Reiki

Led me to yet another energy healing modality called "the emotion code" which I am so stoked to try! When I think of all the fun trapped emotions that are lurking in my body just waiting patiently to be released... Oh boy, hours of fun :) All I need is a magnet and some trust in the process. 

Since I began reiki 2, my intention has been on shedding the layers. And now I have a tool with which to do so. Thank you universe. 

xo

Today

I caught a genuine smile, bought a small book to savor, and found a clue towards Tibetan dream yoga: an author and title. xo

Also...

I believe in tipis!

xo

Om shanti shanti

This week, I finally met the gem man. I was interested in his Tibetan mandalas, painted on rice paper with crushed stones and collected by his great grandfather from the mountains. I bought three, and then he opened his suitcases of jewelry.  From packs of folded white paper came a gorgeous array, I couldn't resist a small crystal egg and some moonstone pendants. I asked him if he had any rainbow obsidian, a stone I have been looking for (in the lava flows of eastern Oregon and gem and hippie shops) for about two years. He thought perhaps yes, but at his shop across the lake.  

So today again, he showed up at the island with a boat full of suitcases and an invitation to his home. After tea in a smoky dirt kitchen, and 6 hours and many gems later I found my rainbow obsidian, a 420 carat peridot, various topaz and the shiniest, clearest rose quartz I have ever seen. Like a deer in headlights, I didn't know what hit me.

So here I am, less traveling in India than living in Kashmir, painting on the walls when I feel like it, writing fairy tales to amuse myself and buying ridiculous crystals. 

my name

means something different wherever I am, from yesterday to a state of one-pointed concentration. Here in Kashmir? My name means heart. xo

Today

I found my anchor, not a plastic gold façade, but heavy metal, warm and round.

What is an anchor anyways? Something to nestle deep in the comfort mud, to withstand cold depths. A tool for grounding.

Hillary told me this would be important for my trip. She suggested Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. I decided to be more literal about it.

Digging through bins and buckets at the market, through bangles and pins and bits of light, there had to be an anchor there somewhere, maybe a pendant or a charm? My frustration grew like ivy.

I could ask someone for help, if I wasn't so afraid.

Desperately pawing, I need an anchor, I need an anchor....

And then, in the tray, I saw one! Bright gold in front of my eyes, I grabbed it greedily and my elation wavered. It was too light, no substance. And I had found it! And it was not my anchor. I wrestled with myself, and heart took the reins.

What is an anchor anyways?

To be used every day, when in need of a home.

xo

typical cosmic giggle

Looking for a classic "cult" point and shoot last week, I compiled a master wish list, perused every thrift shop I encountered, only to come home and find not one, but TWO in my dads own closet. I am absolutely swimming in cameras. xo

These days....

I finally have a project to work on! Doesn't even matter that it's not mine. xo

Recaptured

This weekend I danced in a parade, took pictures of lovelies and stumbled upon a spaceship in the woods. Perhaps my energy is being well spent after all. xo

Playa vision

A dusty lens through which everyone appears their best: decorated, lovely, and full of beans. xo

a lesson

I shelled some peas while everyone else went to a rad party. Then things took an unexpectedly whimsical turn. xo

maddieonthings

this. xo

whirlwind

The service was lovely, the relatives overwhelming and Grampy dressed up like a mobster for some much needed laughs. I spent time exploring old treasures in the new house, and looking at photos. 

Also?

A dream about one of Grammy's hand painted palekh boxes; I was allowed to choose one and I picked green.

It was filled with broken glass and blood.

Analyze THAT.

xo

wings

I used to jump from the top of the steps with the big feather, furiously flapping. I think I flew just a little. xo

whimsical touches

are a must.

xo

Does anyone

else love graveyards as much as I do? Greeni and I stumbled across one last January 9th and took a quiet look. First headstone we read? It belonged to Olivia, and it was her birthday. So we toasted to her all night. xo

details

I am staying with big hearts, tangled beards and bright eyes in a creaky house. I have the attic room, which is full of stoic portraits, off kilter, and an eagle feather quill. Piles of unwashed dishes call for attention, ignored. I have had my hands deep in wool instead. Pretty damn magical, don't you think? xo

I have been

Chilly and well fed with stories. xo

today

You know when you wake up all tingly excited, but it takes you a minute to remember why? I love that. Today, my new camera is due in the mail. My elph bit the dust at shi shi, so I've been camera-less for a week. Also? I hope to make a cedar smudge. xo

juniper spoons

by angie. Aren't they gorgeous? 

xo