Autumn Reverie

Here at Cedar Lane, the ever shifting colors of autumn, the constant flutter of leaves gliding down, and the scent of burning leaf litter and branches are companions as we work around the property. We re-located the fire-pit to the back stretch of yard, to better view the moon rising as we enjoy the company of excellent friends and the occasional drum circle. We are nearly finished with converting the caretaker's house from a messy, abandoned storage area into a beautiful creative space for Bliss Studios. The pool has been officially closed, and the plants and bulbs which need shelter for the winter months have found new homes inside the house.

Even on the career front things are shifting into a new routine. Sherri and I finished Live Your Intentions last week, sent out the book proposal to our favorite publishing companies shortly thereafter, and celebrated the wonderful news that our Huffington Post article was accepted. Now, we are settling into the pleasant and busy work of writing articles and growing our fan base and marketing plan. We know big changes are ahead, as we begin teaching workshops, traveling to promote and share our vision, and hopefully, establish a partnership with one of our publishers of choice. We are preparing to appear on Unity FM in December, and participating in a number of marketing affiliate partnerships in the coming weeks before our official book launch date of December 10th.

More positive, but transformational news came this past weekend when my daughter returned home from a long stay with her father. As she settles back into our family routine, it feels as of life here, as busy as it seems, is winding down for the last dance of fall and the slow curve of winter.

Perhaps I am a little sentimental, but while I watch my girls play outside, enjoying a gorgeous afternoon, i am aware that there are storm clouds building, and from my place at the window, every minute feels like a moment waiting to be savored; a last glimpse of green, tinged with pumpkin scented treasure, before the holiday rush and cold, steel gray of winter skies begin to edge in.

So, coffee in hand, I am going to wander out to my favorite bench, let the leaves drift down like so many vibrant blessings, and take a few deep breaths as I contemplate the content for another article and send autumn infused thoughts across the ocean to the heart of a man I won't see again until winter has a full grip on the Ozarks and these fall nostalgias are a distant memory.

Writer's Bliss

As I sit here in my room at Cedar Lane, editing and writing ACTfirmations for Live Your Intentions, I realized that I can think of no place I'd rather be than right here, in this moment, doing exactly what I am doing. I like to think I have learned to cultivate these experiences, but to be honest, it has been a very difficult week. One of those collections of days, circumstances, and states of mind that left me doubting everything, down to the very core of my being. And yet, as stormy chaos always seems to prepare the way for deep peace and powerful change in my life, I find myself more sure of myself, more certain about my talents, and with greater clarity and vision for the future than I have had for a long time.

So, I will drink my steamy Yerbe Mate, tapping away the autumn afternoon on my humble laptop, smiling my grateful awareness to the water fountain gurgling gracefully in the corner and the squirrels at play in the treetops outside my window. I can't say what tomorrow holds; who, if anyone, will take interest our book; or how the next few months will unfold to ease the current sensation of fiscal crisis. I can, however, breathe deep right here, right now, and savor the joy of creativity and the certainty that somehow, doing what I am passionate about will call forth it's own reward!

Namaste :)

Journey to Cedar Lane

Imagine a curving, paved, private drive lined with mature Cedar trees. At the foot of the hill, a circle drive leads you to a two-story, stone house; the two-car, stone garage; a small caretaker's studio; and back up around the tree lined lane.

Standing on the sidewalk in front of the house, you can look to your right and see a broken stone wall, an area where a fountain and gardens at one time dwelled, and a path that leads to a charming (and wee bit creepy) spring house. Further on there is an outdoor BBQ oven and large stone table fit for banqueting (or sacrificing virgins, lol!) There is a lovely, fresh spring flowing out of the rocky hillside, and gathering in a moss-filled pool before trickling down the property in the expanse between the firepit-focused gathering area (next the house) and the wooded spring path.

If you look to your left instead, you will be graced with a view of the 10 ft swimming pool and surrounding patio and walkways, lovingly re-landscaped by my friend Robin and her tireless mother. Behind the house, there is a huge yard filled with grassy hills and mature trees, which fade into the woods and hillside in the distance. A perfect space for hammocks, archery practice, or meandering meditation.

The house itself, while outdated and in need of continued TLC, is sturdy and in good repair. Full of charming space, the views from the dining room and bedrooms are breathtaking, and the overall feel here is of deep roots, safe haven, and peace.

I moved into Cedar Lane a few weeks ago, taking the universe up on a unique opportunity to room with a good friend in this lovely, magical place. Every morning I wake grateful and amazed that this is my home. I have never felt more centered in any physical place other than the Buffalo River valley.

You will hear me speak about transformation on a regular basis. It seems like the theme for my life has been a radical variety of transformation, and indeed, looking back, every few years my life has shifted to become a nearly unrecognizable (typically vastly improved) version of it's previous self. Though the changes are good, they can be exhausting. While I love knowing that whatever challenges and opportunities come my way I am willing and able to meet them, I find myself becoming aware that growth can be gentle, and seeking graceful shifts rather than world shattering change.

It is time to sink into the healing space offered by Cedar Lane and get to know the brave and expansive woman I have become over the past many moons. I feel ready to examine my goals, dreams, and vision for the future. This move to Cedar Lane marks a new beginning for me, and I cherish the love, power, peace, and potential for vibrant life that I am experiencing as Summer smiles her warm greeting at Autumn's colorful entrance.