Wonderful Oregon

“Enjoy your inward travels.  May they be extraordinary.  Collect each jewel.  Bless each day of your life—for no day of your life will ever come again.”  Carolyn Myss.

My travels since arriving in Oregon in late June have been extra-ordinary.  It was certainly a wonder-filled experience last week to find myself participating in a five day small group “salon” in the Ashland home of “the” Jean Houston.  We contemplated and experienced the current issues and beliefs about the “Living Universe,” with our co-teacher, author Duane Elgin.  On the fourth day, Gary Zukav and Linda Francis came to have lunch and visit with us.  Who’d of thunk it could be possible!! When it was my turn in the “hot seat” – a time of individual attention – Jean told me I was a fortunate woman, living my bliss.  She said that I have innocence and the wonder of a seven-year old.  She said to stop worrying about making mistakes and that learning to trust is over-rated –to  just get on with my wonderful life!

My sister, Shelley, says that our mother also had this sense of wonder. I guess the innocence and wonder factors make it possible for me to just set out on each new adventure without knowing what will happen. I AM amazed at the beauty of nature revealing itself around every curve of the road; by the extraordinary people that I am meeting and the delightful synchronicities showing up every day.

Here are a few highlights of the Ashland stay.  Several of the names and places are linked to more information, should you choose to explore.

ANOTHER FEATHER:  When I was feeling very new and unsure in Ashland, I connected with the amazing Lavelle Foos and the Tuesday farmer’s market.  I was attracted to the wonderful copper feather jewelry she creates in the Navajo tradition.  Of course, I bought one.  Our visit somehow confirmed that I was, indeed, in the right place.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME:  My choice to rent a room from Dea proved to be a blessing.  It came complete with a warm welcome, a new friend, some mutual inward growth experiences and the comfort of the marvelous Ace, her 19 year-old-cat.

A TASTE OF MT SHASTA: A weekend to Mt. Shasta, CA provided the opportunity for me to participate in a Judith Moore retreat that involved water blessing ceremonies and an amazing peace pipe healing ceremony in a high mountain meadow.  I connected with a number of wonderful “soul friends” and had the fun of having tea and talk with Mt. Shasta resident Christine, who contacted me when she read in my blog that I was going to be in her neighborhood.

ROAD TRIP:  At the Yachats (pronounced Ya-hots) cottage I had a view of the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean from my living room window.  One blessing there was an amazing healing massage with Zeora at the Gentle Dragon.  I explored the coast road from Lincoln City down to the California redwoods with stops for photo ops and a walk among the majestic sequoias.

ASHLAND:  In charming Ashland, I enjoyed the historic charm, mountain views, organic food, beautiful park, and attending a production of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  It was fun to recognize a former Creative Life acquaintance at the local Unity church; to participate in a Oneness Blessing group, and to receive healing reflexology from the amazing Dena Carter.

While in Ashland, I took an online picture book writing class with Mira Riesberg of the Children’s Book Academy.  She has whispered many wonderful books to publication. Mira reviewed both the text and current version of illustrations by Kathy Voerg.  Kathy’s friend, Kristi is helping with the graphic design.  It is beginning to look like a book.

I’m now settled back in Mt. Shasta, California at least through September. I’ll let you know about the magic that happens here.