Ringing in the New

Change is good and also very difficult at times. We say "it's a blessing in disguise," which it often is in retrospect. This is certainly true with the sudden move from Kevin's house and, fortunately, it hasn't taken a long period of struggle to see the blessing. We have landed back in Berkeley a block from Willard Middle School, where Emma has attended since arrival at the end of November '06. I am thrilled because this is where I feel I belong and experience a high level of daily life satisfaction and contentment simply from walking my dog amidst the abundance of flowers, trees, and interesting-looking passersby of all stripes and varieties. The diversity and village vibration hold a strong, unwavering appeal.

Andrea Pritchett is our new neighbor, and she invited us to live in her building which had a studio open. It all happened quickly and rather auspiciously. I am delighted to be deepening our friendship, as well as enjoying a greater sense of expansion and community in my life with an inflow of new acquaintances. With the recent BART shooting in Oakland, she is very busy with attempting to organize an Oakland Cop Watch modeled after Berkeley Cop Watch, which she founded. Her energy and commitment are an inspiration, and I feel grateful for her kindness and caring toward us.

Betty Francis, my landlady, is one of these new wonderful women who are now in my life. At 87, she's still feisty and mostly still "all there," although she suffers from neuropathy and can just barely get around anymore. Upon meeting her to sign a lease agreement and pick up keys, she asked if I knew of anyone who might be able to help her. My heart went out to her, and I offered my services as her personal companion. I had been intending to do some volunteer work with the elderly, and this is close; she pays me well. And it's a good practice in lovingkindness, equanimity and patience, while at the same time an avenue to a surprising level of healing. I've meditated upon the why of this for it seemed strange to me at first that I was experiencing our contact as very healing and enlivening. I've discovered this is related to Geoph's death and my distance from his dying process, together with my lifelong need for mothering/grandmothering. And then there is the mystery of death and dying, along with my own process of aging and ultimate death.

This week has been spent integrating being with Betty for several afternoons a week. It is a primarily a fun and interesting challenge. The side income is also helpful as I continue to work to launch Lotus Peace Retreats in the next few months.

The move went smoothly; yet, the stress and anxiety of the way it all went down and the suddenness took a noticeable toll, along with the many trips up and down steps on my right knee joint. The transition of settling in has taken longer than usual... partly because of the holidays with Emma. Overall, we both feel happy and safe here and are now glad it all happened just as it did! How funny and strange life can be with its synchronicities and manifestations of dreams and visions.

My focus turns to purchasing a table to use a desk and a chair so that I may continue the process of setting up an office space and building my business. There is much creative work to do in the next few weeks now that I've transitioned, integrated Betty into my schedule, and almost have our new home established. I am excited about getting back to building the web site, creating marketing materials and ads, figuring out logistical details and making various connections with innkeepers.

The new year is off to an awesome beginning. All is well, and I envision a good year of health, abundance, prosperity, more fully stepping into personal power and trust in the unfolding vision of calling circles of women into retreat and community.