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.

A Day for Clay

During our last trip to New York in 2013, the girls got to spend time with our friend Robyn in her art studio.  This trip they were welcomed back for more time with clay. Both Amara and Havana were very excited in the weeks leading up to our departure and while we were in New York I got several questions like, "When are we going to Robyn's?" Both girls love to do art but especially clay. So what better way for Robyn and the girls to reconnect than with a shared passion?

After taking these photos, I left them all to do their thing (and to steal a short nap!) Afterwards, the girls told me how much they enjoyed spending time with Robyn in her studio. Both girls made repeated comments how nice she was and how they want to sleep at her house on her next visit to the East Coast. I could think of no better compliment and it filled my heart with gratitude once more that someone who means so much to me is now a part of my daughter's lives.

Photo by Havana Ruby!

(you can see photos about our last visit with Royn here http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2013/07/robyn-t.html)

StonyKill

There is nothing like a walk in the woods to help me feel grounded, connected and at peace. And Don and I have made spending time out in nature a priority for our family. Unfortunately, near our home in the Bay Area, there are not much woods. The Redwoods are a bit of a drive. Most trails are pretty and peaceful but California is dessert; the earth is brown all but a few months of the year (and with the drought it was been even less.)  I love living in California but I miss (and that's Miss!) the woods with tall, green trees and lush foliage. So on a relaxing Sunday while in Dutchess County, the girls and I, along with my dear friend Robyn, took a walk on the trail at StonyKill, a place that my feet used to trod upon weekly when I lived there.

It was hot and the girls were tired and initially resistant for a hike but with some (strong!) motivation off we went. Soon enough the girls were enchanted with the trees, acorns (which they brought home for the fairies!) and the many toad and frogs we encountered. It was just the perfect way to end a Sunday afternoon.

The pond was full of frogs. We all got a kick out of watching their little heads pop up out of the water!

Bird in tree.

With Robyn.

Greymore (St. Francis Monastery)

Just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, on the mountain and in the woods near the Appalachian Trail lies Graymore, a St. Franciscan Monastery, that is a place of healing, refuge and peace.

I first went to Graymore when I was around eighteen years old. My friend Tina brought me and I have been going there ever since. When I learned about St. Francis; about his journey from being the son of a rich merchant sent to war, to injured soldier who had a spiritual awakening which lead him to denounce his life of privilege to one of serving God and others, I fell in love. His passion, his commitment to truth, his devotion to service; I so related.
And at Graymore, St. Francis's energy and essence can be felt as strongly as if he were still in his body and walking the grounds.

Graymore is a unique place. First, it's small chapel was transported from Assisi (St. Francis's home). Monday services are held there and many come from far and wide for the reported healings that occur.

Second, on the property is home to St. Christopher's Inn, an in-patient rehab for men struggling with addiction. The men in treatment work at various jobs throughout the monastery which aids in their recovery process.

Third, the monastery is open and inclusive. Along with your more traditional Catholic traditions, Graymore has offered workshops on self-help including Healing the Inner Child  and retreats aimed at women's growth. Their bookstore has everything from bible, the different saints, nad Catholic philosophy to books on the Enneagram and other spiritual tools including recovery material. I find the openness as inviting and as a breath of fresh air.

On our short visit, the girls and I walked a bit on the grounds, took in the breathtaking views and spent some quiet time in the chapel. The girls may have been a bit too young to really understand what it all meant but just Being in that energy was what mattered most. For the heart and soul take in what the mind and words can not.

Splash!

The first week and a half in New York/New Jersey it was HOT! Like in the mid 80's to 90's Hot!

Thankfully, we found a park that had a water playground. "Can we get wet Mama?" "Of Course!" The girls had a blast getting completely drenched. It was great watching them have a true summer experience. (I even took a run through.) So refreshing, so cooling! The only downside was the girls dried off way too fast! But it was a really fun excursion during the heat wave.