I've been hibernating I think

I don't know why, but the last few weeks I just haven't had the energy to do much of anything outside of day to day living, and it dawned on me today that the weather had turned cold and I must have gone into some sort of mini hibernation.  I finally got out of Nicosia today. Took a nice long walk along the beach and let the sun melt away the winter blues. Granted, it is not as cold as what NY and much of Europe is experiencing right now, but it is certainly not warm, and its definitely not summer.  I also went into my pictures tonight for some further inspiration of the beauty that surrounds me and found this scene from the top of St. Hillarion Castle.  I hope you enjoy the eye candy as much as I do.  Time to snap out of it and get all my latest pictures uploaded and get back in the game now!

Clarity

That's how I feel today...clarity in motion.  We all make our own little ripples in the water, and yet we find we can all live in peaceful harmony - together - and as one.

This photo was taken by our good friend David who accompanies his beautiful wife Jill to Hawai'i every couple of years.  This moment was captured at the Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe which houses one of the largest golden Buddah's I've ever seen.  I'll have to see if David has any more photos to share!

My Mom - The Star

Seven years without a Mom. Such a strange thought and so very hard to believe. I always imagined my Mom in her late 90's, doing astrological natal charts, reading tarot cards, hanging with her best friends and dragging those willing out on a Friday night for yet another weekend of dancing.  Cooking all of Nonna's tried and true recipes for all us girls and our families on Sundays, and mostly being the pillar of family life she had become.  I guess she had other plans and moved on to be the true Star she always saw herself as, just like the one in that deck of cards she kept wrapped in silk. The first year without her I walked the beaches of Hawaii and threw flowers to the ocean, the second year I left trinkets in the snow by her grave, and then each year thereafter - I now realize - I've pushed further and further from all the gifts and wisdom she shared with me, in some kind of denial/punishment/rage for my lack of understanding how someone so vibrant, health conscious, artistic and truly unique could just up and leave like that.  I stopped the magic inside me and I only "real"ized that truth today.  The magic never left me you see...I left the magic, and I forgot how to live with my TRUE self, the person I was shaped to become when I was born to such a clever/healing/loving mother. The last month or so I started re-visiting that little girl in me, who was fascintated with the stars and begged for just one more reading. Who liked to stand beside her mother with healing hands and draw the white light from the heavens, believing without a shadow of a doubt, that love and faith is better than taking two aspirins any day of the week!  Wishing on rainbows, shooting stars, the flowers that you blow on as they take your dreams to the winds...all of it, I am feeling all of it again, and I will never let it go this time. Seven long years, it has taken my heart to mend, and the pieces are still a little tattered around the edges, but today, when I look out at the stars and I think of my mom, my first best friend, I can truly say I am at peace with her passing and I no longer feel anything but love and grateful thanks for every minute I had with her physically, and welcome our continued love that we undeniably share eternally.  I am back to meditating daily, sending healing rays to all I love, reading up on astrology and even did an online tarot reading for my birthday - something she would have really dug!!!!  I do miss her hugs though, even her sarcasm -and of course- her wit.  But I proudly announce that today, I am back - 100% pure ME and it feels fucking great!  By the way, that tarot reading I did online basically ended with the Star card as my destiny. I know that's you Mom, watching my back, just like always.  I LOVE YOU RINA ANN TORRICE!!! XXOOXXOO

Her favorite tarot card - The Star - of course!  Here's what it means...

What has traditionally been known as the Star card is about reconnecting one's Soul with the Divine -- the transcending of personality, family, community and reputation. It has to do ultimately with the freedom to be one's Self. The Soul is responding to celestial influences -- forces that can provide the personality with a stronger sense of purpose. The Star card helps us to remember our exalted origins and our attraction to a Higher Union.


This card could also be called the "Celestial Mandate" -- that which refers us back to our reason for being, our mission in this lifetime. The Star reminds us that, in a sense, we are agents of Divine Will in our day-to-day lives. If we let go of the idea that we are supposed to be in control, we can more easily notice and appreciate the synchronicities that are nudging us along. In this way, we become more conscious of the invisible Helping Hand, and we better understand our place within -- and value to -- the larger Cosmos.

Poetic..or rather...Musical justice

When I started blogging I made a pact with myself to keep it light and find a way to bring, if not laughter, at least a smile to my face and yours. There's already enough "buzz kills" in this world, we don't need blog sites with a bunch of rants and raves out there since the world is already full of news stories giving us bad news daily. That being said, I've been thinking long and hard on how I could make a personal statement to the airlines that Tara flew out on this last trip to see us. I was so disgusted in her story, and as it turned out, many more people I know who experienced real crappy service during the holidays. So... when I got this email about this guy Dave who found a creative solution to make his voice heard I knew I had to post it right away.  Airlines are taking more and more money, giving us less room (I swear the seats are stacked twice as close as they used to be), less luggage and weight allowances and WAY less customer service, and we're bitching and moaning to each other, but not making them change a thing.  The longer we allow it, the more it will continue to happen and I am not happy about it. Are you? Let's all be more like Dave and sound off in the best way we know how. Tara, this one's for you.
BTW - TARA DID NOT FLY OR HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH UNITED, but Dave did!
United Airlines and The Guitar

This is a true, and wonderful, story....

A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar.

During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded : "Good luck with that one, pal".

So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 6.8 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: "Good luck with that one, pal".

Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.

Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo&feature=channel

Someone...anyone

I just got this picture in from Dee, who got the picture from Jillian and now I need to know where I can find these - pronto!  Anyone???

If I could be a Christmas card, this is what I'd look like :)

Nice is sooooo over-rated!  Ho Ho Ho to the Kaufmann Clan!

Look who's having a birthday!

Wishing Brynn and Tess the Happiest 6th Birthday! And happy giving birth day Sandi! 

Wisdom for the New Year

Found on a NYC storefront window by Tara

The best moments are these...

If I could somehow make everything stop in the world and make time stand still, this is where I would stop it. My baby girls and me squished up close - just the way I like it.  We spent almost every second together from the moment Tara stepped off the plane and it still wasn't enough.  Tara I miss you so much that my heart actually squeezes the breath from me.  Thank you for making this such a special Christmas for all of us. I love you to the moons of every planet, the stars of every galaxy and back ~ from my heart to yours, wrapped up in a bazillion pounds of love!

Tara's on her way to the airport for Christmas in Cyprus

And her little sister's are discussing which one gets to hug her first!  We've decided on a group hug :) 

Winter Solstice Celebrations

I really enjoy embracing customs from around the world.  While in Finland I learned of many, but my most favorite was on the Winter Solstice and the celebration of Light.  The above photo (that flame is looking a little heart shaped isn't it??) was taken in our Helsinki backyard to celebrate the coming of brighter days.  I wasn't too thrilled to have night time fall across the sky a little past 2:30 in the afternoon that day, and yet I somehow feel a strange longing for that moment today.  So in honor of the darkest day of the year, and brighter days to follow, I offer you a new ritual I have just come across today.  I especially love the sentiment of not berating ourselves for any misfortunes or unhappiness we may have to "burn" away at this time, but to celebrate the awareness of the what we have experienced and to make room for the wonder we can create for ourselves now as we bid one final adieu to the old patterns we no longer need. 

"Release is powerful medicine, a plumbing of the depths, fertilizing your foundation. This Winter Solstice, write down what you would like to release into the darkness. You can write as many thoughts as you wish, about a situation, energies, a person or a habit. This is a time to revere what has taught you well, not to revoke yourself for the past. Think about what you would like to release, as well as what you would like to replace it with. With your fire or candle lit, cast the written offerings into the fire, and as it burns, affirm this release by declaring what you would like to replace things with. After fully finished, let your fire or candle burn completely to the end, releasing that which is now gone. If there are any remnants of your ritual fire or candle, you can either keep a few ashes or a piece of wax to commemorate your releasing next year, and recall that which you have consciously "let go" of for 2010. Lastly, celebrate your awareness by enjoying pleasure! The long night has just begun, your fire is burning and there is much to treasure."*

*Quoted from Winter Solstice Traditions - Celebrating the Return of Light by Shannon Day

One of my all time favorite Christmas movies!

If this doesn't get you ready for Santa, nothing will!

Merry Christmas to All!

Mikayla Bliss

This one deserves its own space.  I missed all the action on the dunes since we had Arianna with us out there, so I am sooooo glad Mike was able to capture these moments.  The sun is about to set and they are up on top of a huge dune after some awesome dune diving. Just look at the purest joy!

Recent trip

We recently had the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi while Mike was attending a conference. Mikayla was at the tail end of what we are pretty sure was a nice case of oink oink flu and we missed our flight out on Saturday so by Sunday I was actually ready to throw the towel in on the entire trip. The thought of traveling with a just recovering 7 year old and a 6 month old who was requiring us to have to take an additional suitcase for all the needed essentials had me trying to convince Mike it was just better for him to go this one alone.  I am SO glad he didn't listen!

We ended up flying on Etihad Air who supplied us with a bassinet that snapped in on the bulkhead wall as soon as we were up in the air and actually served us a choice of fantastic food that was served with actual silverware...in economy.  And, having missed the original flight meant that we no longer needed to have a layover. We flew straight through which is a definite bonus with kids.

The above picture is actually a domed-type window in the tunnel that took us from the hotel to the beach side of street adjoining our hotel. At night the glass reflected back at us and I just happened to look up and notice the phenomenal photo op!

The trip was absolutely, hands down the most relaxing trip I have EVER taken. Both girls slept in past noon each and every morning so I found myself dragging them out of bed twice just so we could make it to the best damn breakfast buffet I have known. Aside from the essentials like eggs, waffles and the like, there were fresh carrot juice stations that you could blend your favorite morning cocktail - I stuck with the carrot juice and I don't even like carrot juice usually. If you didn't want veggie juices then the fruit juice section was also available, as was home made breads, jams and honey's. I am definitely a breakfast kind of girl. In fact on the days we ate breakfast we couldn't even find the room for lunch. 

So, highlights from moi to thee, should you ever find a reason to visit:

Cultural Heritage Center

A walk on the Corniche (their version of a boardwalk)

Any of the malls - we liked the newest - The Marina Mall

A bike/trike ride with all the locals on the Corniche

Dinner at the "Lebanese Flower" for authentic yet simple delights

The Big Bus Tour - a hop on/off tour of the city

Mandoo's - A great one stop shop for all your Abu treasures (across from Abu Dhabi Mall)

The Grand Mosque - Exquisite!!!

Desert Safari - Belly dancing, sheesha pipes, henna tattoos, camel rides and for the extreme sports guy/girl in all of us - Dune Peshing (sp?) the craziest ride you will ever take in a 4WD vehicle!

We happened to be there for their 38th National Day which culminated on Dec. 2 and the largest fireworks show in the world (they hoped to make the Guinness World Record with 100,000 devices going off that night).  You could literally feel the electricity in the air all day as the excitement grew.

They were also hosting the F1 H20 water races in the Gulf across from our hotel on Dec. 3.  These boats look like space ships on the water and we were just meters from all the action.  Not sure who actually ended up winning but the French guy in our hotel had my vote!

Since we were traveling with kids I do not have any night life recommendations this time around, but, it is a non-alcohol consuming country, so keep that in mind when traveling there. We are glad we picked up a couple of nice bottles of vino in the airport on the way over. And of course, all the big hotels have fully stocked bars.

Viva la Abu Dhabi!

Made in Finland, Born in Cyprus

First plane ride was to Abu Dhabi last week where she got her first tooth on the First of December!

Congratulations Mike!

It's official...Mike has been selected for promotion to Master Sergeant...wooo hoooo!

Giving Thanks!

I try to remember to wake every morning with gratitude. My Nonna lived with us for many years and every morning (and every night) she would go on and on about how thankful she was for what seemed like everything - the good drivers, the beautiful leaves on the trees, the wonderful candy she ate that day. I would love it as a little girl and sadly, started to belittle it in my mind as I grew. "Oh, what a boring life she must have to think of all the small things she has to come up with to give thanks for."  NOW I get it.  So, although the official third Thursday in November Thanksgiving has come and gone, I would like to celebrate today and every day with an unofficial Day of Thanks!  THANKS NONNA, I'M STILL LEARNING FROM YOU! I LOVE YOU ENDLESSLY XOXOXO
Watercolor artwork done by the very talented Mikayla Reanne

Time travel

I never gave the concept of time much thought but with our recent travels it dawned on me that I was actually a time traveler – how flippin’ cool is that! No, I’m not going get all sci-fi on you, but seriously, did you ever just stop and think about this whole time thing? I read a very thought provoking book a couple of months ago called “The Power of Now” and I walked away with a fresh look on now and what that means to me. It was actually pretty amazing to realize how much time I wasted in the future when really it is always only now that we live in. Luckily, I’ve never really been much of a dweller of the past, so all I had to keep reminding myself was to stay focused on the here, the moment right now. Of course, as soon as something that I considered could affect my future showed up, as it always seems to do, I was right back to the future in my thoughts but catching myself gets a little bit easier every time I try to stay focused on it, and soon enough I now realize that until that part of what I think the future holds catches up with me, there really is no point in projecting my hopes or unfounded fears. “Right now, everything is cool,” I say to the future worrier me, and then I tell that bitch to get lost – I don’t need her around any more, just the now me can stay.
Anyway, as I flew away from Cyprus time, further into my future last week (you still need time as a reference I guess) it dawned on me that I was going to be another two hours ahead of my latest time frame, which then made me realize I kept cheating myself out of a little more time which was bringing me that much closer, that much quicker to my next birthday. Hah, not something everyone can embrace, but again, it sat on my mind and my mind said, no biggie, but this time travel thing here sure is pretty damn wild. Starting out my life in NY “way back when” I began cheating time by gaining about six hours when we moved to Hawaii. Then I lost those six and gained another six when we got to Finland, stayed the same in the move to Cyprus. and gained another two in Abu Dhabi, but you know what, nothing really changed except the numbers on the clock. Which brings me back to that book, that now seems to ring more truth than I even realized at the “time” I was reading it. You can’t control it, you can’t own it and you can’t undo it but you can live it and live it fully and live it totally with abandon of the happiness or whatever-ness of your choice. The choice is always yours, its that simple!