ETL 2016 Summer of Hope Tour

When I left Tucson, I had a couple of definite places to go, but everything in between I would leave to gently unfold. This is the first time that I've been alone and able to write so here is a brief rundown on how things have gone so far. First, I drove to Huntington Beach, flew to Sacramento, hitched a ride with my son and fiancé to Fort Bragg where I had the amazing privilege of marrying them on the bluff overlooking the sea, in the presence of God, family and friends.

Then I left with my daughter, son-in-law, and shared the back seat with my 6 month sweet grand daughter and not so small, BIG DOG on a road trip down south, via Mendocino, The World's Largest Salmon Bake, 4th of July Celebrations and a stop at Vichy Resort in Ukiah, one of only 3 champagne (effervescent) water warm springs in the world. (totally fun!)

Back for another week in Huntington, housesitting, walks, swims, family get togethers, and drinking beer.

Again, back on the road, heading to Yosemite for a not-yet known, pilgrimage to Half Dome with my daughter and 4 other courageous woman, after which, I drove up HWY 49 through the Motherlode and into Grass Valley. Because of the kind and generous spirit of many, I've spent the past two weeks, swimming, floating, boating, hiking, visiting, working, volunteering, gardening, cleaning, organizing and yes, drinking beer! I've stayed down town, in the mountains and on the water. As this is where I left in 2009 for my journey that began with A Year in a Suitcase, it has been a time of grace.

As I continue practicing living in the moment, I've kept my days from being planned.  When asked, "What are you going to do today?" I answer, "I'm going to just wait and see what unfolds!" And each day has held something special and magical.

We don't have to go away to experience something magical. But it does take conscious effort as it is easy to fall into what my friend calls a Six Inch Grave…a rut! We can let our personal and professional lives become... rote, routine, boring, and mundane if we're not careful.  It's tempting to follow the same routine, go the same way to work, eat the same foods, watch the same programs, etc. Then we can have the tendency to become rigid, complacent and inflexible.. all the while thinking… "This is the way it should be! I don't like change!" But if we can just change one small thing each day, or even change something every now and then, we will stay awake and living in each moment, and then we too can experience the magic each moment has to offer!