Day 25

A travel day. I'm getting so efficient at packing up I actually finished early.

I even went, gassed up the truck first... ate breakfast... did some work that needed done... and still had time to kill.

I couldn't check in to my next space until 3, so I drove slowly to kill more time. Arriving here at just before 3.

If I had been 30 second faster, I would've hit the deer that leapt across the interstate and slipped on the pavement in front of me.

If the small car going the other direction had been fractions of a second earlier, their world would've changed drastically as they plowed into the creature that was desperately trying to reach the other side.

Thankfully, the timing was perfect. No one was injured. Everyone was awake and aware at that moment (and I'm sure that other driver was VERY awake after). There's something to say about that creature. Mindlessly dashing in front of the speeding traffic. Rushing with only its destination in mind. Instead of taking the time to SEE what's around it. Taking the time to BE completely in the moment. Are you mindlessly darting around?

​Or are you listening?

It's listening to your intuition, moving when it's time to move. Being still when it's time to be still.

I've crossed another border - making 14 states in 2 months time.

Time.

A human construct that can stress people out or bring them peace and clarity. Yes it's limited, but, you are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be in this moment. I recently recorded a Podcast "Fearless Purpose with Brian Cox". We talk a little bit about time. (Here's that link, it went live this morning. https://anchor.fm/brian-cox62/episodes/Changing-the-World-Through-Art-with-Special-Guest-Jessica-Tookey-e8n2gj )

This human existence provides only a limited amount of time, so using it wisely is necessary. What that looks like in your lifetime is going to be very different than anyone else. YOU decide.

What's your goal? Your dream? Have you discovered your soul purpose?

We are each here on purpose, for a purpose. If you aren't sure what yours is, take some time and BE STILL so that you can find it. The answers are within you. A great book "Life Visioning" by Michael Beckwith helped me gain clarity on mine. It showed me that I am a Wayshower. Guiding people off the rocky shores and toward their own brilliance - their truth. Their destination.

Much like a lighthouse. I must keep the light shining to show the way. The keeper of the lighthouse had a very stressful, and secluded, life. Their time - especially before electricity - was spent focused on that light. Keeping it burning so that the travelers could find their way safely to shore. I'll be visiting the Cape Hatteras lighthouse shown in this picture (pic found on Google). I've always found lighthouses fascinating.

We each are meant to be that keeper of the light. There is someone you are meant to help. Someone who needs you to shine so that they may find their way.

Are you willing? As Brian said in his speech at the Unstoppable Influence summit 2019, "if not now, when?"

It's time.

Time for each of us to wake up and tend to the light within.

Time to be a Wayshower to those who haven't fully awakened and seen their destination.

As I said in a FB post several days ago ...
Start now. Stop waiting.

"You either start now, or it is not going to happen for you, and you are going to wake up at seventy years old (or eighty, if they are already seventy) filled with sorrow that you let your dream, your passion, gift, fall by the wayside. You start now, as is.

'As is' is the portal to creation, to new life.

'As soon as' is a form of delusion and therefore soul death." ~Anne Lamott

I hope you all will start your dream TODAY. It is through living our dreams that we show the way.

You are right on time. Whenever you start, it is perfect timing... even if you're 70. Just don't get to your deathbed without having gone for your dreams. I just hope to ignite a spark to get you moving.

Because it's time.

Love you all! TTFN!

Day 24

Embracing The Void... and WHY.

These two things filled my mind. I was reading a friend's post and it got me thinking about the question: WHY?

I remember the why phase. If you're a parent, or have spent time around young children, you know what I'm talking about. EVERY few minutes, my daughter asked why. Why this? Why that? To be honest, this phase drove me crazy. That's why you hear parents say "because I said so." They've lost the patience for the constant WHY?!

But, go deep with me for a moment...what if...JUST WHAT IF this phase is actually the assimilation into human existence. The point in life where a child starts to lose touch with their soul... or is it the soul trying to align with the human existence.

All I know is that this is a very important phase in how we each view reality. How our parents handled our "why's" forms our perception of what is acceptable, what is right, what is normal to society.

Those societal norms are cages. They'll keep you contained, they might keep you safe, but they'll also keep you miserable. You might not be miserable at first... but you'll start to feel that pull toward the "something more."

I'll never forget how I felt when my ex first said, "I'm almost 50 and I can't help but think 'is this all there is to life'." It was the proof I needed, the veil lifted, and I saw the bars of my cage so very clear. I expanded, I broke free. From the last time I saw him, he's still confined. Why? Why do people choose to stay confined?

Because, it feels safer to be mediocre. It's safer to stay in the shadows. As soon as you step into the light... you open yourself up to possible ridicule. So why would you want that?

Stepping out of the norm - out of social expectations - and into your purpose (into your DREAMS) is freedom. Freedom from the judgement. Freedom from the mediocrity of a expectations. Freedom from the darkness.

That being said, once you make the leap and you connect fully to YOUR truth, there will be times you feel like the darkness has returned. But this space is different, it's the Void. It's where possibility lies. Answers can be found. You can fall in love with-or easily say goodbye to- someone you've grown out of, IF you'll embrace the Void. It's a magical place. It's where your soul, your higher self - the Divine, God, Gaia, the Universe ... all that is - can speak most clearly.

My friend, Melissa Walsh, once equated it to a radio. She said, "the Void is the static in between stations." You can't fight it. It's going to come. It's always there. You just keep listening and take a step, then another, then another (turning the dial) until the song (your answer) becomes clearer and clearer.

The only problem lies when we fight the Void instead of accepting it as it is - a space to rest, rejuvenate, heal and release to make space for the greatness that's coming. Sometimes, things (people and relationships, feelings, thoughts, material possessions, jobs, etc.) that no longer serve us fall away in the Void...like a station losing its frequency.

I realized today I've been fighting the Void for about a week. Acceptance of this "quiet head space" and melancholy attitude (which got especially strong today... making me quite cranky because I thought "what the hell, I'm in an adventure of a lifetime- what's wrong with you") has now brought me peace.

Why?

Because I know that magic is waiting on the other side. The music is playing and I'm ready to dance!

Next time you hear the question "why" before you answer - especially if it's a child asking - ask yourself "is my answer going to allow them to expand... or is it going to add another bar to their cage?"
_______ 💗 _______
Sometimes things just pour out. ☝️ That is what just happened.

Day 24 I went into Asheville's River Arts District. By the time most of you see this post, I will have already moved on from this town headed to warmer weather. In each of these places, I keep thinking "I should be connecting with people...I should go see all the sights, afterall... that's how my business will grow" (there's the first error...SHOULD is an expectation usually from society's beliefs). So I keep going out but then I just want to get away from the crowds - even a few strangers have been a crowd. My senses are very sensitive right now. The tourist shops (which I typically enjoy looking at all the trinkets, shirts and funny things these places have) are sensory overload. Especially if they are cluttered AND noisy AND smell funny. I actually opened the door to a few places, saw the "mess" and said NOPE. Didn't even cross the threshold.

The arts district in Asheville was cool. Tons of artist studios and there were a few I really liked. It just made me want to go home and paint though.

Downtown was insane. People everywhere. EVERY.WHERE. I tried to go, but ended up driving right through. NOPE. Then, of course I'm annoyed with myself thinking "are you really going to go to all these cool places and NOT fully explore them? " (This was before tonight's Void acceptance.) I ate dinner, got home, fell asleep.

It was after 1 (so start of day 25) when I realized this attitude and "funk" is the fight against the Void. Since that realization, all this has poured out and I know now not to "SHOULD" on myself. Just do what I feel like doing. Duh. Which right now, I feel like painting.

So, there may - or may not - be anything to blog about once I get to my next location. I'll be painting...I know that much!

I love you all (although there are summe people I don't like who will read this 🤣). But we are all connected and love is the key. Accept the Void... love yourself through it...there's an awesome song playing on the other side and when we get there, WE WILL DANCE!

Day 23

I hit the road and left my spot in Cherokee NC yesterday. I had gone to that area because I had a very strong reaction when a friend was telling me about Whittier. I went into Whittier and found nothing. So perhaps the timing just wasn't correct, who knows. I was in a very quiet headspace the whole time I was there. But nothing came through.

My spot for the weekend (shown here) is my first "back in." The worker who was guiding me simply said "keep goin, keep goin." He was shocked to hear this was my first back in location I've booked. I've really only backed this beast, maybe, half a dozen times. Apparently, I look like a pro. Thank you for that skill universe! Haha. Yeah baby.

Anyway, it's November 2nd already as I write this (start of day 24). I am so grateful for everything in this existence. I'm especially grateful for the guidance I receive.

I had been missing the "fun." Simply going about my business for a few weeks (well, since leaving the Unstoppable Influence summit). I had gotten into a quiet head space, listening intently for my next move.

Humans around me, and online, have been providing hints. My current location is a result of hearing this place mentioned, over and over again. I don't know what I will find here but I did find FUN again.

Many of you know how much I love live music. Last night I found a little dive where this adorable little old man was playing. Iggy is his name. His beard was long and white, his body tiny and frail in appearance, so I was surprised to hear him play the songs he played (covers of very cool stuff... and some current pop songs - which was funny). I was even more surprised when he started beat boxing. Every sound heard was made from his voice or guitar on a loop... what sounded like a recording of drums was actually him. It was cool! Of course, this meant it took a couple minutes to set up each song (he was even his own backup singer in a few songs) but the whole process was intriguing to watch.

There's something in that. Something about seeing the process...or being the part of it that wants me to expand...

But maybe it isn't ready yet. The words won't form at the moment. I know, creatively, there's something I haven't completed in my art that has to do with showing the process... so maybe this was simply a gentle nudge from the universe to get it done. 😁

Back to my evening. After Iggy, the headliner came out. All Rock and Roll baby. They played about an hour of their own music. Then played a Black Sabbath tribute. It was awesome!

There were several old (or oldish... one was probably close to my age) men that talked to me through the night because they were intrigued but none bothered me (and only 2 offered me a drink). My waiter was wonderful and suggested places to go in FL so I'll be figuring the first leg of that out today... since it isn't far away.

There was a costume contest. I got my Halloween afterall. This couple was walking around. I couldn't figure out what the heck they were. Finally, before leaving, I asked... they were worms. 🤣 Yeah, didn't look like worms but ok. I had fun. I didn't get up and dance (I love to dance)...but dancing usually draws unwanted advances from men. So, for now, I groove a little in my seat. For those who have gone out with me, or spent any time around me, you know I have a difficult time sitting still if there's a good tune on.

But safety, and comfort, are my priority as I'm out and about alone. There were a few groups of women I could've joined, they were chatting with me... but, I just wasn't in the mood for "WOO girls" (you know them... screaming, wooing, over every little thing - getting louder and louder the more they drink).

Anyway, I wasn't invisible anymore. The weird little vortex I had slipped in while in Cherokee was gone. My head space is still pretty quiet, so there's still something I'm listening for. I did get an idea for another series. I have some portraits to complete first. Clearing space to make room for 'new'.

Today, I'm going to go check out the art scene here. I do have work to do... but I know there's a reason I stopped in this town for the weekend (besides last night's live music). There's so much to do... but my soul also needs FUN. So does yours. It should be a part of your daily life. Do something you truly, TRULY enjoy EVERY day!

Love you all. Have a beautiful day! TTFN!!!

Days 21 and 22


I've never seen the water rise in a river SO FAST. My last two days at this location have been soggy. It rained nonstop from Tuesday around 1 until 6 tonight. Gross.

Normally I don't mind the rain... but this was a constant downpour. Trees were soon speeding down the river. Another day and the banks would overflow. But, thankfully it stopped. I still emptied my tanks and prepared to evacuate, just in case. One of the workers said we would only have a 1 hour window to get ourselves out if law enforcement comes and says we must evacuate. So I wanted to be sure I could get my home on the road in time.

Unfortunately, the storm also brought a cold front in... SOOOOO it will freeze tonight... well, tomorrow morning. 8am is the coldest - getting to 30°. Gross. I am trying to get away from the winter. Rude cold front.

I didn't bring enough warm clothes. 🤣

Yesterday, I headed to Whittier, which (I thought) was the reason I came to the area. But, I did not find anything there. Absolutely nothing. Oh, I almost got run over while crossing the street (cars were stopped to let me cross in the crosswalk but a truck wasn't paying attention). It's only because I was fully present in the moment that I saw him coming and saw he wasn't slowing down.

You just never know. And if you're walking around like a zombie, you might get in a pickle - or worse. Don't be a zombie.

It's Halloween today. It doesn't feel like it at all. There are no trick-or-treaters here (since they already did it Saturday). In fact, until today (it's Thursday btw) this place has been pretty empty since Sunday. It went from every spot full, to me and a handful of others in a day (the others were all on the other side of the park... near the river). It's weird being so isolated. And I certainly have not felt southern hospitality here. In fact, I've felt almost invisible.

Except one store I went into. Ha ha. It made me laugh. I practically got a Joey Tribiani "how you doin" from the guy working there. I almost laughed out loud at the difference in his tone from welcoming a gentleman in, then welcoming me. It was a definite "well HELLO there" moment. Which was nice. I hadn't realized how invisible I'd been here for a week.

Strange.

I wasn't behaving any differently, I don't think. I wasn't dressing any differently. I was still smiling and saying hello, yet I felt invisible.

Now that I know what it feels like to actually be seen, I don't like this invisibility cloak anymore. Harry Potter can keep it.

Tomorrow, I head to a new location. I'll only be in that space for the weekend, apparently everyone is headed the same direction and there just wasn't room to stay longer... plus I want to keep moving to warmer weather. I have to figure out where to next. I must stay, kind of, near there until Friday. I'm delivering Ellis home on Thursday, and Sophie home on Friday... then heading to the ocean. These two portraits will be the 5th and 6th Words Matter Military Edition portraits to go home. Two were warrior portraits... the rest have been memorials (well, one of the warrior portraits turned into a memorial due to a massive heart attack) so while it's a blessing to take them home, it's also heavy.

A heavy task to carry. Maybe I've been in my own cloud and that's why I've been invisible. Who knows. I'll keep doing me. Keep being present. Keep shining. Eventually I'll be seen again. Perhaps this is another thing my soul needs to work through. Comfort in solitude.

I did a podcast interview today. I don't even remember what I said. Even though it happens often, it is still so strange when the words just pour through me. I love it... means I don't have to come up with an answer from my mind... the answer is already there... we just have to be still to hear it instead of wracking our brains to figure it out. I do remember talking about that. Anyway, the podcast is "Fearless Purpose with Brian Cox." It should air tomorrow if he gets all the editing completed... but it IS Halloween, and he has kiddos. So we shall see.

What I do know is I am sleepy... so I'm going to call it a day. Tomorrow is a driving day, so I must have all my wits about me!

Love you all. Hope you are not feeling a funk (Mercury has gone retrograde again...) If you are, take heart that this too shall pass. Talk to you soon!