Drumming has a deep sacred place in my soul, especially when coupled with fire and water.
The evening before last, I sat back in my chair and said "this is my life."
Whenever I find myself in that "this is my life" space, it is interwoven with a deep knowing and acknowledgment that my external is aligned with my internal.
I know I am on the right path.
I have traveled many journeys in my life. I am clear on when something is right.
This is so right.
Not right as in objectively right, like "right or wrong for people", but oh so right for me.
And coming up here (finally!) and being here is oh so right.
I have been needing this green nourishment for a great many years.
And I have been needing to be a brave mama.
I stepped into the fire.
And I had spent so much time preparing myself so I could walk on fire and not get burned. I was so afraid of getting burned.
And when I stepped off the ledge, took that leap of faith, trusted that a net would appear or wings would sprout, I never knew that none of that even applied.
Because I am a pheonix. I AM the fire. The fire I was afraid of was me.
But somehow I had forgotten me. I didn't know who I was. I thought I was a kitten, meek and afraid of getting singed.
I am a pheonix. I am bold and powerful.
I am that which I feared.
And this is my life.
Soft + bold.
Pure power.
Gently and fearfreefully exploring my new way, guided by my heart.
Connecting with beloveds, like the Eco Womb family, and new kindreds in the brave new world we are exploring.
Learning the layout of this new land one need at a time :)
Any day that starts out with the kind of chocolate that is good for the tastebuds and for the soul and good for the earth, is a day I want to be a part of :)
This is a local organic chocolate company next door to our storage place.
We found the local resource center which was a funny little bookstore with not a lot of connections that would help us.
Then we found the local library. I have a special place in my heart for libraries, since the Encinitas library was like a home to us with its love and coziness and beauty.
And we went to a local food co-op that felt like hippy heaven. I have never seen so many dreads, flowing earth colored clothing, happy cloth-bummed babies in one place. I couldn't soak it in deep enough.
And we ended up running into our beloved Eco Womb family there who told us about a concert in the park. So after eating, we all headed to the park.
Well, my little troupe ended up at a little amphitheater in front of the giant Shakespeare theater this town is known for, partaking in some wild drumming, a sexy saxophone, and a soulful cello.
The kids were dancing. My soul was soaking in the richness of the music and the deeply earthy Oregon people.
And when it ended, we walked down to the park and found our friends.
The park was so green with tall tall trees so thick and... Just nourishing. Everything about Oregon is nourishing me.
The kindness and earthiness of the people, the quaint little mountain town called Ashland, the green mountains, the big lake.
Nourishment, nourishment, nourishment.
Rehydrating this dehydrated mama.
I wasn't made for the desert.
I am an earthy fish. I need verdant greens, rich browns, and lots of water.
Speaking of water. Look at this creek that runs through Lithia Park.
There are steps down to it, inviting play and exploration.
And the kids did.
To see more pictures, feel free to visit the Instagram hashtags #oregonfinally and #lithiapark.
You may remember my barefoot picture from our time in Encinitas, at Cottonwood Creek Park.
There is a new Oregon barefoot pic in town.
My loves, I wish for you all the hydration and nourishment your soul needs <3
Love you,
V
