night, but thought whatever...I will be ok...if anything I could pop my tent outside of the sleep out that Ruth was in...so what if its FREEZING outside and RAINING...I knew it would work out one way or another. We agreed that I would meet back up them on the ferry in a few days....what a relief!!!
I have my last cup of coffee on Stewart Island before I make my way onto the ferry, I think to myself, oh yes another ride on the crazy ferry. The weather in the days before had been wild, there were times I thought the roof was going to blow right off or the house would just collapse all around me, leaving only Coral, Pushkin (the cat) myself and the scrabble board. My ferry ride couldn't have been any more perfect, it was beautiful and quite calm...in fact I stayed outside the whole time...it was a beautiful day. As the ferry was pulling out of Half Moon Bay, I couldn't help but go over in my head the various dramas and precious moments that I encountered in those last couple of weeks....Stewart Island was supposed to have been quite different then what it was, but what it ended up being was far better than it what I had expected, (just for record I am not expecting anything, anymore!). As I look upon the island and I look to the right, to that red roof I wonder what happened there? I move right along to look over at dear Coral's house where everyone was getting haircuts that day...they are such sweet people, they mentioned something about adoption and then I promised I would be back. I will go back to Stewart Island someday to visit a magical place with some very magical people.

The Catlins is a remarkable place with a petrified forest and it is home to the very rare yellow eyed penguins. I was able to see some of these special creatures on a horribly cold day, (actually night), one where the cold pierces your skin and the rain feels like bullets or little shards of glass all over your body. I am so glad that I actually did find a warm, nice place to sleep that night, in a hostel right on the beach...too bad the weather never changed and my stay there was only for a couple of days. I was able to catch up with silly Ruth, it was great! We laughed and laughed and chatted for hours...(we are planning to meet up in the future, maybe Ireland where she is from...who knows). To my surprise Diana and Fran (the sisters) were yet again heading in the direction I needed to be and so they offered to have me join them for another day on the road....everything will always work out....I believe that whole heatedly!

Dunedin, home of the Otago University, green rolling hills, and the HUGE Albatrosses! When we arrived in Dunedin it was as if we had crashed a party, and we did. It was orientation week for the University and the place was nuts!!!!! Togas, eggs, beer......it was everywhere....very different from the places I had just been staying at and this proved to be a little over whelming. I still hadn't gotten to a farm and I had been in New Zealand for about three weeks, I wasn't wanting to stay in a city, but I knew that I could take advantage of the conveniences of it. The next day I got a lot of things done, but I wasn't having any luck on securing my next place to stay. I was fortunate enough to contact a couple that had some friends who might need some help. I ended up staying with Eli and Dorothy, a sweet, fun-loving, hilarious couple that always fed me excellent food, gave me a comfortable bed to sleep in and among many other wonderful things, introduced me to Les Barker. For those of you not familiar with Les Barker I suggest you check him out, he is quite funny and I find his little poems so very clever.

I managed to get lucky again and hitched a ride to the farmer's market with Eli and Dorothy to meet up with my next host, Maia. Maia and her fabulous dog named Brambel....are just great and they live in an old school house built in 1903...its beautiful. The high ceilings and massive windows made the place ideal for dancing and great conversations. Maia was the first farmer I stayed with and I loved it!! I loved it!!!! I was baking, preserving, harvesting, painting, dancing, reading...just loving my time on her land....which over looks the water. Maia lives in Sea Cliff, a small artist community just outside of Dunedin, the village consists of maybe 50 houses, maybe. It was great....her gardens are beautiful and she lives next to a park, actually more of a nature reserve....lots of walking trails, but I got to say that by the end of a farming day, you don't want to walk on trails. I now know why she take Brambel out of the long walk in the morning :).

Rather quickly I have caught up to where I am now, in Mosgiel at Dennis and Annie's place, and yes another farm. Dennis has been growing organic since 1990, so he has a lot to teach and share with everyone. He is very passionate about the environment and loves coffee....we get along just great!! Our conversations are just fantastic...consumerism, environment, eating, drinking, composting, (which he loves, in fact right now I am waiting for him to return so we can do some composting this evening) the power of money and greed....and lots of other topics...never a dull moment here! Did I mention that I am playing mother to baby ducks? As cute as it sounds...they are diry- poopy little things and since I have been here we have lost three of them! Does that say something about my parenting skills!!?! No!! They are just so young, (some of them) that they didn't get vital nutrients from their mother....its tough keeping them alive. There are three older ones and they seem to be doing just fine, especially since I started bringing them worms! They go crazy when they see the dish....they know what that means. This farm has ducks, geese, hens, rooster, two cats and a dog...and of course the coolest pig in town....Devina!!!!! I am enjoying it here, but I long for a nice warm place with a big bath where I may rest for however long I desire.....I'm just putting it out there...that is to be the next place I go to......

Anchoring in Half Moon Bay

Part of the Mason Bay tramp.....

New Zealand Robin

View of the bay from my new place of stay!!

I peer across Half Moon Bay at where I once was, at that red, red roof, at that terracotta roof. That roof is different now than when I first arrived on the island, the red terracotta has dimmed and the beam that once was, shines now with a little displeasure but assurance peaks through and proves all will still go on. I sit almost opposite that red terracotta roof on a most welcomed deck. A deck that wraps around an old grey home, like a mother hugging her child, keeping all in her arms warm and full of love. Even sounds are different on this side of the bay, the boats and ships in the water sway different with the tide. Oban appears to be the same place, but gives off an embrace that I had not felt before.

I look out at the water and I hear the seagulls call, the bees buzzing, the waves crashing, the wings of the birds fluttering, the grasses tossed by the wind and I know this embrace has always been present. This embrace has always been awaiting my acknowledgment. My eyes have been marveling in the beauty of this place, but now I can dive into it with all of my senses and allow this new residence to drown me.

Stewart Island's green practically spills out into the water, inviting any child, of any age to come and play. With the Rakiura National Park making up nearly the entirety of the island its no wonder that travelers from all over the world revel in the marvels of Stewart Island. (Its interesting, a lot of New Zealands' own people have yet to explore their southern anchor.) In the Maori culture, Stewart Island is the anchor that is attached to the boat, (the South Island) which is catching the fish (the North Island). I have started at the anchor, submitting to strengthening my core, and by doing so, anchoring who I am, anchoring ME. When the time is right, I will set out to explore with the boat.

For now, I am set here to anchorage, to secure myself within the waters of this life....and what gorgeous waters they are. Brilliant blue and green hues highlight the golden sand beaches that display their enormous boulders with pride like a lion and the humbleness of my Grandfathers. Every morning the sun glistens through the lace curtains of the spare room in dear Coral's house, to welcome me to another day, another adventure. I have found a place in Stewart Island where I will anchor and lavish in the comforts of a sweet lady's home. I will tend to her gardens, make her cups of tea, do a little house work, learn some of her cooking secrets and skills, and perhaps if she lets me, play a game of scrabble with her and this gentleman named Collin. All of this wonderful delight for accommodation here, in her beautifully gentle and humorous home.

The pitter-patter of the rain reminds me of home and I wonder, what are all of you are doing right now? What anchors hold to you places or have held you to places in your past? Is it time to cut the chain on an anchor that currently holds you and therefore become released? Perhaps it is time to BE the anchor and stay awhile in a particular space, a particular state of mind....for an anchor could also be a means of stability.

The other night I was serenaded by the moon as it rose out of the sea, it was just magnificent. There it was, this natural wonder gorgeous to behold, gleaming up in the dark periwinkle sky, wreathed in a few small puffs of golden-white clouds. The reflection of the moon light on the sea lit up like a pathway that would take you to a far away land and, if you asked it would lead to all the answers that you have been searching for. I wanted to take that pathway that night, I wanted to leap into the sky, walk up the lite path to the moon and look out upon the world. The moon in Washington is different from the moon here, the faces aren't the same. I wouldn't have expected them to be but it was a dream-like shock to look up and see another unfamiliar face. The unfamiliar feeling didn't last long as the swift, sweet breathe of complete reassurance and peace twirled all around and inside of me. I danced in the moon light that night, and laughed and laughed and laughed, and I recommend it to everyone! The moon may show different faces depending on where you are, but it is still the moon, just like where ever we go, we are still who we are.

A most wonderful Irish woman and myself went on a tramp, (an over night hike) recently and with every step through the trees and mud we could feel the weight of the passed week run off of us like a river running down the side of a mountain....the feeling is almost indescribable. We had been hiking in the unbelievable wilderness for a remarkable hour when we found ourselves out in the open surrounded by wet lands and sand dunes for as far as the eye could see. We were the only humans around for miles, and we could feel that distance, it felt so natural, so normal that we wanted to hold onto to it forever. The landscape sweeps over us like wings of a massive bird just beginning to take flight, so soft, so gentle and yet so powerful. We found ourselves laughing uncontrollably that entire evening and even more when we stumbled upon a Kiwi...New Zealand's bird of birds. All through out the week prior we had been in contact with many, many people who had desperately wanted to see a Kiwi but had not, and now here we were, two people that didn't mind one way or another and we had just stumbled upon one. Its fantastic how this world operates , you just never know what you may find around the next corner, and we all have so many corners to take in this life....enjoy them all!!

Namaste. Enjoy your beautiful day and know that you are loved.

Just Around the Corner....

Check out the next post...this one is just some more pictures..... love you all!!

This beach is Bathing Beach and it is just down the road from where I am at.

The Island That Met a Girl!!

I couldn't get this picture turned.....

Anticipation grew inside me as I watched the deck hands load the bags onto the Stewart Island ferry. This was it, now my journey of wwoofing would begin. Everyone loaded onto the ferry, some excited, some chatting and some with hesitation. Would I get ill? Who would out of this bunch of travelers experience the fate of so many? I had heard that with every journey across Cook Straight there are a few, if not more who unload their insides into these pleasant, unpretentious white baggies. I pleaded with myself not to be one of those unfortunate souls. Once we were all in the boat, the captain wasted no time, and we were off into the wild of the straight.

With every twang of the guitar that Stevie Ray Vaughn strummed into my ears, the ocean pushed harder against the boat. The motion of the water was pulling and pushing on my insides for what seemed an eternity. I decided to just let go and allow my body to flow as if it were an extension of the ocean itself. By allowing the waves to dictate my body positions, I was giving up all control over my direction, my path, and myself. Little would I know that this was almost a rite of passage to Stewart Island and to my journey. Letting go, allowing and being present in the moment are becoming partners of mine in this wwoofing waltz I am dancing.

The ride of the ferry was massive and wild, but the view of Stewart Island exceeded any measurable account with it's wondrous green, and lush beauty that is towered by bright blue skies and caressed by the calming , cool green tinted sea below.

I had made it. I had made it to Stewart Island, and island filled with magic and an endless supply of life.

I have been staying and working at a cafe, The Church Hill Cafe. The cafe sits upon it's thrown, looking over Half Moon Bay, we serve a delicious array of delicate and delightful food, and as of late it has been accompanied by the sweet sounds of two wwoofing musicians. Their music highlights the landscape and flows like the birds soaring against their blue sky backdrops, just as the ocean tide sways back and forth in a magnificent rhythm.

My breath is stolen from me buy a green like no other.....I am warmed by the smiles of all and with this, my time on Stewart Island begins........

Look for more pictures and when I can I will continue the story of this magical land.....

Peace and Blessings!!

The Motion of the Ocean

Hi There!!!

Well, I survived the 13 hour train ride only to find myself in motion again on a ferry, The Bluebridge ferry to be exact and then on anothr train for about 4 hours....I have figured out that they are usually running late because the train system and the trains themselves have not been taking care of!! We have to make lots of operational stops and change locomotives...but I have infinite patience and that always brings immediate result....(another quote from that same smart man!) The rides were both amazing and I find myself in Christchurch today, enjoying the hot sun and the festival that has been going on through out the weekend. Its a magic festival filled with circus type performances, magic shows, kids events, food, etc....its great! Everyone is pleased that the weather is staying so nice.

Did I mention the other day that on the Overlander train, (the 13 hour ride) we got mooned by four guys standing off to the right in a field? Can you believe it...everyone was laughing and taking pictures!! The announcer said, "Oh sorry about that, their from Australia!!" Everyone continued to laugh...it was great!!

The ferry ride was from Wellington to Picton. The first city pictures are of Wellington....

No one can figure out how to move the pictures around....a few of us have tried...oh well!!

I have been having a blast, everyone is so nice and the beauty of this magical place is everywhere. I should be at my first wwoofing destination in the next couple of days.... until next time my dear friends....Cheers!!

New Zealand Baby!!!! Oh Yeah!!

Good-day!! Hello Everyone!!!! I love you!!!

I made it to New Zealand and it is out of this world....the beauty and magic of this place is everywhere. I just got into a hostel from a long day of traveling on a train so I wont be too long, but I will share some pictures with you all!!! I now know why Peter Jackson picked this place for his killer movies!! I actually saw some of the spots where he filmed!! I couldn't get any pictures because there were too many people out on the observation deck, but don't you worry I have not given up!

This lovely lady Summer picked me up from the airport on Wednesday night and we went out to dinner...she is awesome and the dinner was too! I stayed in a hotel, but I missed my little friends back in Fiji....ok so actually it was nice not having to check in my bed before I crawled in!!

I will post more tomorrow night when I have more time...right now I am paying for this computer and I don't have any more coins to deposit. The weather seems to be staying nice, perfect, just in time for everyone to enjoy the last little bit of summer!

I still feel like I am on the train, (which by the way I was on for almost 13 hours today) I feel like I am still in motion! The train ride was from Auckland down to Wellington and let me tell you, there is nothing like riding on a train for that long.

I have a long ferry ride tomorrow(3 hours), but that will be amazing!! The ferry leaves Wellington and arrives in Picton, following Cook Straight. Followed by another train, but this one is much shorter. Who knows what I will see....maybe whales....who knows...I will get some great pics though!!

Cheers!!

There are sheep allover this place!! By the way, we went through the town where they hold the world's sheep shearing competition...no joke!

The Final Countdown.....From Fiji!! ( Emily you know you want to sing!)

Sunrise this morning!! Oh my gosh.....just fantastic!


BULA!!!!

Ok, so the Internet has been down for a few days now!!! I wasn't sure if it would come back on before I left. Just like Fiji time, you just never know when things are going to happen. Did I ever tell you that there is a resort cat that roams around the property? It is very cute, I hear that there used to be two of them...no one knows where the other is...poor kitty!!

The weather has been amazing and I have been hanging out with this great couple, James and Katrina. He is from Switzerland and she is from California. They are great!! It has been so magical meeting them, James and I have so much in common, we both just couldn't believe it!! They are going to Bali and are trying to get me to go with...I would love to, but having commitments in NZ stops me from doing so. I will get there at some point!!! It is so unbelievably beautiful here and so warm, hot actually! The green is not like any green I have seen...the ocean is warm, bright blue/green...just amazing!

Yesterday, (my Monday) we went out on a boat and swam in the ocean....we were asking about sharks and the driver said "oh no, you are fine...no sharks here"...so in we jumped! Swimming in the ocean is the best, (and I think my friend Janelle would agree with me) you just feel so different, so refreshed afterwards....it makes you so mellow. I am now understanding Fiji time fully...and I love it! I could stay here even longer...but I hear New Zealand calling me!!! Oh yeah, its calling me....baaa baaa baaa !! After we got back into the boat from our swim, the driver noticed something and turned the boat around to have a better look. He said, "a Leopard shark!"...good thing we got back in when we did. I never did see the shark. I wanted to get a picture for Robin (she loves sharks :) ). We also took the boat through the river and went through a mangrove forest. Mangroves are trees that live in salt water...they are just the coolest! Oh yeah, this river is where that movie Anaconda was made...we saw the boat from the film.

Although it has been quite wet the last few days, there is still a sweet warmth in the air and just when you think it may be too hot a cool gentle breeze comes by to say "hello"! You know its funny, but once you get to that point of being totally ok with just being with yourself you think...what was I so afraid of? Why didn't I get to this point sooner? I guess its all on Fiji time and when you are ready to be here, in all ways, you will. This has been amazing! I will return to visit my new friends and explore other islands of Fiji.
Last night I went to a traditional Fiji dance and dinner show...it was great! I thought that they were going to have fire dancers, but I was wrong. Although they weren't dancing with fire, they were still hot!! These men are so fit!!!!!!!!!! Oh boy! The dancing was great and I met a couple who are from Australia and insist that come over there and stay with them, I just might have to do that. They even gave me the numbers of their children and invited me to be there for the wedding of one of their daughters! Can you believe that? They are sooooo nice!!

I have been messing around with different settings on my camera, (which by the way is AWESOME) so I have lots of fun pictures to share... Enjoy!

Well, the time has come...the last entry of Fiji is done...see you in New Zealand!!!


Quote of the day, "Why call when you can just ask"
....I don't remember who said it, but I am sure this came from a very smart man....very wise....in fact an amazing man. I love you dad!! Thank you to both you and mom for helping me out the other day, I don't know what I would do without you!! I love you both soooo much....
Hello Grandma "D" and Hello Grandma "Z"....you two sweethearts are so very special to me....thank you for all you have given to me and thank you for being a part of my life....it wouldn't be the same without you.

Just another day in paradise!!!

Hey Everybody!!

Well, I thought that yesterday was a lot like home, but today brought even more rain!!! The activities were canceled today because of the rain. I couldn't believe it!! I had to laugh...and laugh and laugh..I can't escape the rain. Because of the rain I had a lot of time to read and meditate, which has proved to make my day most enjoyable. The forecast is saying that more days of rain are in the future.....I say, whatever..I'm still in paradise and its warm!!

To add to the wildlife here I have now spotted some bats, actually to be more specific, fruit bats. Cool right?

I though I would share some pictures of the bure I am staying in....it is quite nice and as I have mentioned....the other tenants are quite nice!!


The internet was down yesterday and earlier today, so I was not able to post. Most of this post is from the other day....and with the weather being the way it is there isn't much more to share at this point. Unless you want me to tell you all about my crosswords and word searches, (which I am sure my wonderful Grandma would be thrilled to hear about:) ) but I wont bore everyone with that. So, here are some pictures and I will share more later....
I am finally at that point where I can really relax....and enjoy just being me! I am reading a great book too!! Oh, its fantastic!!!!

Love you so very much!!

Logan is almost......two!!!
Sorry how the pictures lined up....they tend to do what they want and now more people are waiting for the computer so I can't fix them!!! You don't care..... XOXOXOXOXO

I am not alone....

Bula All!!

Well, last night sure was a beauty!!! The sunsets here are amazing and the pictures just never do them justice!! Thought I would share one with you anyway....

This beach is just a few steps away from the bure I am staying in....spectacular!! What an exciting day for the US, it is interesting chatting with the locals about this new change. Most people seem indifferent about it, but a few have shown real excitment and hope! The papers here speak of the US as being a light of change and a couple of the articles I have read hope that Fiji will see that they too can bring change for their people. Change...it just feels good...doesn't it?

Speaking of change, my living quarters have sure changed! In fact I am showering outside...oh yes you heard me...outside!! Which by the way is fantastic and yes it is private!!! Aside from the shower change, I have house mates, or better yet bure mates and I was finally able to get a picture of one of the many friends I have here. Isn't this little thing cute? I magine sleeping with more than one!!! I am getting used to them, but they tend to blend in so well that they surprise you more than anything.

Today had some similar charateristics like home...it rained and rained!! But, unlike home, it was still really warm. The winds here are strong, but I guess that is what I get for coming here during hurricane season :).

There is only one computer for guests to use and people are waiting so take care everyone....I will write more later.

LOVE YOU!!

Beauty at Every Turn...

Bula!! (hello)
I made it!!! I am actually in Fiji...and they weren't joking.....its all about island time! My flight got in at 430 am, but I didn't get to the resort until around 1100 am. From the moment I got off the plane I was pleasently welcomed by so many, from the musicians in the terminal to the greeters at the bus station....everyone is so nice!!

My friend Jerica was right, you will wonder what you are doing once you get off the plane...and I did. Although Fiji is fantastically beautiful and elegantly sweet and gentle, I couldn't help but feel an overwelming sense as I took my first steps off of American soil!! After a good nights sleep with all of the geckos....(and I do mean all of them) I woke up today ready for my next adventure to take me wherever I was to go. I got up this morning at about 7 and did yoga on the beach!!!! It was awesome....and I plan on doing it every morning, but by 8 it is super hot and muggy....but that is why you go for swims and drink lots of water to cool off.

Fiji is so beautiful and I am so blessed to be able to spend some time here....I will post more later.

Enjoy your day!! ( I know I will)

The City of Angels

The sky is blue, the breeze is calm, and the sun is out, ready to kiss the skin of everyone who walks within her grasp. I am in the city of angels.....the beautiful city of angels...and in fact I have been staying with one.

My good friend Kelly is an angel! I laughed when I first got here, realizing how similar her and one of my best friends are. It has been great...a wonderful time filled with good food and family. Her husband, Jesse has a big family who are hilariously-warm hearted-loving people, they make anyone feel welcome and a part of their family instantly. This time here has been a great way to start this journey, a great way to begin this path, a great way to ease into a long awaited transition that I have always known I would take. As I write this I am feeling anixous, and of course excited for my flight this evening..my long flight into Fiji!!! (Which by the way, has been flooding in parts, but I am told that it wont effect me...we shall see!) I was told that before I came down to LA it was cold and just in time for my arrival the weather changed. It has been in the 80s!!! (Yes, I have been using sun screen!) I am manifesting perfect weather for my time in Fiji, perfect weather, fabulous food, a cute guy to sit next to on the plane....hee-hee!!! My flight is tonight at 10:30 and I will be landing in Fiji on the 20th at about 5:15 Am.....Good Morning!!!!

Oh, and by the way sorry to everyone who has been checking my blog for more posts, I didn't mention that I was probably not going to do much, (if anything) until I got out of the U.S..

May you all enjoy your day, your new day filled with possibilities and lots of light and love!!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Hey Lynne, what is going on with the house? What about the guy?

Welcome with Light!

Happy Day!

As I prepare for my incredible journey I can't help but feel an enormous amount of gratitude, compassion, and support, from you, my cherished family and friends. Thank you so very much, all of you have helped me in making this possible. My journey of a 1,000 journeys is about to begin and when it does I will be thinking of each one of you!!
I chose to share this picture with all of you, it is part of an art project I created last quarter. It is a reflection of the wave pattern of Commencement Bay flowing through Point Defiance park and as I look at it I realize it is also a reflection of our lives. Each day bring us new twists and turns, new possibilities that perhaps we never even dreamed of...and those dreams that we do have, they may now be a reality. Bringing the sea to the land, bringing the people to the animals, bringing the love to all of Earth is a beautiful thought and a reality that I seek to fulfill...that connection is one that I have long embraced and one that I will never let go.
Now, come join me on this journey, follow me as I explore different areas of this beautiful and wondrous Earth....follow my path, my path which is guided by pure love and light.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!