opening up

 here i am, keeping quiet.  flying under the radar for the past few weeks, trying to walk quietly, leaving no footprints, breaking no twigs.  gathering no leaves.  smelling the breeze, feeling it too.  it has been a time of great and deep contemplation:  how to write about that?  i haven't known what to say, or how to tell you what i've felt.  so i've chosen to be quiet, and to feel and think, without having to explain.  surely this is a natural thing, the need to withdraw into one's self, after loss.  surely, what i've felt and feel is normal, when walking this path. 

 lucky star, found at the bottom of the washing machine, shining up at me

 and now?  i wasn't even going to share this with you until i had gone and come back; having suffered through not one but two burglaries at my house in the past 18 months, you'll understand that i'm a little shy to share a schedule of going and coming again.  but the robbers were recently apprehended (yes, indeed, although my things were not), and my treasured and loyal friend julie will be staying at the house with walter while i am off and away.  this time, many planes will carry me all the way across the world, to a beautiful place filled with kind and loving people; i am headed to the western side of australia to teach in tranquil gardens, i am headed to be with women who make me feel very special and pampered, who make me feel grateful to be who i am, to do what i do.  i'll be walking these grounds in deepest awe, so thankful to have the opportunity to be there surrounded by distant beauty.  (and i have to admit that right now, i'm feeling more than a little anxiety at heading so far from home, as well!!).

i'm writing this from a little cafe in town; the computer connection at home just seems to get weaker and weaker, and it is a major effort to write a post, to share a photograph.  i will be walking in beauty, trust me with this.  and it will be very, very good.
there has been something very soothing about putting together little boxes of workshop treasures, bits of metal and porcelain and glass from the neglected drawers of my studio.  it has been an exercise in sharing and in reflecting, in looking ahead while continuing to glance back.  to tie faded silk ribbon around sea colored boxes, to tuck under those ribbons old photographs of smiling travelers, of families celebrating life - all of this has brought me peace, has helped me keep at bay my overwhelming desire to stay close to home. 
  these have been unfamiliar days, these past six weeks of uncharted mourning and grieving and transition; it is time to step out, to try on my folded wings once again.  i'm flying into places that i love, to see people i adore.  hello, beautiful western australia!  hello, hello, beloved new zealand.  it will be good, more than good - and i will try to share some stories and images with you somewhere along the way.  xo

Comments

[Dale]

Nina,
I am so happy for you that you are traveling to Australia. I hope it will be a peaceful, happy, and healing time for you. Also...I am very happy those scoundrels were caught!

[delila]

i do hope Nina that there will be many wonderful and beautiful blessing on your way while you travel in Australia! i will think of you...

[lilylovekin]

You are living life, one day at a time. Either lying low or soaring high above the clouds to beautiful New Zeeland and Australia. I'm sure the trip will be good for your soul, and Walter and Julie will keep the home fire safe. Safe travels my friend.

[sandra]

yes...its a long journey which keeps winding and winding but I'm so glad you've got someone to be at home with Walter. Julie you are a jewel. What a friend. She's special. You are so lucckkkky.
Have a wonderful trip.

[Farmlady]

This trip may be just what you need. This is a time of reflection and growth.... maybe not as much growth as accepting the changes in life. I still have moments of tremendous grief and it have been two years since my mom died. It's a process.
Keep creating and moving forward. Good and bad will come regardless, my friend.
Have a wonderful trip.
The packages are just beautiful.

[Vickie]

free bird
love

[Diana B]

Sounds just lovely and I'm so glad to know that your house will be occupied while you're away - it will give you peace of mind, and Walter will be happy being in his own place. Have a lovely time, get a lot of relaxing and wandering done while you're there, and come home refreshed (well, except for that horrible plane journey...). xxoo

[Brenda Bliss]

travel safe......breathe, love and enjoy life. You will be missed.

[Tina in McLeansville]

find your normal, even if it's on the other side of the world...and home will be so much sweeter when you return. gonna be missing you, but you take so many hearts in your pocket to peek out now and again every time you travel. thank you for that. enjoy your time, nina b. sending much love and hugs...and thanks to julie for keeping the home fires burning safely. xoxo

[kass]

although I cannot be in Western Australia to meet you, I will be sending my love and strength across the Nullabor for a safe, peaceful, healing journey. Western Australia is full of spirits of those passed over and upwards, there is a peace and beauty there unlike others.

Travel safely and well, in Australia you are amongst friends.

[Mary]

Safe travels dear Nina - I know this will be a wonderful trip. You will find peace and love among those kind hearted people, and come back refreshed and much happier.

bon voyage - Mary X

[missy]

spread those wings again.....be safe.
missy from the bayou

[Renate]

Don't know what it is about that photo - those little packages make my heart ache... Wishing you safe travels; make some beautiful memories, one step, one day at a time.

[Lynn in Tucson]

Safe travels! Go with grace.

[herhimnbryn]

Oh Nina, I am so sorry to be missing you on your trip here (WA), this time. It will feel odd knowing you are here and I am away.

However, you will be surrounded by those who care for you, and the landscape will enfold you. It is cold at nights now, so bring something warm to wear. Everything is green again and the rain, oh, the rain is wonderful. There was frost in the paddocks this morning and everything was magical to behold.

Travel well, my dear.

[Stefanie]

Ohh, that are great news. I wish you a wonderful time over there. May the healing process continue!

[susan]

Have a safe journey, Nina. And no worries about your home and Walter - Julie is such a wonderful friend!

xo dusan

[Lori Burek]

Have a safe trip! Have a peaceful journey!
Lori B.

[Loretta]

So happy to hear from you. I think you are listening to your heart and letting it show you the way. Wish I was going with you to twist wire and hammer words into metals on the other side of the world.

[Anna Maria]

May you have a safe and peaceful journey.
xxoo
AM

[beth]

safe travels and i bet your wings will gently and perfectly take you and your heart exactly where you need to go.....

[Katherine Langford]

Think of the plane as a magical egg and you are the surprise waiting to be hatched. New life and new beginnings. Remember your father's wise words about traveling and be open to the growth and love you will discover there. I always think of Ellen's lovely eggs and how they often arrive in your pieces and are so lovingly used. What a wonderful collaboration. Well, life is a collaboration and you are an artist of life! I am so glad to hear the poops were arrested and that Walter will have such a good friend to play with while you are gone. Know that you are so loved and accept all the lovely stars still to be discovered - why, even now, remember that the Australian stars are ones we don't always see, but they are always there. Life is like that -- a collaboration of the seen and unseen wonders. Much love!!! You are in my prayers.

[Marie]

Have a fabulous trip "home" Nina. I am sorry I won't be there but I know you will enjoy every gum scented moment!!
xox

[Pati]

Remember you aren't traveling alone! We are all coming along in spirit and looking forward to sharing the adventure with you though your words and photos. Enjoy every moment.

[erin]

it sounds like you are taking good care of yourself...one day and one step at a time. enjoy your adventure down under.

[Gayle]

I love that photo of you........
Love seeing THE Talisman on you.

[Sharon]

~soar~
much love to you sweet friend

[Monica]

SO happy that:
* - you are taking time to be quiet with yourself and reflect
* - you are traveling to a place of BEAUTY
* - you will share more of your amazing skills and KNOWLEDGE as the Wise Woman you are =-)
* - those thieves have been apprehended!
* - you are protecting your home and belongings with someone who cherishes the same

and I LOVE the packaging of those beautiful boxes! What a treat to receive such lovely packaging =-)

Enjoy your upcoming trip Nina!

[Lorri Scott]

Safe travels my friend and may you find some peace and new beginnings.

xxo

[Alice]

It's good to let yourself just be, and not to force your feelings one way or the other. I'm glad you are doing just that. I'm finding that I am going through several stages, sometimes all within a few minutes. I'm guessing it is part of the healing process, and moving forward.

I'm so happy to hear you are teaching in Australia! What at adventure that will be! And now that the thieves have been taken care of, and you have a plan in place for keeping your home safe for those times when you are away, you can let yourself enojoy the experience.

Sending hugs your way...
Alice

[Rose Mcguinn]

What a beautifully written post this is! Underscored by a sense of a dignified answer to a seriously troubling situation. Lucky for you, you now are better protected and able to clear the fence of your own back yard in pursuit of this freedom we all crave.
Enjoy your stay in far away places--but don't forget to write home about what you see and experience! your followers will eat your words like candy.
Rose

[Jennfier Cabezas]

you do not deserve the tragedies that have fallen upon you. you DO deserve this time with loved ones, to be free, to create, to be filled with light. we will all miss you and long for your safe return and stories.

i love you so much
xox

[Bonnie]

Nina, wish I could be there with you. Glad you are taking time
to grieve & heal yet also living the life you love with people
you love and a place of such beauty.

[Judi]

Safe travels, Nina!

[rachelle]

Nau mai, Haere mai, dear friend. Welcome back to our shores sister. Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud, may she wrap her arms around you, bring healing and peace. I know Wendy will do a fabulous job of spoiling and caring for you. Bless you both. Arohanui, Rachelle. x

[Monika Schmid]

Dear Nina, Have a wonderful time Downunder and safe travels! xoxo

[Gena]

Nina I'm sure this time away will do your soul good. I so wish I was traveling there with you. I've always wanted to go to Australia but it's just not in the cards right now.

I'm glad those crooks were caught and that Julie is watching Walter and your place for you.

We recently returned from Hawaii and had to have someone watch our house while away because there have been so many burglaries in the neighborhood. We have an alarm and have had to resort to installing video camera's because even home alarm systems are not deterring thieves around here. And, even though we had someone here watching our house we still had someone snooping around one of our side doors. Sure is sad and thoroughly disgusting that people prey upon other people.

[sue]

May your trip fortify your soul!

Have a fabulous time, I can't wait to read all about it and see your beautiful photos. xo