
Stormy Grand Canyon Day…
We bought a house WAAAAAAAY out in the middle of somewhere, but not too many other folks live out here so… I can only get satellite internet. If you’ve never used that, it’s exactly how it was described to me by the guy I ordered it from.
He said, “Well, if you’re used to normal internet connection having satellite is kinda like this; You’re in the desert, pretty lost and you’re thirsty and starving. I’m the guy you run into who’s got a moldy cracker and some brown water for you with lousy directions.”
“oh” (that was me)
Still, I did appreciate his candor and it was a totally accurate description. Additionally, where I usually get cell reception here, these past two days I haven’t. We’ve had a big storm and loads of wind, which generally takes the signal with it… somewhere.
Being here is such a change from being in Santa Cruz. Some things I love, some things I don’t love. But isn’t that how it is with change? On the one hand, I know that I’m here for a reason because it was so miraculous and clear (the guidance I got was very clear – “house and land – house and land”). On the other hand – it’s a BIG change.
So far, this seems to be my method… Jump in with both feet and start swimming. Later, I figure out the physical dynamics… like where’s the grocery store, the post office, what about the garbage; do I haul it out or is there a service, is there water, electricity… how about the internet… (to be fair, I did ask about the phone/internet and was told that it’s great, but I didn’t actually talk to any of the companies until I’d bought the house).
Typically, I’m not all that thorough. My husband calls me an elegant train wreck… but I do have tremendous faith in how I’m guided and just do it.
There’s another thing I realized… It is that I have never lived in one place as long as I lived in Santa Cruz! Seventeen years in one area… that’s my new record!! Even with a posse of kids, I managed to live all over the place! This time, I have no kids to help me meet new people. No job to do that. No community to lean on…
For the first time in my life it’s just me (my husband is currently gone for 5 weeks, climbing in Yosemite). What’s amazing is I enjoy being alone, even though I do miss some people I used to see all the time – especially my family. Not a bone aching sort of ‘missing’, but it’s there.
At the very same time, I’m full and excited about this new place. The sound of the Universe is loud here, so most of my days are spent listening. It’s like having all my energy used for things that are entirely clear and purposeful. Not that I didn’t have that before, but I wasn’t as present for how remarkable it feels to be open to myself.

People inspect the damage of the collapsed landmark Dharahara, also called Bhimsen Tower, after an earthquake caused serious damage in Kathmandu, Nepal, 25 April 2015. At least around 600 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured in a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Nepal, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. People were being rescued from the rubble of collapsed buildings. Temples have crumbled all over the city, and houses and walls have collapsed. EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA
This morning I heard about the devastating earthquake in Nepal and yesterday I was feeling something strange, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Because I was feeling “off”, I was more mindful and clear that I ought to be focused on love. Today, I prayed a lot and found a place to hang our Green Tara in the house… It’s like my days are more directed and not quite so busy.
Because of the tragedy in Nepal, I thought I’d put a few links here so you can help out if you feel to.
First, you can text GIVE NEPAL to 80088 to donate $10 to Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. Message and data rates may apply. Only works for US mobile phones.
UNICEF – http://blogs.unicef.org.uk/…/earthquake-nepal-unicef-ground/
Oxfam Australia – https://www.oxfam.org.au/…/oxfam-on-standby-to-respond-to-…/
Karuna Shechen – http://karuna-shechen.org/how-to-help/
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (they are sending eight teams to assist those affected by the earthquake today) – http://doctorswithoutborders.org
Also… please subscribe to my mailing list to stay up with what’s up here in the back of beyond… (it’s on the right side of this page – and I never give up your email)… and if you feel to – share this with your friends.
Sending love… k
Hi Kyle,
Please consider linking the Fistula Foundation (https://www.fistulafoundation.org/) to this page. Fistula is an obstetric injury many women endure after laboring without a birth attendant. After repairing the injuring, the foundation helps women all over the world re-enter family and community life. The Fistula Foundation hospital in Katmandu was severely damaged and must be re-built.
Our neediest and most vulnerable sisters need us now – please give.