The Sudden Breeze

What does it look like to you? A picture I took of a cloud formation at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. (Ha Long literally translates as Descending Dragon) I've been trying to sleep by 10 these past few nights with little luck. Last night I just closed my eyes and waited...and then after an hour I opened my eyes again facing straight at my sister's pillow just centimeters away. The pillow's print was a childlike painting of a bird, but in the angle I was facing it, I realized it look like a tadpole with a party hat :D this suddenly made me think about situations and the way we feel and look at them. We can look at things and see it in so many ways if we are willing to shift the angle. And the angles are limitless :)

Enjoying this exotic adventure Life feels odd, nothing fits and everything's foreign Where gratitude comes from every direction And paths keeps opening to reveal new hopes many more wonderful experiences and emotions to absorb until I am completely filled up when I return to You and that I have used this vessel in Your purpose I long for Your embrace and the peace that surrounds So at this time I pray that You will always be present with glimpses of Your whispers wherever I am ~ Alia Adistya

Most of my time living in Jakarta, I am consumed with the thoughts in my head, with work that needs to be done, the plans I want to make, figuring out what I need to have and want to become. The only time I can let go, breathe freely, enjoy my surroundings, and be presently aware is during my travels. But I've come to realize I don't need to travel miles to find peace and beauty, it all depends on how I am feeling inside (although finding peace and beauty is definitely much easier when I am surrounded by nature). Eventhough I still have a long way to go in finding calmness during daily irritations, and life's hiccups (and seeing it as something positive)... wherever I am, I am slowly learning the concept of becoming still, clearing my thoughts, just breathing and being... and then suddenly everything becomes beautiful and God is in everything I see and everywhere I am. Dialogue from the movie "Their Eyes Were Watching God" Tea Cake: Whatcha doin', Janie? Janie

Freja Beha Erichsen © http://caroline.feber.se

To wrap-up 2009, I decided to go on a solo journey to Komodo National Park. It was an unbelievable journey! This was the last sunset I saw at Labuan Bajo, Flores from a little local restaurant called "The Corner" This is the view from my bungalow at the Golo Hilltop Hotel, which is owned by 2 dutch women who visited here and fell in love with the place and decided to live here, I can see why :) At komodo national park there was an overwhelmingly large schools of fish, just mesmerizing! The Komodos at Rinca Island were huge, they gave us long large wooden sticks just in case, but I didn't dare to even try to get too close. I only got to dive 4 times at Komodo (Manta point, Batu Bolong, Crystal rock, full moon) but they were incredible, we saw 5 meter wide manta rays, eagle rays, white tip sharks, napoleon fish, bluefin tuna, giant trevally, scorpion fishes, and so much more! I hope I get the chance to come back and explore all the other sites!

For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated in learning various methods of spiritual transformations...methods that can open me up in new ways of belief and understanding about life, God, the universe, and above all about myself. For the past month I've been following Debbie Ford , an author and spiritual coach, reading her book "Why Good People Do Bad Things" and watching the movie "The Shadow Effect" (Journey from your darkest thought to your greatest dream). Now she has another book "The 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse" which program she is offering for free at oprah.com "The 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse is a practical program that promises to alter the quality and direction of your life and support you in not only obtaining your goals for the new year, but, more importantly, creating a new loving and nurturing relationship with yourself and with the power that sources you. This program will enable you to take back your power fro

What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; that is to have succeeded. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Drink more water 8 glasses a day at least! 2. Eat consciously Be aware of my body and the energy I put in it. 3. Exercise I'm thinking to start with morning jogs or walks :) 4. Build up Tea for Two Complete the website and product photography! 5. Make at least 1 person smile a day Starting w/ my family :D 6. Travel more See as many places even if its just short budget weekend trips. Have more family trips. 7. Budget conscious Save money for deposit, Monthly savings 8. Blog at least once a week Practice writing and telling stories to be more communicative to others 9. Spiritual cleanse Meditate, Pray & be grateful everyday 10. Practice "Why Not?" One of my best friend says everytime she is presented with an opportunity, she says "why not"...so in other words, have more yes's in life! Last and most important...Live everyday consciously, being aware of every moment and details!