Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DANCING . . .
I met Rosie (in blue) the first time, on my first of three days trekking the Camino towards Finisterre, Spain when I stopped to eat lunch and ended up dancing to the beat of the music for two hours. I had a song in my heart and my feet glided above the trail after my meeting with Rosie.
Trekking the Camino can and often does mean long days on dirt trails through beautiful countrysides, and this day was no different. Walking for six or so hours on this last day, my third day after leaving Santiago, Spain (where most Pilgrims stop walking, not many continue on to Finisterre) I noticed along the way bouquets of flowers laying on many doorways. I arrived in Finisterre early enough to spend time greeting the Atlantic Ocean (knowing that the only thing missing was my sweet, sweet man Marc) and discovered it was a night of feasting and celebration for the locals. A bonfire on the beach where Pilgrims would throw in something of their gear in honor of finishing the Camino, locals grilling the catch of the day, laughing and dancing, it was the Feast day of John the Baptiste. Legend says, John the Baptiste blesses anyone who lays flowers out for him.
After the bonfire died and locals went home I needed to dance some more. I found a few of my Pilgrim friends and convinced them to come dance with me. Out of many Pilgrims the only people who would go dancing and didn't want to go to sleep were two guys who ended up sitting at the bar having a beer while I danced, and danced, and danced alone. There was a local girl at the bar with her boyfriend and I motioned for her to please come dance with me. She did! We didn't speak each other's language but had so much fun dancing around following each other into the next room it didn't matter. Then her boyfriend and the two guys got up and danced following us all around, taking turns leading, deliriously laughing as the music played on. I trekked nearly 20 miles that day, afterwards danced with the locals, then danced till the sun rose the next morning. My heart was full.
In the picture above Rosie & I danced the second time in one week, in Spain, 2002, nearing Finisterre, along the Camino. I DANCE whenever the moment strikes me. On this particular day my friends and I were hungry after trekking for hours in the hot sun. Having been there a week ago I wanted to see my Spanish speaking friend, Rosie but didn't see her. Speaking only english I couldn't communicate what I wanted until I said, "Rosie." The smiling guy behind the bar went through a curtain to the back room and brought "Rosie!" Seeing each other we smiled, laughed, hugged, and kissed each other's cheeks, we were happy. And of course Rosie knew what I wanted...she turned up the music full blast and all us girls started hootin' then started dancing! Wooo Hooo we were the Wooo Hooo Women! WHATEVER IT TAKES!
Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul's weather to all who can read it. ~Martha Graham
I love many things, but dancing is first. I should have been a professional dancer, because when the beat is there, my body and feet just take over, no need of a partner.
As a little girl I watched my Aunt Dolly on the American Bandstand TV show, and then she'd come home to show me her moves. The first dance I remember was "The Twist" by Chubby Checker. Do you remember when things were really hummin', oh let's twist again like we did last summer. I remember like it was yesterday, my little body jumping and moving all around the living room. Laugh out loud. WHATEVER IT TAKES!
I love living in the Sonoran Desert where I can drive out to a dirt road in McDowell Mountain Park, opening the doors to my jeep, turning up the volume on the radio...my boots begin to move on the desert floor as my body sways to a lively tune. Just me, my jeep, the music, the desert, the plants and the critters catching a glance of the ecstatic Vibrant Woman! I imagined the critters were dancing too!
Many Years ago on the prairie in Spirit Lake, Idaho at two or three in the morning, at a weekend retreat when all the other women were sound asleep...I Danced.
A distant coyote howled while I danced in the cold black night. Stars sparkled above me, a cold breeze cooling down my hot sweated body, listening to music with my earbuds to some song that had me moving, dancing through the blonde knee high dried weeds. I was a Vibrant Woman dancing on the earth, my smiling face beaming towards the gods, arms flailing and turning as the drumming pounded through my soul. I was happy, delirious as I always get when I'm dancing.
Can you hear the beat? Listen . . .
Here are two treats, Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8#watch-main-area
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8
Living Passionately,
AriZona
Monday, November 9, 2009
TIME. . .
Time. . .Where does it all go? Yesterday I was born, yesterday I was a little girl, yesterday I was a teenager, yesterday I was graduating from High School, yesterday I was pregnant, yesterday I was married, yesterday I was a new mom...NOW they are all grown up with children of their own.
My feelings are raw today, my eyes swollen, tears falling, my heart hurts from unkind spoken words. I realize it happens to many, but today, these are my raw feelings.
My feelings are raw today, my eyes swollen, tears falling, my heart hurts, my Time...my employment time has not been planned well. I didn't want to go to college when I graduated from High School, I wanted to be married, I did; and be a mom, four times. Time...where has it gone? I've not done enough right things in my life to be employable, the paper trail that shows what you've accomplished. I've many accomplishments, but am I employable, apparently not, especially in these difficult times, others come first that have more qualifications.
How do I be okay with my choices? I just let life lead me. I was standing at the waters edge watching my life sail by and I didn't even realize it. Time...where has it all gone? My life isn't over, not by a long shot. I've many accomplishments and many more to come. But, how do I find work, employable work, one that I get paid for in return? How do I turn this around? I want to help others and I probably would know what to say...but, for me...Time, where has it gone? I did not choose well to be employable. Life, my life is staring me in the face, what do I do? I want to help others. Of course, you have to live that which you teach. Yes, I understand, pay attention. This is a time of AFGO'S for me: Another F_ _ _ _ _ _G Growth Opportunity!
I played a game to see what animal I am:
"The PHOENIX- You are a phoenix at heart; you display a fiery and passionate soul within. In Mythology, the phoenix is considered as one of the strongest and most feared creatures all throughout history. The phoenix personality represents a very lively, passionate person who often is not afraid to show their true feelings and stand for what they believe in. Although they might not get along with everyone, a phoenix is sure to stand out from the crowd and bring a warm atmosphere with them. Often very artistic, a person whose spirit represents the phoenix is not afraid to express themselves and their feelings. The phoenix is powerful and will not back down from the things they put their faith in as well as will fight by the sides of their friends until the end of time. Although sometimes they may get hurt, a phoenix always finds the will and strength to rise back up. In relationships, they are romantic lovers and always follow their heart. If you look into their eyes, they are often wild and vivid - full of desire and and emotion clear as day. As the weight of the world bears down upon their shoulder, a phoenix may fade in their own flames and fall to ash - but as they rise once again from their ashes with new life, they remind us all that we have the strength within to always move on and never give in."
Hmmmm, I guess I just found the very things I stand for in this life. WHATEVER IT TAKES. I DO EVERYTHING AT 100%. I am Grateful.
Living Passionately,
AriZona
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sandbox...
I'm sitting here in my beautiful sea colored creative space in my home, listening to an ocean CD with thundering waves crashing around me, feet dug in the coolness of the sand, resting in my sandbox. Whatever It Takes!
I love setting up scenarios, in this case I wanted to recreate sitting on the beach where Finisterre, Spain greets the Atlantic Ocean (my favorite place in the world).
I've sat many times listening to the ocean waves crashing and roaring in Finisterre, with my feet dug into the cool sand. This is what I wanted to recreate as I started writing my stories once again. My journey had ended for the moment. My journey never ends, it just stops in interesting places.
My sandbox doesn't look like much right now, but my creative juices are flowing to get it decorated. My very own sandbox. See, I told you I'd never grow up. The sand is from Carpinteria, CA near Santa Barbara (another favorite place), a very dear friend transported the sand in a shiny silver pail. I have my sandbox, the sand from Carpinteria and my dear friends' essence, and listening to the ocean waves crashing all while I'm writing!
It couldn't get any better in this moment and highly inspirational.
Living Passionately,
AriZona
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Taking Risks...
These are my footprints on the beach in Finisterre, Spain after I trekked 600 miles. I've seen pictures of footprints but I wanted my own so I remember what it took to get there.
I am always open to new Adventures. Going to the grocery store can be an Adventure.
The other night I stopped by a KFC. Another woman was driving slowly past and wondered why they were closed. We had a fun little chat after discovering the KFC in the town where we lived closed it's doors. What do I do now, I forgot my dish at home and I need something quick? We talked about where there are other KFC stores, found out the nearest one also closed. Panic sets in. LOL. She was treating her wonderful husband to a dinner he doesn't get often and loves. Now what does she do? LOL some more. I asked her name, Cyd, I raised my hand to shake hers. Hi, I'm AriZona. Went to KFC, Met CYD who chatted with AZ. More laughter. We had 10 mins of an adventure that had us laughing hard and then we got in our vehicles and pulled away.
That 10 minute adventure stayed with me for half an hour, until I got to my next adventure of the evening. A young couple invited us to their home that they share with a woman for a Last Friday of the Month get together dinner. Another fun adventure to add to our list of things to do.
Every thought we have, every turn on a road, a trail while hiking or biking leads us in a new direction. Always new choices, it's what we do with those choices that can lead us in new directions.
I am wondering what is on the horizon for me. I have many choices. Do I need to choose just one, can I follow all my thoughts? If I do, do I risk taking on too much, yes, probably. There's something about that word: RISK. I love that word, it takes away the safety net. To reach deeper into your soul pushing you farther than you dreamed you possibly could go. What kinds of risks have you taken, how about recently? Do something you don't normally do.
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
-T.S. Elliot
I'm contemplating writing a book or a draft in thirty days for November: National Novel in a Month....http://www.nanowrimo.org/. I'll see where it leads. I need to tell the stories. WHATEVER IT TAKES!
Living Passionately,
AriZona
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Beginnings...
CONGRATULATIONS CARLA! Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all the dreams you can hold. Moving forward, creating one dream after another. Whatever It Takes...
Thank You Carla (above photo) for launching the "Journaling Lounge" www.sanityjournals.com, an inspirational place for all women of like minds...feel the energy swirling...A Guiding Light for all to gather.
Tonight a FULL MOON...
Tonight my husband, myself and a friend launched our first "Full Moon Dinner" in the desert on a small hiking trail overlooking our town of Fountain Hills, Az. The air was warm as we sat in our chairs, eating Gyros from Fountain Hills Express while our friend Keith was clicking away on his camera in the light of the full moon.
There is magic in the still night of the desert under a full moon, groups of coyotes yipping, traveling through the washes bringing smiles to us as we stood up to get a better ear as to where the three separate groups were traveling...I think the full moon had everyone and everything swirling with energy. Told stories of coyotes.
I remember when I was 12 years old my parents drove our family back for a visit to Erie, PA starting in Southern California. My dad and I were in the front seat of the car while my mom slept on the back seat, and my brother and sister slept on the floor. I loved keeping my dad company during the night, it was exciting. We were in the Painted Desert in Arizona when dad pulled over to the side of the road and took a snooze on the front seat. I snuggled down on the floorboard in the front, in those days there was plenty of room for me. I tried to fall asleep and couldn't with the quiet of desert and not knowing what was out there in the dark. I started hearing barking, close, figuring they were coyotes but had never seen one. The barking scared me, and no one was waking up. I slowly raised my head up to the window until I could see outside and what I saw really scared me...there were lots of shining eyes staring at me. I flew back down to the floorboard so fast and hid myself with my blanket and didn't sleep a wink! When dad got up to drive again I told him and he laughed his wonderful, infectious jolly laugh. I'm so glad we stopped because at first light I was able to see an artist's pallet painted across the Painted Desert mountains. I so loved the memory of the night and colors that I named my first business, Painted Desert...natures palette.
Under the full moon we watched the fountain go off reaching its peak of 330 ft tall shooting into the dark of night in the center of the lake. Click, click from Keith's camera as we told stories of our travels around the world.
What a wonderful night. New Beginnings.
Living Passionately
AriZona
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
