Sacred Water Within

I wrote a poem, then recorded it. May it bring you pleasure and encourage you as you walk your path. Your path is important; everyone’s is…

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My New/Old Cup

My new/old cup! I had one years ago. I found this one in a little thrift shop in Bisbee, AZ. The cup is just the size of a newborn baby’s bottom and the little feet..! I am to be a grandmother in March and this is something to hold onto while I’m so far away. Bless you, my son and daughter-out-law. May every pleasure you desire be yours! Aho and ahey…. we are on the way to the Peace that has been Promised.

A wand, transformed / Us, forming…

I found it

lying on the beach

I held it, felt into it ~

and we reconnected

to the Earth

through a

fallen

Standing One.

 

I took it home and wrapped it

in my Mother’s love ~

daisies laced with whimsy,

from a gown she once made for me.

 

I added a feather, just one,

asking the birds to take

my prayers to

The Other Side…

 

Upon the wall she hung, 

Seeming, feeling incomplete

until inspiration sparked and flared…

Broken Arrow joined Her there!

She is the Feathered Serpent ~

Of this world – and not.

Her burden completes Her ~

Her Feminine waves mated with the

Masculine Symbol of Peace.

 

With His feather to pair Her flight

We take off, together, into the Light.

 

By Shannon McArthur (revised 11/2018) 
Sunshine Sparkling on the Waters

A View of Time’s Weaving Before Winter Dreaming

The Dreamweavers Sanctuary (the Crestone, Baca Grande property at 454 Heatherbrae Road) is actively facilitating the birth of U-Ma, and I thank everyone there from the bottom of my heart! Returning from my road-trip north (“home” to Kamloops and further north to Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada) I am feeling into “the unknowing” of what U-Ma is destined to be. Hints from Spirit seemed embodied in people drawn during that special time to this special location; their skills, dreams and desires. They (and you?) have their own visions of what will arise… we are weaving our dreams into a future that holds us all, healed and whole!

In U-Ma, I feel we are co-creating something new, unique in all existence; something needed that has never been needed before… What is it? I feel that by defining it we confine it—limit it—so we imagine it and speak of its form and purpose, as we each conceptualize it, while honouring the notion that it is being designed by Spirit. Together, we’re trying to figure out what that is—kind of like Spiritual Pictionary!

The U-Ma concept became very personal to me during my trip south. The plan was to visit LionFire and Mary in Cortez, and then go to the 3 Sided Whole music/shaman festival with them. Instead I got shingles. So much for plans. While waiting for time to pass (both for healing and festival-time to come) we talked about how they have effectively provided a U-Ma Retreat (or Sanctuary?) for many years with people, like me, finding peace and healing in their home. It is a rich and fertile environment with generous, wise, knowledgeable people. Was my 1st visit, last year, U-Ma’s inspiration? I believe so, though we didn’t speak of it then…

Three things to speak of now, before I share with you the update I’ve been working on for so long (re-written as time has passed, opinions considered, plans achieved or changed, etc.):

1. Our name – Is it a Retreat we want? Or… a Sanctuary? Lori and I talked about how U-Ma could be an acronym: Universal Mother Assembly, or U-MaSS (U @ Mass Power or Universal Mother Sanctuary System). What do you think? We can decide together on a call! Let’s have some fun!
2. I envision a lacework of places with healers pulsing through it — the U-Ma Sanctuary System… Cortez, Crestone, Taos, Arizona, Mexico, Canada… the globe… bringing healing to people where they live. The Traveling Shamans may be good to align with!
3. Suggestions from Willow Coyle, the cob-house builder (see below), for our FB ‘About’ presentation were gratefully accepted. Also to make a short video to generate interest. She’s given me a list of documents to help us set up properly and I’m working on them. Please, if you’re inspired in some way, I’d love to co-create.

Dreamweavers Update: Jodi is happy to have the property well tended by 2 (breaking news: 3) Grandmothers; she is free to travel (visiting family first). Lori is back in Louisiana with her family. I was hosted at Dreamweavers for a couple of weeks. Arriving there not yet fully recovered from shingles, it was unsettling having people coming and going (AirBnB, temple builders, friends, mechanics…) and expectations, judgements and different people’s differences rubbing others the wrong way. Peace being our shared desire, we worked things out and when I left (to go to Jodi’s Taos property – another possible jewel for U-Ma!) I had an invitation and intention to return; I look forward to exploring the wealth of experience and skills to learn and share (ooo, weaving!)

The day after I arrived at Dreamweavers, Willow came. She had been part of a free school for cob-building. She’s young, knowledgeable, willing, interested, can manage a worksite and a class, and is very capable in the kitchen! Style and beauty—ok, I like her. She is interested in adding her skills, imagination and wisdom in the Spring to what’s being dreamed up for U-Ma on the Alamosa property. Before she left to rejoin her partner she toured our current project, the yurt at the Dreamweaver Sanctuary.

It began as a beautiful Afghan style yurt lined with fine fabrics but over the years it deteriorated, collapsing 3 years ago. When I first saw it, it was just a hole in the ground with posts.

While I was gone north for the summer (to meet my son and Mom‘s and my pilgrimage to her birthplace, Haida Gwaii) it got a tin roof!

Jodi ordered wood one day with the intention of applying it to the sides of the yurt herself. That same day, David and Lantz, two young men referred by a friend, asked if they could make it a temple (as it was before, apparently! It is so good to have Elders to inform us of the past!)

David may live in/around the yurt this winter, using Dreamweavers’ outside kitchen. Lantz has returned to Texas to visit family, and expects to return. Like me, he is a believer in doing “the next right thing” so hasn’t firm plans. He is considering Jodi’s offer to create a community gathering/cafe on her Taos land.

We had quite the adventure the day we went to the mountain to gather cryolite! Buried around the base of the yurt, it is to add a special quality to it. According to an online source: cryolite is a highly spiritual, high-vibrational stone that resonates in all chakras. It is said to bring the crown, heart, and third eye chakras into alignment and harmony enabling a deep connection to Spirit and the higher realms.

We made our way up a REALLY STEEP HILL ~~ (the 4WD couldn’t do it!! It’s almost VERTICAL!)

And then we walked even further up… to a white monolith standing bright against the blue sky, and the beige and grey stone, and the dark green of the trees… a mother-lode of cryolite!

The Rock Pickers… Willow, David and Lantz
(and me… I’m taking the picture!)

Before taking any stones, we gathered for ceremony, asking and giving thanks for four buckets of beautiful rocks that stretched the arms of Willow and our temple-builders a few inches! 

I brought water, woven through ceremony
with waters from all over the world,
to bless us and our mission.

Mission Accomplished!

The budget for the yurt/Temple is minimal. The end result, unfocused as yet, is to be worthy of U-Ma / the Divine Feminine; a place where we can meet together to dream Spirit dreams and express our eternal adoration of our beautiful home, Mother Earth… and so we are accepting gifts of suitable materials, skills and resources. Can you help?

Sand, cement, tiles—tiger-eye, quartz, or labradorite perhaps? Building materials and items that can be worked into the design are invited. Tin cans with the tops and bottoms removed, then slit down the side and flattened make nifty shingles, I’m told. The tops and bottoms could resemble scales… Is a coiled dragon implied by that? I wonder what form will appear…

Impending cold weather encourages quick work to help the yurt hold heat! The wood-stove is connected and the firewood cut. The skies have been a brilliant blue for awhile; clouds from hurricanes south of us are gone… and snow is in the forecast!

Bless you, and all you do…
Sunshine Sparkling on the Waters
oa Shannon McArthur

More Magic in Ordinary Moments: MMOM and the U-Ma Retreat…

I offer a tale of Moments of Magic that brought me to this now moment, an opportunity to beat my drum for the people I feel have the best chance to help us all to heal and grow, happy and healthy as we become aware of whatever “The One We Are” is. Personally, I think we, collectively, are the Child of Gods. That would make us part of the Lifecycle of a God – I’ve got a story about that, but that’s not for now… Now is for that story of magic I was talking about…

Back in May of this year I was in Kamloops – and stuck, uninspired and undirected. I sought guidance from my rune reader. As I walked in, the first thing he says is: “So, when are you leaving?” I told him I hadn’t really thought about it and he said, “The land is calling you!” He described a very high plateau ringed by mountains, some of which have snow all year long. It reminded me of Cortez, Colorado, where I had stayed with my treasured friends, Mary and LionFire, both shaman extraordinaire. Anything I say about them seems pale; their brilliance shines clear and bright.

And so I traveled south to Cortez in time for the 3SidedWhole Down the Rabbit Whole, Guardians of the Desert Too,; then settled back in with Mary and LionFire to co-create some magical regalia. It was a lovely time. I became a reiki practitioner and visited HopiLand with Star Char Lema. Her car had been acting up so Mary suggested she invite me to go with her to make sure she didn’t get stranded. It was amazing and I am eternally grateful for that remarkable experience. Star had been adopted almost a year previous by the tribe because she brought an amazing piece of ancient art (the Waterbearer) that had come into her hands – she felt it wanted to visit with the Hopi people. That story is Star Char’s, and because it’s her part of the story, better for her telling it, I offer the feather to her:

I was so very honoured to be able to be there to hear Grandma (and her descendants, too) call out, “Come in; sit down!” (all taught by the same voice!) and, when she and I laughed together, I felt she was happy I had come. I was further honoured to stay in the home of her son, PV. He paints the pottery she makes and is an artist in his own right; I have two of his original sketches of Kachina dancers to help me remember: him, his Grandmother of the Flute Clan, and my visit to the mesa. Such lovely warm generous joyful people, on that beautiful day…

Then it was back to Cortez and time to go to the next music festival: Tribal Vision. Where I was going after it, though, remained a mystery…

Until the day before the close of the festival I had no destination. I didn’t worry – for the first time, I had no angst (what a relief!) – I enjoyed being and doing, and then I reconnected with another Star, aka Betsy; medicine woman and astrologer. I met her last year when I stayed with Mary and LionFire. She has an RV parked on the Dreamweavers Sanctuary in Crestone, CO, where I was told I would be able to stay – just talk to Jodi…

Skipping over stories here but, basically, I arrived, talked to Jodi and moved in. Star had prepared my room beautifully and it wasn’t long till I was settled and Jodi and I became friends. Next day, Lori arrived… was it really that soon?  OMG, the drama that happened with the youngsters! What a turmoil. And then Lori arrives with her two lovely little dogs (What kind are they, Lori? Let’s hear your side of the story!) Along with BaaBaa, the standard poodle, and Black Wolf (yes, he is) and the cats – well, it was a lively place there for awhile! Dewei, the resident Buddhist monk, often does an online meditation (@ 7&7) so a thread of peace runs through it, and there was little push to do anything (too hot!) other than prepare spaces for a group coming for a retreat. We took many opportunities to just sit together, do ceremony, laugh and dream. Jodi told me about a piece of property she’s been paying taxes on down on the flats… Jodi’s got that story, and more will come.

I just want to tell you how magical it was…

…the birth of the idea of the U-Ma Retreat, inspired by Spirit and the
many traveling shaman who go around to festivals and small town fairs
providing ceremonies and consultations to raise enough money to support
their need to help people!

Because that’s what it is… it is a soul-deep need and we cannot turn away.
Our path leads into the deepest of pain and through the darkest of times;
Way-showing and guiding, as best we can –
holding a light for those who are questing, questioning…

I believe we need to do better for our vulnerable givers, healers, guides –
the people best able to help in this new, confusing and challenging time.
Gathering together to share our wisdoms and ways;
listening together to each other, coordinating our efforts and
weaving a way that works well for All That Is…

That is, I think, a worthy reason to arise…

On the Road again… (almost)

Hello, my friends! I’m just about ready to go on the road again – spreading love and taking the prophecies to the people, or at least dancing up the spirits at music festivals like 3SidedWhole – and maybe Tribal Vision like last year! See… that’s me in front of the stage!

And I want you to know that I’ve got videos, powetry* and artwork on Patreon. Through their platform, you can donate a very small (or LARGE!) monthly amount automatically to help me flourish as I travel –

Click here to read &/or hear my posts and get updated.

Some posts are from before and some are new. Dive in! What else would you like to see? What do you wish was different? Patreon has set it up so you pick the ‘reward’ you want to generously donate to me automatically every month so I can do what I do and you can see and hear stories of Magic in Ordinary Moments, adventures on the road, etc.

What do you think of the “Rewards”? It’s different from anything I’ve seen and I like it; feels like new paradigm to me. I like a lot about Patreon, and a lot about sharing with you. I hope you like what you see, and that you let me know either way. I intend to move most of my content behind the “Patrons Only” barrier but until I do, there’s lots to see.

If you like what you see and can show your appreciation with a little bit of “love” per month (or a big bit!) I look forward to our more personal relationship.

* Powetry = powerful poetry, poetry of power, or perhaps, poetry from Power

Solstice – stepping into the light

I’ve  been waiting for something to happen since I was 15. I didn’t know what. I had an experience and it created a faith in me that sometimes I swore I didn’t have, but it has made me make decisions I never would have, otherwise – at least I don’t think I would…

Time for another one! It seems that the time has come for that something to come into the light. I’ve always thought of myself as rather ordinary but things conspired to make me into a rather interesting person with a bunch of very interesting stories. They knock me out. Magic in Ordinary Moments (M.O.M.) If they hadn’t happen to me, I don’t know if I could believe them, but they brought me to now… and I learned a lot.

I got inspired. I did a bunch of videos of some of my stories. Yesterday I made them public. I have more… but this Solstice seems to have influenced me – I felt it would be a good time to shine some light on the magic I have experienced in my life; dreams and a prophesy come true, and the promise I received from Mother Earth, for all of us. I’ve been holding back for a long time and now the time, inspiration and opportunity to tell you…

Now’s the time! (…walking now to centre stage – completely unknowing and trusting…)

(just have to figure out how to …) (ahh…) Here’s the link to my YouTube playlist:

 

Tribal Visions Festival 2017 Retrospective

We arrived at Tribal Visions Festival to hugs and kisses from Jessica Joy, the Volunteer Coordinator, who told us Spirit had brought us especially for her–her prayers and magic had brought us through the challenges of engine trouble and accommodation to emerge, just in time, into a welcoming paradise full of fields of tall grasses on rolling hills. JJ was given his choice of how he could contribute and off he went; Jessica (another JJ!) and I went for a walk to talk about mine. She suggested gardening or gathering plantain for the kitchen – or harvesting sage for ceremony. I jumped at that! I love working with herbs, even though I cannot smell them (different story…)

The venue seemed small when we first arrived. I’m glad it wasn’t what I had imagined; as it was, there was more than enough walking! At one end was a circus/play area and a ceremonial dome (the showers were supposed to be there too but never got built–maybe next year); the next field held the tents (and some cars); above that, the parking field and finally, above all, the house. Beside the parking field, moving around the hill, was a small vendors area, Magic Bob’s and the Elders who came to do ceremonies. Further along the path was the sacred fire and the fire of Rev. Yamato The Global Peace Monk, a water altar that I helped Eden decorate, and a tea shoppe. On the lower side of the meadow was the kitchen, Lionfire‘s shamanic tent and a big purple bus where the children played under another dome. The first night we were there was very windy but we’d arranged our camp well and so were able to sleep quite comfortably. Qigong in the ceremonial dome started the next day well; then I harvested more sage and set it to dry up by the house. Later, working at the campsite, I spontaneously decided to take a walk. I was just in time to be in just the right place when the big storm hit–the children’s dome had to be held to the ground or it would have parachuted into the sky on the next gust of wind. Together, six of us grounded the dome. The next day Jessica asked where I’d been during the storm–she had picked up all the sage for me! Our efforts had supported each other–this was a very successful “listening to Spirit” experience for me as there was no strain, no panic, and I was excited to work with others to keep the dome down!

During the festival, people were open and welcoming, full of laughter and fun, forgiving and respectful, appreciative and giving. There were cowboys and hippies and girls in silks; children with their faces painted, and some adults too; hats of all kinds; sunburnt faces and chapped lips; hugs everywhere – some of the best hugs I’ve had. The people I spent time with live with much the same credo as Synergy Hub – living life to the fullest, do what you want, as inspired by Spirit, while respecting and appreciating others and the Earth. I love that the land has been dedicated to the continuation of this mindset since back in the ‘70s. The land is in the care of exceptional people, musicians and singers; Che, Ruth, and others, while the owner (Jai) is overseas. Che’s father enjoyed the music too – a slight wiry elder with a cowboy hat who was often found dancing in the front row!

Music is a major focus here – a large studio is attached to the house. I noticed a lot of activity while I hung sage outside, and the results of that activity were thoroughly enjoyed when they brought their talents to the main stage. Amazingly talented people; and everything seemed to go smoothly. Really, it’s the experience of the festival-goers that counts, and by this criteria, this appeared to be a very successful festival! I’m sure it wasn’t just my experience…

I stepped consciously into the role of Storyteller. Whenever I could I told the prophecy: the Story of the Stones; and at the sacred fire one morning, I spun the tale of the Lifecycle of a God. I shared the story of my name, Sunshine Sparkling on the Waters, and pointed out that we are all Sparks of Our Father, born on Our Mother. I gave out sage from a beautiful basket loaned to me by Jessica. I stepped on stage to recite Crow Surgeon and to share the prayer I wrote for the end of QiGong, the Beauty Way. Finally, I felt my words as seeds, falling on fertile ground.

There was more – I also spent time in their sanctuary, the multi-denominational meditation/altar room for Spirit, in All It’s Forms, that’s the second focus of the house (the music studio is the first, and then there’s the view… OMG!). I told the CannaBuddhist Monk, Robintix, that I was going to my tent to nap; he suggested I lie down in the sanctuary instead. I did. While I did not sleep, he and Andrew played hang-drums; once, a conch was blown and blew all the cobwebs out of me! Then, awhile after, a bell was thoroughly rung, and I was completely wrung out! This sound-bath was one of the best meditations of my life. Then, on our last day, instead of helping JJ pack up (I’ll do better next time), I read tarot cards for many of the people in the house. For me, readings are how I reciprocate, or re/award people for their generosity, their welcome, their love, their music, their gifts… their place and piece of the peace we are all a part of. Nice places like this:

Back when I was in Glastonbury, (was it only 3 months ago?!) a channel told me my guides wanted me to know this is to be my path, and whatever the Rob and JJ decide to do is their stuff–travelling around Turtle Island is supposed to be like a pilgrimage for me. I feel very blessed to travel with these gentle men, fierce in their dedication to the abundant and wonderful reality we are co-creating here on Mother Earth.

Hmm… I like the way that sounds and it’s different from what has been said before. It seems focused on what we have the power to do right now rather than in the future, as does what “we know is possible”. The word co-creating reminds me of a story I heard, about when the European explorers needed to learn the Indigenous language(s); they decided to compile a dictionary. When they came to the word God, the best term they could come up with as an acceptable translation was the “Creationing”. Are we co-creationing with Mother Earth? With Spirit? What do YOU think?  

I think that I am being propelled/guided into this future; I’m not doing a lot of worrying, and I am paying attention. It was challenging when the van broke down (twice!) I breathe, and remember my future is in Spirit’s hands; I am thrilled to meet the people brought into my life through these adventures. If I were to have a wish: I wish I was better at gathering contacts and organizing information because all of the people involved deserve acknowledgement and appreciation and I want to have them in my life, if only virtually. I’ll get better at it. I am comforted when I remember these lovely people have committed their lives to their principles and pastimes, and are guided by Spirit – we will meet again, if meant to be, as the pattern unfolds…

 

Another day; another festival…

We stopped in Crestone for a couple of nights (another story) and have arrived at 3 Sided Whole, a place in the desert outside Albuquerque in New Mexico dedicated to Spirit, shamanic activities, and psychedelics. Our host, Dr. Norman Katz, aka Dr. Blue, once again gathered a diverse collection of charismatic characters, some of whom, from a conventional point of view, are wildly crazy; and they play amazing music! They come and play free – in this venue, they shine like diamonds; their idiosyncrasies sparkling against the dull backdrop of Mundania, far off in another reality.

The music-makers were merely one facet of a kaleidoscopic array of talents and wonder-full offerings. First thing that first morning, I was drawn into a ceremonial blowing of an ancient kind of whistle; long easy breaths taken and given together with 3-7 other people. It is said to be able to create a psycho-auditory experience, in which we could perhaps hear wisdom from ancient Mayans. I didn’t hear anything but whistles – maybe I need practice!

This festival felt to me like a coming home… people smiled and waved and invited me over; as they spoke to me, their words echoed how I feel: desiring sharing, community, fellowship, love and the wonder of Spirit, the Great Unknowing…

Enough – it’s late and it’s been a long day… I’m tucking into dreamtime! Much love and blessings, beautiful people!

Oh, by the way; I did a lot more editing in this post and it’s much later than I wanted it to be… Is the time spent worth it? Or do you like my rambling brainstream method that I used here? Feedback please!

 

 

 

 

 

Gratitude On the Road (OTR) to Tribal Vision Festival

After a night spent perched on the side of a mountain overlooking Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the Garden of the Gods, we’re going through the Rockies on the road to our first festival of the tour. This place is everything they say it is, and pictures do not do it justice. We’ve seen amazing scenery and missed a plethora of fabulous photos — but we got some too! See…

The road reminds me of Highway 1, down the Pacific Coast. Windy (the adjective!) road; lots of deep curves and turns that open to beautiful vistas; narrow, blind and a totally engaging in-the-moment experience for the driver (JJ!) and completely enthralling to all passengers (me, and All Those who travel with me, though unseen)(You!? We are One! We just have to figure out this telepathy thing and SO much will become unnecessary and obsolete. Will lying become obsolete? Unnecessary? Oh, make it so…) Enough prayer!

I’m for a bit of gratitude; how about you? Me first, and then Spirit will listen to yours, k?

I’m grateful for the sun on my face and the ability to find shade; blessed be the trees! I am grateful for the wind in my hair; blessed be those who donated the sari scarves that decorate our campsite and keep me hopping because the wind blows them from the trees that give me shade from the sun that baked me well done yesterday, and today not so much… there are puffy white clouds and darker grey ones. And there was a drop on my arm as if Mother Nature is warning me that more may come. We’re saying prayers that it stays dry so the sage that I’ve hung up will dry in time for the opening ceremony. I’ve become the Sage Elder at this festival. While I’ve been part of festivals before, this is the first time I’ve been encouraged to do the work I’m passionate about; to get involved with the people doing ceremony. This makes my soul sing!

Oh right – back to it… I’m grateful for the fire last night that was the beacon that led JJ to me with a light, through the dark, so he could show me the fire he had been waiting for me at. I didn’t know there was more than one, and I got a hot sweet milk-tea where I was! I had been invited (pulled over) by the youngest of the current troupe – today she turns 6! And her birthday party will be under the big pink flower (it’s amazing how flowerlike a parachute can be when draped over a geodesic dome!)

Back when I was in Kamloops I said to an online private group of women professing to be going deep that I sought something deeper… having the opportunity to do what inspires me brings an element of clarity to the experiences I’ve had. This kind of tumultuous life is to be expected when you choose to give your life to Spirit–all the good, along with the challenges that spice things up. For me, my choice was made when I was 15, my promise given. I’ve waited a long time for that promise to be called in. I’ve lived, worked, wandered and wondered, searching for the answers without knowing the question; I’ve stumbled, fallen, got up, fallen, lay down and surrendered; and I have transformed (more than once!) – the path is before me.

And it’s beautiful!!  I wish we could share more than words…

Pththth!! Too bad – you’re there. But I’m grateful to be able to speak this way at least because this is awesome! Here at the Tribal Vision Festival I’m harvesting sage and helping in ceremonies. JJ whacked a lot of weeds yesterday (the grass is thigh high!) I gave the organizer, Jessica Joy, a tarot reading and helped serve dinner. While I got our camp kitchen organized, JJ helped construct the big outdoor Festival kitchen. Synchronistically, I had just strolled into the main festival area when a big gust of wind almost blew me over (along with the Festival kitchen) and I saw people trying to hold down the children’s dome. The parachute on it was trying to fly away! With me added, we managed to get the chute off before we took off to the Land of Oz to visit the Emerald City! (Ooo, a green city!)

Nice to have you here, if only virtually! Stay tuned for more adventures, taking the Story of the Stones to the streets, and festivals around the world…

Unprepared, As Usual

I camped for years, at times on the road for months, but it was all by rote and we had all the equipment, clothes and gear. Trying to re-create that comfort with someone new is an exercise, and worth every moment! JJ is a nice guy, although he’s a bit gruff sometimes. We are both so amazed at what is happening, and we are both so committed to our mission, it is easy to cut each other some slack. We both know it isn’t easy, so we try to make each exchange pleasant and informative (I’m trying not to fill the air with non-essentials and JJ, well, he doesn’t talk much at the best of times! I encourage him to add his vibrations and he’s getting the hang of it!)

I’ve been adding a bit to a document when I get the opportunity because I don’t want to lose any of this! (Power and wifi are essentials in our lives!) So, here is some of what I’ve written:

• Going through the Rockies today, after a night on the side of a mountain overlooking Manitou Springs, Co, at the Garden of the Gods. We’ve seen amazing scenery and missed some fabulous photos — and we got some too! You’ll see..
• The road reminded me of Highway 1, down the Pacific Coast. Windy (no, not the noun, the adjective!) as in lots of curves and turns and beautiful views; narrow, blind and totally engaging in-the-moment experience for the driver (JJ!) and completely enthralling to all passengers (me, and Those who travel with me, though unseen)(You!?)(We are One! We just have to figure out this telepathy thing and SO much will become unnecessary and obsolete. Will lying become obsolete? Unnecessary? Oh, make it so…)

Enough of that! I’m for a bit of gratitude now, how about you? Me first, and then Spirit will listen to yours, k?

I’m grateful for the sun on my face and the ability to find shade; blessed be the trees! I am grateful for the wind in my hair; blessed be those who donated the sari shawls that decorate our campsite and keep me hopping because the wind blows them from the trees that give me shade from the sun that baked me well yesterday and today, not so much… there are puffy white clouds and darker grey ones. And there, just now was a drop on my arm as if Mother Nature is warning me that more may come. We’re saying prayers that it stays dry so the sage that I’ve hung up will dry in time for the opening ceremony. I’ve become the Sage Elder at this festival. It is the first time I’ve been encouraged to do the work I’m passionate about; to get involved with the people doing ceremony and those organizing stuff. This makes my soul sing!

Oh right – back to it… I’m grateful for the fire last night that was the beacon that brought JJ to me, in the dark, with a light to show me the fire that he had been waiting for me at. I didn’t know there was more than one, and I got a hot sweet milk-tea. It was wonderful; I was invited by the youngest of the current troupe – today she turns 6! And her birthday party will be under the dome with the pink flower on it (it’s amazing how flowerlike a parachute can be!

Back when I was in Kamloops I said I sought something deeper… having the opportunity to do what inspires me brings an element of clarity to the experiences I’ve had in the past 5 years. This is what can happen if you give your life to Spirit. My choice was made back when I was 15. I’ve waited a long time to be activated. I have transformed and the path is before me.

And this in a chat with Rob, that Red Dragon who plans to join us in June…

• Pththth!! Too bad you’re there. This is awesome! I’m harvesting sage and helping in ceremonies. JJ whacked a lot of weeds yesterday; I gave the organizer, Jessica Joy, a reading and helped serve dinner. While I got our kitchen organized, JJ helped make the Big outdoor kitchen. It blew down in a squall we just had. I had just got up and strolled over… nah, gotta write it once, in the blog… thanks anyway.

So, here we are… Let me tell you, it is so exciting and emergent and challenging and amazingly beautiful and the amazingly beautiful people that we meet are so synchronistically placed in our lives – Jessica Joy (JJ) is the coordinator for the Festival! There’s a guy who works an hour outside of my hometown, Kamloops, BC!! These people know and have been practicing the tenets of living that we’ve been talking about/working with for the past year in Rotterdam at the Synergy Hub. It is so nice to see the festival taking shape and being able to know these lovely young people as we go into the weekend. It is so deeply comforting and reassuring that we are welcome and desired, as elders, to be a special part of these festivities.

Jessica has a special quality that seems to make each of us feel like we are special friends of hers and absolutely everything that we want to do should happen and we should each do what we are passionate about. I am passionate about ceremony and she has me working with the fellow creating the water altar. I’m looking forward to getting back to see what he’s done today. And checking out the sage situation — the more, the better!! Never too much sage!  So, we are going back to our little corner of Paradise – and I’ll send some pictures next time, when I remember my phone – maybe I can find something on this to head up the text… brb…

Castle Rock, in the rain, driving at speed down the Highway – yes, I was in the passenger seat!