90 & Going Strong

Grandma arriving at her birthday party in a 1920's model car.

Grandma Ruth turned 90 and we had a lovely time celebrating with her in her hometown of Cordele, GA.  For me personally, it was quite touching being able to be present with the family that I didn't know until young adulthood. And, I got to meet Uncle's, Aunts and cousins for the first time. Family is a big deal for Grandma Ruth and her birthday was a time for her family to celebrate this remarkable woman.

While working on this blog I was thinking how one would describe my grandmother, who at 90 is not showing many signs of slowing down.

Strong
Woman of Faith
A Survivor
Loyal
Strong Willed
Curious
Dedicated
Sharp
Caring
Remarkable
Giving
Loving

R-L, My sister Kim, Granma, me, Cousin Jay, Cousin Dennis and his significant other Diana

Grandma and her goddaughter Sally 

R-L Bro-in-law Timmy, Kim, Dennis and Diana behind them, Uncle Wayne on the phone, Me, Aunt Shirlene next to me, her husband Ferdinand behind her, their daughter/cousin Minett, Cousin Dawn and Cousin Jerry

Uncle Wayne and Uncle Dennis 

Some of our family history. 

El Palacio de los Jugos (again!)

A trip to Miami is not complete without a stop to the juice place. On my list; tostones, papaya/mango juice and tropical fruit salad for later on. My sister opted for a Cuban sandwich.When I told the girls I went there they cried out at the same time, "I'm jealous." There really is no place to enjoy fresh, delicious food and drink like El Palacio. 

Country Roads & Southern Homes

On my recent solo sojourn to Georgia for my Grandma's 90th birthday, I planned to go a day early so I could visit with a dear friend who lives  more toward the Eastern part of the state. So when it was time for me to head to central southern Georgia, my gps took me about two hours on back roads until I hit Macon where I caught I-75 for the last hour. Before I hit the interstate, I found myself drying for miles and miles, not seeing another car or person. Only rolling grass, old homes and the occasional cow or goat. I loved it.   I felt as if I really got a feel for Georgia, a state that might be large in terms of square miles but is really a small, hometown kind of place.

It was raining the entire three hours (which this girl from California, the land of the three year drought, savored) so I couldn't stop and take proper photos. I did manage to get a few of the homes and buildings from the car. This is a peak at some of what I saw.

Uvas Canyon

Recently, we spent the night at Aunt Paula's house were we got to also visit with some of the other the Coughlin Clan. We were excited to see Don's family but after a night of me not sleeping well and getting up at 4 a.m., the girls feeling exhausted from the first week of school and still adjusting back to California time; well to be quite honest the girls and I were a bit grumpy. Aunt Paula had the best rx for us all; a hike to see some waterfalls. So off we went to Uvas Canyon.

Uvas Canyon, which I had never heard about, is nestled amongst lush forest (ah, trees!) on the Eastern side of the Santa Cruz mountains. Since we were in the mists of an unusual heat wave and a four year drought, the trees and the water were the perfect refugee from the heat and being out in nature helped soothe our moods. It was a perfect way to get back to baseline and to remember what was really important; being with loved ones and having a good time and giving thanks for the wonders of this blessed earth.

Not sure what Amara was thinking but I don't think the grump was out quite yet at this point!

Aunt Paula and Ed.

Silly Papa!

Sacred Mountain Retreat (Woodstock)

What a full and fulfilling journey we had. From Long Island, to Chinatown, to Little Ferry, NJ; to Dutchess County and then Woodstock for the last few days of our New York sojourn. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly.

Atop one of the lush green mountains in Woodstock resides Bella, my spiritual teacher/mother.

It had been two years since we last saw Bella and enjoyed her grounded truth, loving Service and gentle but strong way of Being. The girls had vague memories of Bella but remembered the house and the land, which is sacred ground.

For the last few days, we rested, slept with the sound of rain overhead, visited with friends, bathed in the river and for me personally, Bella provided the jump my soul battery needed.  It was all perfect Divine Order (including the bear that came to eat out of the compost and the mama raccoon and her baby that Bella feds nightly!)

I don't think I will wait two more years to return.

With Julia, a friend of many years. 

Sasha Raccoon and her baby.

Julia painted that beautiful picture of Meher Baba in the background. His presence is always present.

the view from Bella's house.

Jose and the girls.

My best friend Bob and his amazing son.