REMINDER from Mano:
My message within this month’s message is to remind Barbara and to share with you Brother Mandis’ magic message to always Expect a Miracle.
REMARKS from Barbara:
When I moved into my new home I bought dinner plates from World Market. As I get closer to 100 years of age, I now need 24 hour care. The dishwasher has been hard on my dishes and chipped many of them. I found out World Market was discontinuing my dishes and would not be getting any more. We found some in San Jose and drove to get them. I bought all they had at half price, then I accepted this offer for 15% off by opening a new account. I started this adventure by Expecting a Miracle. I ended up paying less than $4.00 a plate and now have enough to last as long as I live.
REMEMBERING Mary Jane:
Today is cool and moist, perfect Autumn weather. Just like one of the visits Mary Jane and a friend came when we were getting our Blog started. We went to the Amphitheater on a misty morning. While sitting under the Mother Redwood tree Mary Jane pulled out a thermos of tea. I was delighted when she was able to share a cup of tea with me because her thermos lid held two cups. This memory makes my heart smile.
Sentimental Journey
Blog #150
Sometime in October each year when the weather has a special magical feeling called Indian Summer my friend Andrea and I take a Sentimental Journey. We drive south to the Monterrey/Carmel coast called the 17 MILE DRIVE. White sandy beach tucked into huge rocks with wild and splashing waves call us to sit and absorb this powerful and magical space where ocean and shore meet. Our next stop is to return to a favorite place, Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Many years ago I returned every October to attend a spiritual retreat meeting at the Asilomar Conference Grounds. I have so many deep happy memories. Asilomar was built for Girl Scouts to go on retreats many years ago. There are three old magnificent large stone structures: a large lodge facing the ocean with grass in front of it, a chapel on the North and a dining hall on the South.
I have attended Spiritual Retreats at Asilomar for almost 20 years. The lodge has a huge stone fireplace 6 or 7 feet wide. There usually is a small fire. This time they had a candle lit. When I make this sentimental journey I sit in front of the fireplace an write poetry. I share my poem:
Brother Mandis that lovely man –
healer from England
was speaking at my first camp
“To Expect a Miracle”
was the theme of his talk
To expect a Miracle
is the theme of his life
A wonderful idea,
a wonderful man,
a wonderful way to live
We walk through the grassy yard that centers the three old stone buildings. Straight ahead is the walk over the sand to the ocean on the 17 Mile Drive.
Years ago at my first camp I had my first experience of interacting with elemental spirits. Our exercise period was complete and we were told to lie on the ground and rest. Looking at the white fluffy clouds, my vision shifted and I saw elemental spirits walking on paths around cloud castles. I saw some gnomes come down on a path, to take my hand and guide me to walk with them on the path to their home in the clouds. Every year when I make my Sentimental Journey to Asilomar, the local Gnomes come to greet me and welcome me back.
During another camp my prayer group was sitting on this same grassy lawn. After the prayer group was over my friend Patricia told me what she saw happen while we were prayer. The local gnomes brought water from the ocean to put around me, then they brought ocean spirits to sit in the water by my side. The land spirits wanted the water spirits to experience a ‘safe’ human. I am very honored to be considered a safe human.
After the visit to Asilomar we went on to Carmel for lunch.
Brother Mandis, thank you for reminding me
For this new way to live
This new – old way to be
Ever expectant, to ever remember
To be open to Expect a Miracle
Yea
With this reminder I have started asking for a miracle when I have the need. This morning is the time to write my blog. I was stuck with no idea. I thought of Brother Mandis and asked for a miracle. I then thought to turn to Mano and the idea came to write about my trip to Asilomar and Carmel.
Thank you, Barbara, for your always beautiful sharing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Asilomar, but I remember it fondly as a sacred place.
Blessings to you as each day unfolds. You are a inspiration to me!
Lovingly,
Marsha Johnson
Happy November Barbara!
Love the blog! Asilomar sounds like a special place. Some people ask for miracles, but I think for me, miracles are continuously happening and I look for opportunities to recognize and appreciate them, especially in nature!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Liz
Auburn CA
Blessings Mummy.
Happy New Month.
I enjoy reading this experiences.
God bless you.
Ofonime Nkoko.
Sentimental journeys are so sweet and uplifting. Thanks for sharing yours. We are blessed to live in an area so full of easily accessible beauty.
Last week I got a text reminding me to bring a large box to our ceramic gathering expedition. I had forgotten about this task and had many things to do before our meet-up. I began to ponder a plan for acquiring some good sturdy boxes and started to feel myself speed up, my mind revving up, on what was otherwise a chill morning, even as I was busy making my Grey Bears deliveries. Rather than continue to become stressed about a cardboard box, I stopped and told myself, “A box will come to you.” One minute later, while dropping off one of my deliveries, there in front of me was the perfect box sitting next to a recycling bin. My miracle chose to immediately manifest, confirming that all you have to do is ask.
I appreciate you reminding us all of Universe’s unending provisions.