Sedona welcomes us with open arms and lots of energy

Sunday our first full day in magical Sedona. Talk about feast or famine. From one extreme to the other in less than two days. We have managed to go from the wettest place on Earth - the interior rain forest in Kauai with 450 inches of rain per year to the desert Sedona with about 13 inches of rain per year.
Topography that went from lush and green full of flowers to topography full of cacti and shrubbery. But the one thing both these places have in common is the energy. As soon as we drove into Sedona and hit the vortex my husband and I looked at each other and said did you feel that? Immediately my ears felt like they were clogged. My body tingled. My husband felt giddy. Surprising us both because when we were here 15 years ago, we were not aware of the energy until we were driving away.
This time the enegy hit us as soon as we drove in. We are not sure if it is because we were already atuned to the vortex because of our Kauai experience. Because we had already been opened to the energy centres there. There was no doubt about the effect of the energy on us this time. No denying it. No getting around it. It was like every fiber, every cell, every atom in our bodies had suddenly been awakened. Charged. Set on fire.
Driving in was magical. We had gone from desert scenery. Not much changing and then there they were - magestic red rocks. Like the scenery had just been painted and was bursting with life. Colour. Bright red. Reminding me of the blood flowing through my veins. That which keeps us alive. Pulsating. Invigorating. Fuelling us.
Seeing the red rocks, the sun hitting the rocks at different angles casting varying light and shadows over the rocks. Sometimes the rocks looked bright red like they were on fire. Other times orange like the sun. And then when they were in the shadows they even looked green. The light and hues changing as the light shifted. Sometimes showing faces. Lots of guardians looking over the valley and all those who entered. And I could feel the stories of days gone by coming out of the rocks. Like they were reaching out for me. Inviting me back in. Inviting us back in.
Our children were sniggling at us in the back of the car. Joking with each other about the energy they were not feeling. Making fun of their kooky parents who think rocks give people energy. And we understood their doubt. Their lack of belief because we were very much like them 15 years ago. Energy flows where energy goes. We are what we believe and think.
Their awareness of the energy that connects us is not mature yet. They have not grown into the interconectedness of the us all yet. So we just let them laugh at us and told them in time they will understand. We want to let them be the children they are without trying to change their beliefs through words. Rather by helping them through our actions and exposing them to as much as we can so they can form their own beliefs.
Even though my husband and I had chosen to come back to Sedona to introduce our daughter to the place we had chosen to name her after, it still felt strange driving into a place where everywhere we turn is the name Sedona. Even stranger for our daughter because her name is so unusual and now to be surrounded by her own name was overwhelming for us and for her. She both loves having her name repeated over and over again and feels uncomfortable with it at the same time.
The sacredness of this place is overwhelming and invigorating. We hope our daughter can understand just how special she is by being in this sacred space. By seeing why we called her Sedona. To experience the beauty and power of her name as we did all those years before. To understand how much honour we have bestowed upon her to name her after such a geological wonder and energy mecca.
Our first day was spent playing tennis, mini golf and exploring our resort. Discovering wind sculptures that almost reduced my husband to tears. So much beautiful energy being out doors. Meeting interesting people and people who truly love what they do and where they live. Their energy refreshing, inviting, and full of love. People of like energy drawn to a place full of energy.
We then decided to go for a walk along the Bell Vortex pathway. The heat of the day easing with an afternoon breeze. As my husband and I walked along the path, we were both taken aback by the strength of the energy emanating from the vortex. While walking between two vortex,  The Bell Rock and the Courthouse, I felt the vibrations particularly strong. The sound of  silence  almost deafening. The peace unlike anything else we had experienced. It's amazing how time allows us to grow into our appreciation for nature. Our appreciation for how interconnected we all are and the need for silence. Beautiful.
We ended our evening last night by going out for an easy dinner at the restaurant in our resort. Where we laughed and had such a great time because of all the good clean fresh air we had experienced for the day. There was table of ladies sitting next to us who said they wanted what we had because we were having so much fun laughing. And as we were leaving they stopped us to talk to them.
And it turned out they were retired school teachers from Phoenix so they knew a lot about the Sedona area and told us the very resort we were staying in was where the original Sedona, the wife of the man who named this town Sedona, used to live and farm. They told us there is a stone cottage still on the property where the orginal Sedona used to live. One of the teachers also told us she taught the grandson of the original Sedona. There are no coincidences in life. None what so ever. We were met to cross paths with the retired teachers so we could learn why we had been sent to this place to stay for the week.
To show our children and to remind us that everything happens for a reason and we are always in the place we are meant to be in when we are open to the Universe to learn the reasons why.
What a wonderful start to our stay in Sedoona and we look forward to the rest of the week.

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A white knuckled journey on a six seater aircraft

Okay so I have checked flying in a small six seater airplane off my bucket list now. After coming back from my serene journey with El, I met up with my husband and children to go on a small plane tour over the Island. Because I felt so at one with nature, the Universe and everything in it, I had no fear about going on the six seater aircraft. I felt on top of the world like there was nothing that could harm me or my family.
Even boarding the little prop plane did not bother me. Neither did taxiing down the runway. I felt so excited about our new adventure. That is until the flight took off and if you don't know by now I am terrified of heights. So much so that just seeing someone standing on the edge of a drop makes my toes ache and my insides churn. I never thought I would feel the heights on the six seater because flying on large airplanes I do not feel the height because of the way the airplane is shaped and because of the size of the windows.
Not the case on a six seater aircraft  The windows are large. Designed that way so everyone can have a panoramic view from wherever they sit on the aircraft. So taking off in that little prop plane felt like I was on a roller coaster ride that kept rising and rising. Bile immediately rising  in my throat as I clutched my son's seat until I thought my fingers were going to come off. Or arthritis was going to kick in. Or rigamortis whichever came first. To say I was terrified was an understatement. My body was shaking in places I didn't even know could shake.
The plane started to vibrate and pitch and careen so I couldn't help but ask the pilot, Paul, if the entire  flight was going to be like that.  To which he responded, oh it's just a little bit of turbulence in his nonchalant cavalier sort of way. Just a little bit of turbulence I wanted to scream. This stupid little plane feels like it is going to fall apart. Shudder apart I wanted to scream back at him but I didn't. Instead I clutched the seat even harder. I swear my fingers were almost white from the blood draining out of them.
As the plane rocked around, I asked Paul if I had told him I was afraid of heights. To which he responded then don't look down just look out and enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the scenery I wanted to shout back at him. Turn this damn plane around and let me out but I didn't. I nodded sweetly. Closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep. But that only made matters worse. So I opened my eyes again. Trying desperately not to look out the windows at what was below us. All I wanted was for the flight to end.
To make matters worse, my daughter turned to me to say,"Mommy, I'm scared." Her eyes watery. Her face terrified. Looking at me like I could do something to help her but I couldn't. The worst nightmare for a mother because I felt like I had intentionally put my family in danger on this little prop plane that was capitulating all over the place like a little fly in the wind.
I then did the only thing I could. I told Paul I have a terrified daughter and then asked him how long we would be up? To which he responded we only just got started. I wanted to tell him to turn around so badly but I knew it was my husband's choice to be up there so I needed to swallow my fear. To suppress the bile that was threatening to violently project across the airplane and everyone in it. My husband reached back and squeezed our daughter's knee asking her if she was okay. She bravely shook her head. My son quiet not saying a word. All of us were in shock I believe.
In that instant the airplane ride smoothed out as much as a prop plane could. And I somewhat relaxed. Daring to look out the window at the scenery below. I have to admit the mountains looked menacing and enchanting at the same time from the heights we were flying. Mysterious yet inviting. Beautiful waterfalls softening otherwise harsh cliffs. We flew over the Jurassic Park waterfall, the Fantasy island waterfall, Julia Robert's home, Pierce Brosnan's home, inaccessible beaches and waterfronts.
And just as I started to get used to the motion of the aircraft, my husband asked the pilot if that was a whale over yonder. To which Paul said let's go check it out. And to my absolute horror, he put us in a commando style dip. The plane feeling like it was tipped on its side. My stomach in my throat. My fingers gripping so hard on the seat in front of me, they ached.
 I wanted to kill my husband at that point. Instead I said false alarm no whale in sight. And just as I said that I saw the tell tale spout of a whale slightly to the left of where we were. But I dared not say a word as I did not want to experience another dipping of the wings again. Too late Paul spotted it as well. And he turned the plane back, taking us closer to the water showing us the whale. My heart nearly stopping in my throat as we circled that whale closer and closer almost as if the wings could touch the water.
Despite my absolute terror and panic, I was in awe of the whale putting on a show for us. Coming up out of the water then diving back in. Showing us every marking on his body through the clear water. A peace washing over me as that whale seemed to say everything is going to be all right. That is until Paul decided to circle the area where the whale had surfaced to try to catch a glimpse of the whale again.
I told Paul the whale had gone. What I really wanted to say was, if you circle the ocean one more time I will scream but I didn't. I told him again, it's gone. And then he took off. Taking us back on our journey around the Island. Where we saw Princeville, the north end of the Island where we were staying. Even catching a glimpse of our condo. Paul  telling us Princeville is the most expensive place to buy a home in Kauai. Surprising us because it seemed so low key.
Leaving the coastline and the light, Paul flew us through dark clouds and into what he deemed to be his favourite part of the flight - the rainforest. The interior of the Island only seen from above. Inaccessible by land. The place where it is fabled the original Hawaiians, the Menehunes, still live. Beautiful green rugged terrain interspersed with waterfalls. Flying us over the wettest spot in the world. Said to get about 450 inches of rain per year was an unforgettable experience. A true rain forest. Lush inaccessible greenery. Setting my imagination on fire about what could possibly be living in that interior yet to be discovered by man. And quite possibly never to be discovered by man.
And then when we were getting into the rhythm again, we came in for the landing. The wheels touching the ground like a little tinker toy. I have never experienced such relief in my life as I did when those wheels touched the ground. I peeled my fingers off the back of my son's seat. Adjusted my legs to being on the ground again. Telling them not to wobble so much . The thrill was over. I thanked the Universe, the Divine, and every other Higher Power I could think of for getting us safely back on the ground.
So how can I describe our adventure in the six seater airplane? I think my husband summed it up best, exhilarating  Both the most exciting and the most terrifying experience all wrapped up in one. An experience I'm glad to have had but not one I care to do again any time soon. It's now safely and proudly checked off the bucket list now. Been there done that,  no need to do it again, sort of experience.
But for those daredevils who love a bit of adventure, if you ever want to see the whole of Kauai, the six seater is the only and best way to do it. And Paul truly is a good pilot. Just not my cup of tea.

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A personal journey through sacred Kauai with El Herrington

Yesterday was our last full day in Kauai. I am sad to be leaving today but excited to have experieinced the magic of this Island. To have felt its presence deep down in my soul. Reconnecting me to spirit. To a time and place long long ago in a space and time far from here when my whole being knew of its existence.
I am so grateful to have answered the call of Kauai. To return to the place where I have been before. To reconnect with the Source. My source. To drive along 56 and see whales in the ocean. Playing. Toying. In their vast playground of the Pacific Ocean. Feeling their presence and finding them whenever I wanted to see them.
I woke up yesterday morning feeling the need to reconnect with El. To journey with her throughout the scared spots on Kauai that seemed to be beckoning me. Asking me not to leave Kauai without connecting with them.
Guilt was telling me it was my family's last full day here and we should spend the whole time together. Time and space was telling me it was my last day here and I needed to understand the reason why I was called back to Kauai and the only person who could guide me was El. I wrestled with the decision until the decision was made for me and there was no turning back.
I picked up the phone and called El, the woman whose spirit reminds me so much of my own mother who passed away over 36 years ago. The woman who presided over our renewal vows. The woman I knew was sent to me from a Higher Power to help me to experience the why of Kauai for me. We connected and arranged to meet at 10 am to begin our journey. My journey back to the source.
As we drove along, the mountain that had been calling to me since I arrived on the Island. The mountain my son and I had nicknamed the sleeping giant called me even louder. I could feel its power when El told me the mountain is one of the most sacred spots on Kauai. She is called the Sleeping Goddess  My heart almost stopped when she told me of the Sleeping Goddess. How could my son and I have known to call the mountain the sleeping giant when it is known as the sleeping goddess. Because I had always known came the answer but just forgot.
We parked the car and stood at the closet point we could to my mountain of connection. I closed my eyes and let her presence flow through me as she has done since the time I stepped onto the Island but this time I understood her and invited her in. Behind my closed eyes I could feel a well of emotion bubbling. Tears stinging the corners of my eyes. Red light flashing behind my closed lids as the power of the majestic and powerful sleeping goddess invoked my inner goddess inviting her to come out again. To show her power. To claim who I truly am. Tremours rushing through my body as I inhaled her power. Holding onto her strength for as long as I could then exhaling slowly to honour her presence.
We then moved on to our next location which was to look at the crown of the sleeping Goddess. Her power again infusing mine. Me asking for the courage to be the woman I am, the healer I am, the giver and receiver of love and light I am so I could share with those who come onto my path.
As we drove on, El point out the real sleeping giant mountain, Mountain NouNou who is just down from the sleeping Goddess. The power emanating from these two giants so strong. Such high energy flowing it is almost indescribable. The yin yang of male and female energies combining to create a force that was filling me up. Preparing me for what was to come next.
And then when I thought there was no more power to be had we drove on to Lydgate Park back to where our vows were reaffirmed. And then we stood in the ocean. Allowing the water to run over our toes sending out our prayers and thanks to the ocean - that which connects us all. And while we were there a large stick hit me hard on the ankle. Shocking me back to the present moment  Out of my dream like state. El said it was to awaken me. Asking me to listen and to pay attention. That stick followed me along the beach hitting me each time until I picked it up and took it with me. Reminding me to remember.
We collected special nuts to give as offerings of thanks for each sacred site. We then drove to the base of the Wailua River where we stopped at the scared birthing site which was reserved only for royalty in days gone by. There the energy was that much more powerful. I could feel I was being rebirthed, recreated to do as I am meant to do here. Told by spirit not to do anything, force anything. To just keep doing what I am doing and when the time is right, everything will fall into place. As it has always done. To let go of worry and despair. And to embrace love, light and abundance instead.
We then drive up the hill to the Opaekaa Falls, a beautiful and majestic place as the energy flowed throughout my body  Relaxing me, building me, restoring me. Inhaling and exhaling. Letting the moment fill me up. Satiate me.
We then drove to a temple on the beach. I felt its presence before we even got there. Drawing me in. We stopped and asked permission to enter and then when we did I knew I was in the right place for my journey. I closed my eyes in reverence to the place of wisdom and all knowing. Asking spirit to show me a sign if I am on the right path. I opened my eyes to see whales playing in the ocean. Tingling sensations all throughout my body. Laughing and feeling free I knew spirit was answering me with the whales. I just knew
We ended our journey at a hidden sacred spot where the stone was large and bold. I asked the stone to give me the strength to carry out the duties I was sent here to do. I asked the stone to infuse me with the love and light I need to share with those who so choose to come onto my path. I asked the stone for the ability to be nonjudgemental and to know who is meant to be in my circle and who is not. If I am worthy to help me to go out with the love and light of the Spirit.
And as I walked away, my phone rang and it was my family calling to ask where we were. Breaking me out of my spell back to reality. But not before thanking the Universe for bringing me back home. To where it all began. To where I began.
Kauai is a magical, mythical and magnificent place infused with light, rainbows, ocean and water. A place that will remain in my heart forever. In gratitude to Kauai for beckoning me back home and for bringing El to me to guide me through my transitioning. For reawakening me to the power of Spirit and the connection of us all. Namaste.

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When men and nature meet there is no beginning or end, no space or time

Yesterday my family experienced a rare treat. An unexpected one at that when we toured the Allerton Gardens on the South side of Kauai. The Allerton Garden is touted as a Botanical Garden protected by the National Trust. But is much more than that, it is the work of the Divine, God, or whatever mystical and higher power we may want to believe in. It is beautiful beyond words and much more than just a Garden. It is a work of Art intertwined with nature comingled with spirituality and the principle of flow.
Lush trees, man made waterfalls, water features, little rooms, colourful flowers, and a special green house for the propagation of plants that are nearing extinction are just a few of the wonders throughout this garden. But more than that it is a garden that tests all of our senses even those beyond the human five senses tapping into our soul sense - our inner essence reconnecting us back to Mother Earth, Father God, and all that is, was and ever will be.
An oasis within a garden of Eden. Our walk began with us going into a special greenhouse for plants which are being propagated to bring them back from extinction. Mist spraying on them as they are mostly clouds plants disappearing as the temperatures rise and the clouds start to dissipate.
Then we walked through a garden which was created by Allerton full of fruits and starched used to feed people during World War II - oranges, bread fruit, pomegranate, guava and the list goes on.
Juan was the best guide ever because he loves his job and his passion came through in the way he described the garden to us. The way he intertwined poetry with the flow of the garden. Folklore with reality. Stories of old intertwined with the new. Inviting us in to the mystery of the garden. Allowing us to conjure up our own images and feelings about what we were seeing and hearing. Asking us to awaken beyond our five senses to the sixth sense of the inner eye, the inner voice, intuition.
He then led us to a reflecting pool with Diana, the Roman Goddess of fertility, childbirth and Nature standing at the top of the pool. Protecting the garden. I could feel her presence in the peace of the canopy of trees.
From there we walked to the bottom of the reflecting pool where we came across a man made waterfall. But what was unique about this waterfall was the way the rocks were positioned at the bottom to give a relaxing and calming sense particularly when I closed my eyes. Juan telling us that some monks from the Kauai monastery told him the rocks were positioned that way because then the water is flowing through at the rate our brains work. Such that if one were to sit in silence, the brain will slow down and calm down putting us in a meditative state. Serenity beyond words.
From there we walked through clusters of bamboo where Juan, our guide, told us the importance of growing clustered bamboo rather than spreading bamboo because of how quickly they grow.
And then we turned into another oasis within the garden where we had two statues on either side of a water feature that Juan said was fashioned to flow at the pulse of humans when we are at our resting state. I closed my eyes and sat on the bench and immediately my breathing slowed. My body relaxed. The flow of the water like something out of a science fiction novel - the physics of it so inspiring and mind bending at the same time.
Our walk then took us through large trees whose roots looked like they could swallow us whole if they wanted. We discovered it was there that Jurassic Park was filmed. A place where one could believe dinosaurs may have roamed centuries before. Some of the roots looking like the tails of dinosaurs.
Our walked ended with us overlooking these amazing red dart plants but my eye was drawn to a statute that sat almost camouflaged by the red darts as if it was calling out to me. I asked Juan what the Buddha was and he said it was Confucius and it had been unearthed there when they were building out the garden. Such a apt way to end the walk because it was Confucius who said, "Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it."
A garden of Eden on the garden of Eden island of Kauai. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Taking a walk through a place where there is no space and time. A place where our imaginations and senses meet to take us to that level we all know but forget - the place where we and nature become one where there is no beginning or end. Beautiful beyond words. In gratitude for experiencing and appreciating the wonders of nature, of life.  For experiencing and acknowledging when men and nature meet, there is no beginning or end. No space or time. Only Infinity. As are we. As are we all. Namaste.

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Canoeing down the Wailua River offers me lesson in stepping outside my comfort zone

How many times have I said over and over again that I do not like to interfere with the water. That I am Taurus the bull through and through so I do not like anything to do with water except to shower and bath in it. But to frolic in it, is not me. I am a land person and that is where I normally feel safe and secure.
So yesterday when my family decided we ought to go kayaking, I resisted vehemently saying I would stay in the condo while my husband and children went kayaking. But my daughter's face was so sad that I decided I would tag along. Particularly since she had just received very disappointing news that she had made it to the finals in the BYGT (Bermuda Youth's Got Talent Contest) but she would not be back on the Island in time for the final. She was heartbroken because she had been so excited about making it to the final.
So like a good mother I wanted to lift her spirits and go along with her plan to kayak. The weather was beautiful. Temperatures pleasant. Sky blue. So there was no excuse to miss kayaking.
As we were driving, I was thinking about El and her post about the whales still remaining in Kauai suggesting to her Kauai is truly blessed. As I was thinking this, I looked over at the ocean and saw a pod of whales spouting and playing in the water. Amazing I thought. Here we were on a picturesque day driving down an equally picturesque road with whales frolicking in the ocean on my left side, majestic mountains, tall trees and colourful flowers on my right. And above me a blue sky with wispy clouds. I felt so blessed at that moment that I probably could have walked on water. I felt the Universe was showing me its abundance and asking me to partake in it without abandon.
I inhaled in that moment and decided I was going to accompany my family on the kayaks because I felt at one with nature. We were also going to be kayaking on the sacred Wailua River - the river where we had exchanged our vows the day before. How could I say no to that?
When we got to the river, we decided to hire canoes instead of kayaks because I did not want to get too wet.  I felt flushed with confidence as I knew the Universe was shining down on me. That is until I got into the canoe. Me at the front and my son at the back, helming it for us. We set off from the dock and the canoe started rocking from side to side. I thought we were going to tip over. My heart starting racing. Panic rushed through my body and I yelled I wanted to go back. All I could envision was me falling into the murky brown river. Something I did not want to do so I wanted out of that canoe. But my husband and daughter asked me to give it a try.
Remembering my daughter's disappointment from before, I decided to stick it out. The motion of the canoe making me feel a little sick. But then as I looked out at the beautiful setting we were in, the sound of the wind rustling the leaves, the sound of silence, the tall and lush green trees around us, I closed my eyes and asked the Universe for guidance. When I opened them the scenery looked magical. My son looked so mature and grown up pedalling us confidently down the river that I lifted my oar and started pedalling with him. Our strokes soon reaching a rhythm as we sliced through the still water. And before I knew it I was in the flow and was actually enjoying myself.
My son and I soon racing against my husband and daughter. Our laughter and joy echoing back to us through our tree lined oasis. My son and I bonding in a new way. My son congratulating me on my rowing skills. My daughter happy that everyone was happy with her choice for our family outing for the day. My husband beaming that I was interfering with the water and not even caring that my hair was getting soaked.
Thinking back about the day I am so proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone and doing something I would not normally feel comfortable with and finding so much joy in that moment. Realising what I would have deprived myself of had I been stubborn and stuck with what I know and am comfortable. Instead my family enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of canoeing up and down the Wailua River. The very river we had shared our family love with just the day before.
Teaching me that sometimes we have to step outside of our comfort zones in order to experience joy that is so readily available to us. And we have to be willing to go with the flow and see where it takes us. Totally teaching me to accept I am one with nature and the Universe. And for this lesson I am truly grateful.

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Lovers don't finally meet somewhere - renewal vows on Kauai

Yesterday was one of those magical moments that will be imprinted on my mind for the rest of my life. No matter what happens from here on out, I know that I am loved and I love my husband  my children, and our lives together.
Last evening my husband and I renewed our vows celebrating 21 years of marriage together at the shore of the Kailua River, the most sacred river in Kauai, next to the site of Forgiveness with the wind blowing away all our past hardships as the waves washed in the new. We stood in the presence of our beautiful children reaffirming our commitment to each other. Honouring the fact that we are in this marriage, on this journey together as a family.
Our day began with much worry and trepidation because we woke up to rain pouring down, the day quite gloomy and not promising at all. Worrying that we would not be able to renew our vows because the weather would not allow us. El Herrington, whom we had never met, was to be our guide in our ceremony told us from the outset her intuition was telling her that all was going to be well and that she would send out a prayer to the Island to allow our renewal to happen. And if it was meant to be it would be.
I had chosen El because her spirit spoke to me when I was searching for someone to preside over our very personal and sacred commitment to each other. When I found her website Spirit of Kauai and heard her voice, I knew she was the one who would take us to the place of where my husband and I's spirits had connected before.
As the day progressed the clouds would give way to the sun off and on. Filling us with hope then dashing them in an instant. And as we got closer to our time, the heavens opened again but El eased our worries by saying the site where we were going was clear and there was no rain.
So we dressed. My daughter and I behind closed doors so the men could not see us until we were ready. Giggling like two school girls rather than mother and daughter. My daughter doing my make up in a beautiful and subtle way. The two of us sharing a special moment of her helping me to get ready for our renewal. We dressed in our dresses looking like two radiant women ready to go out into the world.
When we walked out we were excited to see how handsome our boys looked. Dressed in their crisp white shirts and khakis. They in turn told us how beautiful we looked. And then we drove to our site, The Lydgate State Park. At the very end of Wailua Beach by HiKina'akala. Dark clouds rolled in. The wind picked up. A chill descended upon us as we made our way across the beach with the photographer and harpist with El leading the way.
We worried the rain would come again. El asked the Island again to allow us to renew our vows. I asked St Anthony, Patron Saint of Miracles, to allow us the miracle of no rain. Our son said the wind was blowing the clouds away. And then we preceded.
My son taking my arm into his walking me to meet my husband and daughter halfway so we could link arms as family. And then we walked as a family to stand before El to the sound of Anela playing the Hawaiian wedding song on the harp. Our children standing to the side as my husband I stood in the middle as El began our powerful ceremony of love.  A dream come true. A feeling of deep and powerful love as we went through the spiritual and soul connecting ceremony El had created for us. Surprising us at each turn with what she had prepared.
Honouring each other with leis made for our ceremony. First between my husband and I and then onto our children. So special.
My husband and I reading to each other words we had written only to discover what we had each composed in isolation was the same story written from different perspectives. Affirming to each other we are in fact on the same wavelengh. That we are continuing a journey we have been on many times before. Souls connected from lives previous.
And then after my son passed my ring to my husband and my daughter passed my husband's ring to me, my husband and I exchanged our rings and spoke our vows to each other as a family. Our son telling us later that when we did, he looked up and saw the grey clouds had all passed leaving only a blue sky.  All while Anela played the harp softly in the background as the waves rolled onto the shore, the wind whipped our faces, the sense of renewal and continuation of our love becoming a part of the natural rhythm of nature. With all of us blending into the scenery around us. Becoming at one with the life force. With each other. Liz snapping pictures in the background without being intrusive. The setting serene and sacred.
We ended the ceremony by offering a thanks to nature by giving back to the ocean the water we had taken to touch in our ceremony and sealed our love with a kiss between us first as renewed husband and wife then kissing our children. Hugging each other in a circle. The circle of family. Of love.
Remembering the words El had spoken just before we spoke our words of love to each other,
“The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.
Lovers don't finally meet somewhere.
They're in each other all along.”
― Rumi, The Illuminated Rumi
Knowing full well this to be our story. Our true story that we as husband and wife have been in each other all along. As have our children. The circle of love and family renewed to continue on from the first day of the April 2013. A day of love and renewal. Beautiful beyond words.

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Gratitude for living on a magnificent planet

April 1. A new month. A new beginning. And we are in a new place far from where we normally live. Enjoying our family time. Enjoying being together. Enjoying having quality time together outside of our norm.
We woke up on Saturday morning as I said before to the sound of new bird songs. To the sound of new beginning. Of a place yet to be explored. With excitement and anticipation we went about exploring our surroundings. Retracing our drive across the dark roads we had been lost on on Friday night. Only to discover that in the daylight, the roads were more beautiful, magical and spectacular than we ever imagined.
The little bridges we had crossed spanned the top of scenery that went beyond our imaginations. We were oohing and aahing at every turn. Even my 14 year old son who is not impressed by much at his age was commenting about the picturesque and enchanting scenery we were seeing.
The coastlines contrasted against the harsh and lush mountains. Rivers against tall and majestic trees. Waterfalls breaking through the green peaks of the mountains. Think Jurassic Park and you will begin to imagine the scenery we were experiencing.
We drove some more. Just following the road to wherever it took us on our enchanting journey. Getting out when we came across a cave under thousands of feet of mountains above it. We walked into the dark cave. The light disappearing as we walked into it. Feeling the presence of the water that had smashed its way into the rock, eroding it away until it had a place to go. Understanding the power of the ocean. Respecting the power of nature.
Turning to walk back out of the cave, having to adjust our eyes to the light. And thinking wow the darkness really comes to remind us to appreciate the light. To appreciate what we have right in front of us. That which we take for granted until it is no longer there. Only to appreciate it when it returns.
Walking to a little canteen on the side of the road where we ordered shaved ice made from fresh pineapple, coconut. Against the backdrop of the crashing ocean behind us. Waves large enough they could swallow us whole without even a thought -  if we so dared enter it.
Looking forward and seeing the ocean. Looking backward and seeing the mountains. Glorying in the ability to experience nature in its raw and natural form. Grateful to have the means and will to want to explore the world. To see what it has to offer. To step outside the norm to give ourselves the time to just be and to explore. Forgetting about the day to day and losing ourselves in the magic of the moment.
Looking at my children, my husband. Seeing the wonder and awe on their faces. Away from computers. Away from worries. Seeing them frolicking in the abundance of what we have and feeling absolute joy and gratitude for all that we have, all that we are. All that we will be. Seeing life through their eyes and the bountiful nature surrounding us.
Despite the pouring rain, the red mud covering us, the wind, the less than perfect conditions for our first day of exploring, I am so grateful for understanding that perfection often is at its best in imperfection. Allowing me to accept in that moment I am perfect, as is my family, in my imperfect way. As is my family. As are we all perfect in our imperfect ways. Perfection in our imperfection.
Enjoying every moment of our special time in enchanting and soul lifting Kauai.
Grateful to know we truly live on a magnificent planet. One where the wonders never cease to amaze when we are open to receive and see the gifts, treasures and abundance it has to offer. Namaste

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