White Sand and Turquoise Water

Previously, in Bahamas Adventures Afoot, I mentioned it was time to move on, from the Santa Rosa Valley manor….from California. Only I still didn’t know where I was going yet. Along with my request for leads in that post, I’d also reached out directly to people I personally knew connected with the Bahamas. Of particular focus were friends in tropical areas who were also associated with dolphins and whales.

Synchronistically, six individuals recommended I reach out to WildQuest in Bimini, Bahamas. WildQuest advocates “One World, One Pod” and has been respectfully swimming with wild dolphins since 1995. Quite a few folks I knew in the Dolphin/Whale community had led retreats at WildQuest. However, I’d already been in contact with beautiful Amlas there and was informed they currently had a full team. Amlas assured she’d keep me in mind if anything changed. It was still fascinating so many had pointed me in their direction. I encourage any dolphin lovers to go to their website to check out the plethora of fantastic dolphin pictures from their adventures.

Cetacean Friend, Anne Gordon, founder of Whale and DolphinWisdom Retreats, was one who had suggested contacting WildQuest. I was thrilled when Anne also invited me to get together with her. What an honor to have the opportunity to finally meet, face to face, this outstanding trailblazer in the spiritual whale and dolphin community. Even more exciting, I ended up going on a whale watching tour with Anne off Dana Point CA. What happened next was beyond anything I could have imagined. Although thrilling to see a few grey whales surfacing and spouting, it was the common dolphins that stole the show. We ended up in the middle of not just a pod, but a super pod of dolphins! I’d never personally seen anything like it in my life. There were at least a thousand, all around and under our catamaran. Dolphins as far as the eye could see. Nowhere could I look that there weren’t dolphins joyfully leaping and playing with us humans in the boat. The babies frolicking along with them where the icing on my cake. What a gift! I was ecstatic. No words could begin to describe the enchanted state I was in and the other worldly transformation that was going on within me through this profound experience with my Dolphin Family. I returned to the dock, a different person. Huge thanks to Anne for facilitating this phenomenal experience! Anne Gordon has a number of whale and dolphin retreats coming up in different countries. Her June Dive Deep into Connection with

Dolphins Retreat in Bimini, in conjunction with WildQuest, may have a few spots remaining. Although the Dolphin Bliss Retreat in Bimini is now full, some spaces are still available for June 2025! Check Anne’s website for more details! 

I was not able to get decent pics of the dolphins for many reasons. If you so choose, this instagram clip from Blue Tropic Waves might give you a sense of the experience.

Following my magical dolphin encounter, I was guided to accept the gracious hospitality of a Soul Sister in Santa Barbara CA. It was much needed sanctuary for me. While others had been extremely kind in hosting me, this was different. It was quiet and peaceful. I need do nothing. The beach was down the street should I so choose to visit. In the stillness, I was able to be present with my own thoughts. I was able to process the

My Wood Dragon

rollercoaster of happenings of the previous few months. In one of our brief but poignant interactions, I finally surrendered the tendency to do what was best for others to the detriment of my own needs. It was in this calm, peaceful, resolute space that the magic happened. Rainbow after rainbow confirmed the shifting energies. The very next morning, I got an email from the gal who would be my next host….in the Bahamas! So many phenomenal synchronicities miraculously fell into place one right after another to enable this manifestation. My mischievous self created a typical April Fools’ fb post that I’d won the lottery (with money shown flying in the air). Hopefully, no fb friends were harmed in wishing me well for my good fortune. But I had won the lottery, in a sense, in that I was headed to the Bahamas!

A grand solar eclipse graced the day before my departure adding to the incredible energetic shift the dolphins had precipitated prior. Although I only got to see images of the eclipse in its totality, the visceral and etheric energetic effects that day were undeniable. My energy, my attitude, my joy, continued to increase by the minute all the way to the Bahamas. I am abundantly blessed now to be vibrantly alive amidst white sands and turquoise waters.

While not the exact location for “My Place”; no doubt this is the perfect place to serve and just BE that will launch my next step on my quest or, as my sweet friend Elizabeth puts it, my next lily pad leap.

Last post I mentioned delight in having my first

personal experience with a Tower Garden thanks to my host at the time. I was pleasantly surprised when she sent me photos of the baby plants’ progress. Within only weeks of our initial planting, many of the greens were ready to be harvested! Pictured was even a bowl of her healthy salad, freshly picked and immediately enjoyed. Being a Juice Plus and Tower Garden distributor is one of the ways my journey is supported. I love that it enhances others’ wellbeing at the same time. If you know anyone whose wellness may be improved by these products, perhaps yourself, please contact me. You can find more information by clicking on the links above as well. For those who currently bless me by acquiring these products through me, profuse thanks and continued good health to you.

Of course, big gratitude to all of you who have graced my journey with your presence, love and support. Whether your first time reading any of my writings, or you were there with me in the beginning, you all play important roles which I deeply appreciate. Atlantean vibes and blessings of the sea 🌊🐬🌊

Bahamas Adventure Afoot 👣

Happy Spring Dear Family and Friends!

Yes, it’s been quite a spell since I’ve blogged regularly. As mentioned in my previous post (August 2023), it didn’t feel appropriate for a number of reasons. (Reasons including the spacing in this post 😁) I have jested that it might not have been the best idea to have my first wedding (1985) at a venue named The Odyssey. Perhaps it was a harbinger of the life I have been leading the almost 40 years since. That’s twice the duration of Odysseus’ efforts to get back to Ithica! And my incredible journey continues on my quest for that, so far elusive, tropical retreat location. 

Backing up about five years ago, I was blessed to live in a comfortable hotel for two

years just minutes from Casey Key, Florida. Ironically, this was the location my second husband and I stayed when we first moved to Florida March 2006. We lived there for two weeks looking for the home we eventually bought in Nokomis. In the chapter over a decade later, strange, uncertain times enveloped the world as people sequestered themselves from each other. I got to joyful assisted my Loving Hosts in a variety of ways adding to my "resume" of skills. Due to my fortunate circumstances, it was definitely two absolutely wonderful years for me. Because they also owned property on the beach, I was able to access it daily. The luxury of having the sand and sea to myself the majority of the time was exquisite. Sunrise and sunset would regularly find me on the beach exploring and enjoying with DeLight.

The blessings continued when it was time to move on due to the sale of the resort. As she was a friend of my hotel hosts, I’d met my new patron earlier. At the time we first met, I had no idea I’d have the privilege of living with her. Her gorgeous property was on Casey Key literally beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. The dock in back extended over the Intracoastal Waterway. Life was absolutely a dream most of those two years. Again, being on the beach for sunrise, sunset and often in between, I hardly wanted to go anywhere else.

During that four year period, nature

enchanted me in so many remarkable ways. I was privy to numerous sightings of nesting mama turtles. Baby turtles making their first brave trip to sea was a rarer event so super exciting. Even rescued a few hatchlings. In fact, I’ve gotten to save many sea creatures, probably in the hundreds – baby turtles, fish, seahorses, sea urchins, conchs, cockles, hermit crabs, non hermits and more. Being one of the beach guardians was indeed an awe-inspiring honor.

A planned trip to California in June 2023 for

my son’s wedding just happened to coincide with the sale of my beach host’s property. Certainly a bittersweet time. The outdoor Carpinteria California wedding was wonderful in every way. The handsome groom exchanged personal vows with his stunning princess bride – as they wished. It was a lovely June day complete with refreshing ocean breezes. As expected, there was much fun and a few tears of emotion in the revelry of the reception that followed. So far, the wedded couple are living happily ever after with their Furkids - Hero, a cute Shiba Inu, and Scout, a precocious calico Maine Coon/Ragdoll kitty.

Initially, I went to stay at my next tropical haven for only a week or two. No surprise, I had water in front and back, although this time it was little lakes teeming with wildlife. It was only seven minutes from Casey Key – definitely a pattern here! Two weeks turned into six months as my gracious host accommodated my ever-changing, uncertain life. During that period I got to, among other things, assist in the care of precious fursister cuties – a dog and a cat. Pets have also been a strong theme for me.

My Casey Key lady had an adorable little rambunctious mixed breed pup. My hotel couple had two small dogs and a cat the size of both dogs combined. It continues to confirm that kids and animals love me – a validation that warms my heart as a human.

Being around my kids in June was auspicious for more reasons than we knew at the time. Besides all the excitement and beautiful festivities around Jeff and Amanda’s wedding, there was another miracle growing. That tiny marvel emerged into this world February 26 – 2/26/24 at 22:26! Natasha and Erick’s baby boy couldn’t be more prefect! Thanks to my host in the same city as my daughter, along with a

legion of other angels, I got to be around when Carter arrived. Indescribable moments were shared with this new little cherub. He was locking eyes just after being born – something typically unfathomable considering newborns’ normal visioncapacity. In his eyes was wisdom beyond his moments in this earth realm. His skin was plump and smooth. His tiny hands and feet open and daintily placed – just incredible. No doubt this precious guy has some big plans for his experience on this planet!

In California, I was hosted in an amazing manor atop a mountain in the Santa Rosa Valley. The incredible view was 360 degrees. Far in the distance, mountains circled all around. Stretching below were neighborhoods, vineyards, and fields. The owner is a spirited gal with monumental dreams and projects to support. One of the many awesome things about this host is that she ordered a vertical aeroponic Tower Garden through me. For the first time, I was able to

help set one up and get the baby greens and herbs started. I pray the nutrition she harvests down the road will support her physically as well as uplift her in other ways. If you’ve ever been curious about growing your own food in this manner or getting your own Tower Garden, I’d be thrilled to be a part of that! 

And now, it is time to move on once more. As is often the case, I really don’t know where next I will land. I am again feeling a strong pull to the Bahamas. Although I’ve yet to know where “my tropical place” is, the most powerful feeling vicinity so far has been the Bahamas. Hence, I have begun to seriously research prospective work exchange situations that could facilitate me being in that part of the world. If you know anyone in the Bahamas, have connections to the Bahamas, or can support me otherwise in this quest, please let me know. Of course, if you have other leads for a tropical beach area, I am receptive to entertaining them as well.

It has been a very long journey thus far. While I know there may still be a long road ahead, I am definitely open to the miracle of my place manifesting soon. It is with compassion and encouragement that I send a reminder to some of my readers. Many of you have had ideas,

goals and dreams that have yet to come into fruition in spite of your years pursuing them. For some, it was appropriate to let go and head in a different direction. For others, staying the course is what you feel compelled to do. Either way, have faith that you are on the right track! Whether we actually achieve what we think we wish to or not, our Odyssey is just as important. Think of all the people we have touched positively along the way. Consider the blessings we have received and the blessing we are to others. Hang in there. The best is yet to come!

Thank you all for being part of my journey!

Yours in this amazing Adventure called Life ~

Michelle 

Ongoing Trust and Persistence

Aloha Dear Ones!

I haven’t been blogging much for many reasons. I have nothing physical to show for that spa retreat dream I’ve been pursuing for now decades. I don’t have momentous adventures to share. Actually, I have had adventures but, for various reasons, they are not appropriate to divulge with the world. My hosts, as with my respected personal training clients, can rely on confidentiality for their privacy. Certain circumstances have also necessitated not disclosing my whereabouts for my well-being and privacy. I am not a “public figure”. I am not even a business trying to reach far and wide for customers. I am also not a vlogger trying to rack up the most subscribers. I have used blogging as a method to reach those whose lives I am meant to touch. Some I am grateful to have been able to inspire by my words or example. For others, it has been a delight to have been able to provide physical assistance as well.

As expressed previously, I had many frustrations with technology. Personally, I can’t keep up with the blink of an eye changing tech in a manner necessary to get my communication out in a pleasing format and reach all those it may be beneficial to reach. For all the above reasons, I probably will continue not posting regularly. However, every once in a while, I am guided to send yet another message. Whether it be for the good of many or possibly to reach just one individual, I am following that call.

I continue to contemplate the idea of my Tropical SpaRetreat from every twist and angle imaginable. Helping others have a positive life transformation was one of the main goals. Perhaps my retreat will actually manifest some year in this reality. Perhaps not. What remains crystal clear is that, in pursuing that lofty aim, I have been helping others make amazing life shifts everywhere my wanderings have taken me. Think the familiar quote from Lord of the Rings, “All who wander are not lost”. Admittedly, there have been many times I have questioned myself and the paths I was on – seemingly way off track for where I thought I’d be. Yet, I was not, and am not, lost. Miracles and synchronicities are my daily fare. They serve as signs, winks from Heaven, indicating I am exactly in the right place at the right time on my particular path. Even if I am not serving in the manner I anticipated by now, my service and dedication to elevating the planet is in no way diminished.

How about your life? Are you right now where you imagined you would be? Do you ever have doubts about the choices you’ve made and turns you have taken at those forks in the road? I’m guessing most of you, to some degree, are in a very different place than you imagined. Some will see that as a blessing while others are going, “What the ____?!” Now, back up a bit in your life and look real hard. I suspect, if you allow yourself to get past any guilt or self-judgement, you will see abundant synchronicities too – your own personal “winks from Heaven” confirming you are on the right path for you! But wait, I’ve got a little secret to share…. Yes, I know there are a few who have “gotten” this already but perhaps a reminder wouldn’t hurt. There is NO ONE Right Path! As the saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome”. Well, all paths take us Home! Now that doesn’t necessarily mean we should throw all care to the wind – unless that is your preferred style. There are definitely paths that are more pleasant than others. And yes, we definitely have the power to influence them. Fate or destiny are not the be all end all in this lifetime…unless you want them to be 😉 Perhaps a review might be a good idea for you at this time. What manifestations in your life are joyfully serving you? What things in life are painfully serving you? “What?” you say. “Pain does not serve me!” Yeah, it kinda does but that would possibly require volumes to even begin convincing you of such. Rather than dwell there, consider what one action you might take today to shift your path in a direction that is more pleasing to you. Oh, I can already hear some peoples’ minds screaming out about selfishness. Actually, selfishness is part of a healthy way of being. It has been part of my higher purpose to help others understand this. The majority of us were indoctrinated with the idea that selfishness is evil. One of the most basic examples of why it is the opposite of evil, and very necessary, is the airplane admonition. Put your oxygen mask on before helping others! This only makes sense. You can be of the most benefit to others the more whole and complete you are yourself. If your cup is empty, you have nothing to share. Yet, if your cup overfloweth……
The more we experience ourselves as whole and complete, the more we can be of bright service to others! Maybe it would help if we give selfishness a new name due to the stigma attached to that word. How about self-fullness? Self-kindness? I am not a prolific wordsmith so, perhaps, you can come up with the perfect expression that resonates with you – then embody it!

Again, I urge you to find at least one way of nurturing yourself which will automatically assist you in shifting your life journey in a more pleasant direction for you.

One of the ways I am doing this is reaching out to you. It may be time for me to embark on a new adventure. Anyone who has been reading my posts knows my intention is to assist some place on or within close proximity to a tropical beach. I have lived, since 2009, by trade or exchange - my accommodations and such in exchange for some kind of service. The exact arrangement is as varied as the folks I have served in various parts of the world. If you have any leads for me, I’d greatly appreciate them. You can email me here 🙏
Possible Assistance Situations
(Generally looking for a month or longer):
House-sitter
Pet-sitter
Property Caretaker
Help with babies/small children
Travel Companion (obviously warm climates)
Help with wellness related business or retreat center
Hospitality – small hotel or rentals
A respectful situation with Dolphins
Deck hand (again warm climates and no fishing)

For some smiles and warm fuzzies, enjoy these pics of some FurBabies I’ve cared for….

Due to my travels, I am not in a position to sell much these days. If

you’d like to support me with your retail therapy, please consider purchasing from my daughter’s Poshmark store. Many of my Shell Crafts along with other items are there and she uses the proceeds to assist me on my life adventure as well. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for her support as well as all of yours!

Circling back again to my title…My sojourn has definitely been one of ongoing trust and persistence. I trust the Universe to guide me to where I should be for the highest and best good of myself and all. Following that path, I trust I will be provided for abundantly – having all the tools I need to live vibrantly and joyfully along the way. In spite of outward appearances indicating I’ve made no progress for decades on my anticipated journey so far, I persist in the direction I am intuitively guided. Yes, I have my doubts here and there. Yes, I get discouraged sometimes. Yes, I get downright frustrated and, occasionally, even depressed by the external evidence. Some of the characteristics of being human for sure! Yet I have managed to persist on this multi-faceted, exciting trip on Planet Earth trusting in a Higher Power that I AM part of. I am going the distance as long as it is appropriate. Gratitude is also bigtime fuel for my ongoing fire. As part of my “job” is to help you, I surround you with radiant love light and ongoing energetic support in all you are inspired to do and be. Blessings all around…..

Pura Vida