finding50

Bangkok or BusTransport, taxis tuktuks and Buddha aaaahhhhhaaaaas

2009-05-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Aaaaahhhhh the sights and sounds, tastes, smells and things of a big city, talk about a 5 sensory overload, shocking and stimulating at the same time, a 5 Star adventure, where luxury is as available and present as poverty. But whether its one extreme or the other, the thing that seems common to all, as a culture and nation is happiness - based on Buddha’s teachings of; right view, thought, speech, behavior, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and meditation.

Such is the opening para in The Teaching of Buddha, a book in our hotel room, ‘donated by Society for the Promotion of Buddhism’.

But I’ve jumped ahead, just getting here was an adventure - We left our Hotel room in Hua Hin at 11.59am having made an 11.58am internet booking for a hotel in Bangkok for our next step! Our transport as pre arranged, should have been a short tuktuk ride to a minibus ride of 2 1/2 hours to our hotel door. WELL…tuktuk turned out to be a comfy taxi, and minibus turned out to be an almost air-conditioned bus, that with waiting and traveling time took us 5 hours and an additional taxi, thus arriving in Bangkok in the dark, in the heart of old town Bangkok.

Our next day (1^sst real Big city day) started innocently enough with an early wander around the block to witness the early morning energy compared to the bright lights and buzz we’d arrived square in the middle of the night before. A hotel breakfast might have seemed like the safe option from the bright glare of vendor food, clearly exposed to flies and exhaust, heat and oxidation!

Stepping out again ready for a day of exploring, took its first turn, at our first turn in accepting a ride from a tuktuk driver who for the huge sum $Bht10 (50c) would take us through alleys and backblocks and over canals, and alongside palace and poverty - to the first of what would become Mr Tuks wild ride in pursuit of Buddha’s, temples, photos for us, then gas coupons for him…you see we found out that now for the up sell to $Bht50 he would wait…all day if we were inclined, for us – to then take us to ‘special shops’, where even if we would please just spend 10 minutes he would get a free petrol voucher.

At one Buddha experience we got some amazing advice from an excellent English speaking local, who had a Maori friend and taught economics. He spoke of a last day opportunity for foreigners to buy gems tax and duty free at wholesale, that was a politically generated incentive from government to boost the economy after the recent unrest. Unrest was a blip on my radar, but one that caused many people, indeed the Australian Prime Minister at the time to call for people, to cancel their trips.

Anyway, fun and flow and Grace and ease was truly present for me in my day of being led to the opportunity and seizing it…more of which I can’t speak about herein.

One temple experience was to arrive and see a vendor making caged birds available to be freed for a donation, for bringing good luck, and I was immediately transported to the scene in a movie with Richard Gere (help me out her, the title escapes me?), in which he does the same. Lori took the opportunity and I was able to capture it on camera, perfectly in front of three monks who had just arrived to bow before Buddha.

Our most sublime moment of the day was to arrive at a temple and be present to the timeless vibration of monks chanting, a captivating, blessed, sacred and inspiring experience we had been eased into with flow and Grace – to which we are ever present and grateful.

Gratitude - Foundation of ALL

2009-04-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Here in our day place and trip, we are face to face with the symbol and energy that underlies our joyourney, that of Gratitude.

Here again I am drawn to a gorgeous hotel whose very foundations are centered on gratitude as witnessed in this photo, and as linked to the following website:

http://www.gogratitude.com

In Lynne Twists “Soul of Money” book I am rereading and youtube clip I am revisiting she speaks of Sufficiency and the two branches of Gratitude being:

GreatFULLness – infinite possibilities, the experience of life that’s one with all (God), that’s so fulfilling it flows over to being in….

THANKSgiving – for absolutely overflowing, and so grateful that all you want to do is to give and share and serve and make a difference, giving back to….

GreatFULLness…

…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXvosTss4gg

So here I am, at the delightful family owned ‘MyWay’ hotel, Hua Hin Thailand, in the GreatFullness of life, living in the flow of the fullness beyond my wildest 5Star dreams, taking relaxed and inspired time to share and inspire.

As Lori and I walked the beach yesterday we witnessed many a washed up starfish and were reminded of the story of the man throwing them back to “make a difference” to the ones he was able to save, not all of them, but enough!

Vendors and Real Estate Vending

2009-04-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

We didn't get out of our hotel til noon, but had by then caught up with our darlings and blogs. I'd had a swim after brekky which we had early at 7am...since I'd been awake from 5.30am and reading outside on the balcony.

We wandered down the road til we could find a hotel to walk thru to the beach (we being on the other side of the road) and came to a white sand beach that reminded me of both Manhattan/Redondo and also Surfers Paradise with slightly less highrise/hotels, and had only gone a couple of hundred meters before we saw 2 massage Vendor ladies and finally - spontaneously got our on the beach massage together...not like ‘on’ on the beach, but on the proper wooden frames they use. Next along came a horse vendor that we'd read about...you can rent them $15 for 30 minutes. I was tempted and may do a ride tomorrow.

All sorts of vendors bring all sorts of stuff to try to sell you, but have official status to do so, wearing a permit. I was holding back....in ‘dont buy on first day’ mode, but Lori brought a dress, and got herself a pedicure. In the end we'd walked the 4 kms of the beach to get to the real heart of the action. Once there, about 6pm now, we were just happy wandering up and down all the little streets full of market type stalls vendors, bars shops shops and more shops..If I get asked to have one more thing made for me, 'special price for you, overnight be ready, special tailored...anything" I'll just have to have another massage!

Lori took a video of me watching my best Thai food to date, prepared for me, from the back of a rickshaw type mobile food station by a vendor woman, who when given a tip a quarter the value of the food was my new best friend. Understand I handed over $BHT40!

Whilst in the full flow of our travel day yesterday I calmly showed Lori a text that had come through from Patterson, saying property number 2 had been sold, confirmed by words from his follow-up email thu:

“Real Estate Agent did an open home on your ** street property today and had 10 people through....two very keen. She said within 1 hour one called in an offer to settle within 10 days. I said **$$’s counter and it could be his. She is on the way for me to sign the deal.....

I will keep you informed of your new life as it happens! Trust you are having a great day.”

Here I share with you my new life as it is happening, my finding50, new life years to explore, to enhance, evolve and inspire 50 more.

Blog on Bus to Bangkok and Beyond

2009-04-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

We’ll we’re not on Koh Chang now Dorothy.

A 6am wake up saw us ready and waiting for the promised taxi at 7am, which didn’t show up till 8am. An hours trip then in the back of a pick up to get us to the ferry for another hours trip to the mainland…all going smoothly enough. Another taxi to get us a half hour to the bus stop and fortuitously just in time for a bus departing for Bangkok at 11am. So here we are and for the first time I’ve broken out my battery power to pen a blog and listen to a Wayne Dyer/Marianne Williamson CD, sharing an earphone with Lori.

How appropriate that Wayne is quoting T S ELLIOTT “At the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and to know that place for the first time.”

Eight hours into our travel day and probably another eight to go!

So what I haven’t shared is the last two days that took us from White Sand Beach resort to a Fisherman’s Village in the south of Koh Chang called Bang Bao. No fancy pools here, a beach in the distance, but what truly drew us in and excited us was a pier that seemed that stretched about 2 km’s into the water, surrounded each side by shops that once closed are peoples lounge and bedrooms, kitchen and dining all in one! Beyond the shops, multi-colored, ‘varying in degrees of seaworthiness’ boats were lined up taking tourists on island, fishing and diving trips. What really amused us was this sign...a forbodeing one perhaps...."Hell 'ath no fury, like a body neglected??" (Given I was wearing my StarkHEALTH cap at the time!!!

We were divinely guided to a wonderful place to stay called Buddhaview, and through the floor planks came a constant reminder that we were living,

eating and sleeping over water. What a delightful contrast from resort living to feeling like this was some real and ancient lifestyle we were getting a peek at. This part of the island promised both sunrises and sunsets, but instead brought us the first and

only rain and clouds of our trip.

Our bus is the long slow regional kind, not the motorway express, and the contrasts are extraordinary. As countrysides flash by, it seems more care, colour and capital goes into exquisite temples and grounds, than housing. And yet this is the making of a culture, stee

ped in faith first, living with less as more, a shrimp and a smile more valuable and available to most, than the banquets and 5 Star comforts we’ve been enjoying. It brings us to awe and appreciation for our abundance in all forms.

Now with batteries literally recharged, in body and computer, I can report our safe arrival in Hua Hin, about 220kms south of Bangkok on the opposite coast from where we’ve been. A 16 hour day, without knowing the how of it, without getting lost or ripped off, or worse pissed off – we felt supported and guided all the way. We calmy arrived at our destination, with only the name of a hote

l a friend of a friend had given us. Grateful to be safe in our room, it was lights out just on 10pm. To recap:

6am wake, walk to 7am taxi..wait for it til 8am for hours trip to 9am ferry 45 mins, 10am taxi 45 mins to 11am bus 6.5 hours to Bangkok, another 45min taxi ride between bus stations, in time for quick dinner and catch 6.30pm bus to Hua hin, arrive 9.30, find taxi to hotel, get horizontal by 10p. The most amazing thing was our transport costs for the whole day only added to the equivalent of $50NZ (4 taxi’s, 1 ferry and 2 busses – over 900km’s)

Could we have done it any other way, - WHAT and miss all

the fun and flow and Grace and ease…..well, we’re not young backpackers understand…..We are of the age when a good a challenge as this makes a damn good story, and our achievement can give us a grateful giggle, and our readers some inspiration for what’s possible following a speed manifesting mojo – ModusOperandi MoreJoy!

Same day, but for two different expressions of the same experience, go to Lori version:

http://speed-manifesting.blogspot.com

Making a Difference

2009-04-23T00:44:00.000-07:00

My morning started beflore daylight, when, not sleeping I got up to read myself back to sleep. However upon finishing reading I noticed it had become light enough to take a morning walk, and enjoy the peace and beauty of this place.

I set out with an intention to walk to the other end of White Sand Beach and back, to see how long it would take. A Somewhat disturbing contrast to the beauty, was how much trash was strewn.

Well, in living this go with the flow lifestyle, I am ever present to any and all opportunities and inspirations, and one surely presented itself. My morning reading had opened and reminded me of the power and value in making a difference, and not buying into, ‘that’s just the way it is’ (Lynne Twist).

In that moment, there before me was a girl with a sack picking up some rubbish, In that milisecond of decision time, I overrode my origional intention to keep going as I was nearly half way back, instead stopped to join her. Moments later as she went her way and I mine,..now with a handfull of rubbish (treasures thrown out and returned by the tide), I was gifted a large trash of a sack to put what I’d gathered into - Now my new mission became to fill the sack and that would be a good deed done for the day.

Without any words a couple of people started to do the same, coming up to me with the trash treasure they too had found, helping me fill my sack. As I kept walking homeward, and picking up stuff thrown idily, I found myself in a more mindful, serviceful place…and so too I imagine did others as more miraculously joined in this new and silent reverence for nature.

The more people joined us the more fun it became. A worker whose job it was to take care of ‘just his patch’ was drawn much beyond his usual duty, bringing the now dozen of us more baskets and sacks and taking away our collection. What had started as one person and a sack had became more than a dozen people and a truckload full! Looking back, we had amazingly cleaned a good kilometer of beach.

I got to chatting with one Thai woman from ‘the North’ who told me she had gone to America to study for her MBA in business, married an American, now living there with a child. She introduced me to her brother and two sisters who had simply, organically, heartfully, become part of the magic of making a difference.

Today I wasn’t looking for heart stones…though I did find two to give away to the MBA woman and her brother. Today, whilst not looking I found…more than 50 Inspirations - 50 kilos of trash as treasure. More connection to the heart and soul of people than I could have dreamed, more inspiration than I can express herein. I found not heartstones, but heartsouls, and my heart heaves a greatFULLness.

50th Birthday Rerun

2009-04-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

It feels like I’m having a rerun of my 50^th birthday day…being doing and having all the things that inspire and support me in my perfect day of dreams come true.

My morning started at 5am with a read and walk – on purpose in service (see making a difference s

tory), then led to sharing Exercises with Lori. It then moved into a yoga practise and meditation…all before 9am, when it was then time for a lovely breakfast.

After breakfast to get back to our room we pass by the massage tent. I had chatted to the girls after dinner last night and found out they are available there from 8am to 8pm and that a good day was giving about 5 massages each. My immediate response was to want to take care of them too, so the post breakfast flow led me to them to do just that. The girls Pen and Supap enjoyed life ‘on the table’ just as I had set out to do this trip – to receive many massages, but also to spontaneously gift them. This moment was echoed in our stay at Faasai, where I had gifted massages to Bronwen and my therapist Kan. Herein lies the heart and soul of my Thailand trip.

What better to follow then to just have a morning massage today. Perfect timing as it turned out to be a much quieter, connective experience, some of which was missing in the experience yesterday afternoon. Lori, by the way got her perfect massage in the quiet and the magic of her perfect sunsetting time.

So here I am still before noon, spending time to capture and share some of my inspirations. The work lies with Lori now helping and teaching me to get these stories, and piictures and videos posted for your entertainment.

Magical Massage – Moments and Musings

2009-04-22T00:45:00.000-07:00

Having just finished today’s massage and having moments of reflection therein (ok guilty to all of you my clients who I encourage to get out of your head) I’m drawn to my keyboard to let inspirations fly from fingers to the keys.

Thai massage - The same technique, two very different settings and yet an equally effective result…….. At a physical level.
For me though the real, extra value comes from the level of connection a therapist is able to make between her self, Source and client. The more present, focused and intentional the therapist is able to be, this better and deeper connection, leads to a more soul satisfying experience.

At Faasi my massages were inside, in a lovely spa ‘sala’, in seclusion and silence, save for the soft soothing sounds of spirit-filled music.

Here at Grand View Resort, I deliberately chose to experience an outdoor setting, nothing much between me and the sea, the sun shining down, the warm wind blowing and my wonderful therapist.
Yet the scene was set up for two persons to receive at the same time and I was excited at the prospect of Lori to be joining me. When one speaks of flow, and things don’t quite go as imagined, the very essence is to let go and let flow. Lori, bless her completely, got busy doing my technical support, and I found myself beside a stranger…. who happened to be the aforesaid Dee’s mother. Well - talk about a family affair. Dee, her sister, her 2 children and husband, her niece brought to my session a very different SSSSSSShhhh!!! Social, spontaneous sharing of chatter and laughter,

Even the therapists were having fun, interacting, freely chatting - quite unlike the Silent sacred space I’m used to providing for my own clients, and that which I enjoyed at Faasai.
So what is my inspiration in these musings? That there are many different roads to Rome, and no one way is the perfect way, that all ways when experienced with awareness allowing, acceptance and appreciation are perfect. Perfection lies in choosing to be with people, places and things just the way they are. As author Byron Katie would say in her book of the same name “Loving What Is. Both settings, and all of my massages experiences here in Thailand have surpassed my expectation and been perfect.

On a special note going back to Faasai and sharing the different types of massage I had there, I received 90 minute ‘The Royal Thai’ treatment one evening, and got up early the next morning for a 90 minute Ayervedic treatment. Royal Thai included being rubbed with hot compresses that were filled with the freshest of herbs, fruits, flowers, ginger, salt and secret spices, lovingly grown, gathered and ground by Bronwen and her staff. The Ayervedic session included a pre and post session hot shower, Swedish style strokes rubbing on specially formulated oils for my body type, a steam and another rubbing covering in a special herbs and spice and everything nice blend.

My body could not be any happier, my heart any more warmed, my soul nurtured.

I’m already coming back for more and I haven’t yet left. Please someone call my Mum Dad and Darling…I’m not coming home till I’ve had my full of 50! 50 Inspirational, magical massage moments.

My friends, I hear you calling……I am calling you over here with me, pack up your troubles in yer ole kit bag, leave ‘em at the door before you jump on the plane.

Seaview, Service with Sincerity

2009-04-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

I’m sitting to write from my perfect possy, poised at my balcony overlooking the gardens of the Grande View Resort, to the sea and beyond.
Lori and I are booked in an hour to have side by side massages, after arriving here, settling in and having a delicious lunch, of you guesses it Thai food.
The Resort owner Terry, who we met yesterday and who went out of his way in a most friendly way, gave us an even better deal, than we’d negotiated yesterday, upon arrival today (Tuesday 21sst April).
I remarked to Lori that we had found another ‘Bronwen’. Terry, like her had that WOW factor of, by being heart centered people person’s give first and foremost from a place of sharing their abundance, love of their land and creation upon it.
As we checked in and handed over a NZ passport, he delighted in telling us his son was in NZ studying. It came down to his 16 year old nephew, being in 6th form at Cashmere High School, Christchurch – an area I’ve recently lived in. I will definitely make a connection with him when I get home.
Making connections is what this trip is so about, connecting to the heart and soul of the country and its people.
Just making a booking for our massages, a girl receiving one engaged me in conversation, brilliant English speaking, it turns out she’s married to a Swedish man, lives in his country and works as a translator of Thai to Swedish. She, her name Bee, has a friend in NZ who has been begging her to come visit, I passed her my card with NZ address and told her it was a sign that she must come.

Anyway to back up to our day only half spent but fully lived, Lori roused me at about 6.30 am to come be by the pool and beach at our resort, further down the coast of Koh Chang at Kae Bay Beach. Its so much quieter there, less touristy, and with pool, palms and the sea, all was magnificent. I took a swim in the pool followed by doing my morning exercises (Energization Exercises) looking seaward, allbeit the rising sun behind me (we’re on the coast for sunsets, with big rainforest covered hills inbetween.

I then took a walk along a white sandy beach and started to discover my third collection of heartstones, these ones not stones but lovely sculpured pieces of coral. In finding and choosing them I knew that this my third collection would be about passing them on, so with each one picked up, I picked a friend to whom I would give one. If you’re reading this you’re a likely recipient!!

After a swim in the sea and a short dip in the pool again, I enjoyed a liesurely breakfast with Lori that included some of the sweetest fresh pineapple I’ve ever tasted,…by then its only about 9.30am and my day is so full of a simple yet profound peace and flow.

In no hurry to be anywhere, we spent a couple of hours by the pool reading and swimming, before finally packing to move to our next experience up the road a bit, now at White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

With time to spare I invited Lori to a gorgeous Tea house, and ordered a Tibetan Butter tea mystery choice that was yummy, with Lori having a fresh Lemon grass one. Again we witnessed the owner going out of his way with special touches of unexpected sweet treats. It was a very special place of which these photos attest. We were heartened to read the wisdom of the Dali Lama.

Our ease of transition to this resort was a simple as flagging a taxi, asking him to go out of his way to get our bags down the long driveway to our resort, and on to our next one, all done with a smile, and in grateful service.

Hearts Abound - A tear in a tablecloth

2009-04-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

In developing my focus for sets of heartstones from different places, I’m starting to notice how many different ways hearts are showing up– since starting my third collection of heartstones.

After this mornings walk I sat a table for breakfast and noticed my reaction to a tear in the tablecloth…go on you might guess I was less than accepting…until I looked again and noticed it was perfectly ripped in the shape of a heart, which brought instant inspiration acceptance and joy.

I set out to capture its uncommon beauty, and kept adding to it, taking a bracelet from my wrist and encircling the now precious piece of art, enhancing it.

I shared with Lori how my bracelet was a combination of three different bracelets girlfriends had given me, and that I’d restrung them to make one new piece a day before getting on the plane, thus taking a piece of them all (bracelets and girlfriends) with me, I know they will have a heartfelt moment upon seeing the photo captured image.
Then I set out to play with the heart shaped coral pieces from my morning walk.

Come lunchtime, sitting down with Lori, I noticed a leaf, perfectly formed in a heart shape. Sadly I might not get that back through customs, but at least I’ve held it for a moment and captured it for a lifetime…and will share it with you here, thus connecting your heart (my reader) to the soul of this joyurney

Thaiday

2009-04-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

I just coined a new word its Thaiday in Thailand and every day is a Thaiday...meaning its a day of massage and resting and reading and swimming and walking and napping and eating and having fun in a blissed out sorta way.

I sooooo wish you were here, and now that I've paved the way I can so recommend people to come here to Faasai – the website doesn’t do it any justice.
Andrews recommendation was spot on PERFECT and Bronwen the resort creator/owner has been a wonderful host.
I woke at..who knows...early and went for a swim when it was sooooo quiet and still, and I just swam and floated peacefully and medatively for ages, uncaring of the time. When I got back to our room Lori was up and in conversation with Bronwen, and time just passed in new friendship, as we went on to have breakfast together.

I then got ready to give Bronwen a massage (seen here with gifts NZ Tui massage wax, Yellow finding50 flower and Yogananda book) and after her Lori. Lori hasn't had many massages, and cetainly not a Gayel one. Both girls loved it, and for me it wasn’t work.

We got to watch and help my therapist prepare fruits and herbs and leaves, salt, ginger and stuff for a “Royal Thai massage” which I'm having later..a 2 hour session. I've had a one hour Thai a massage every day cept one when she was fully booked….waaaahhhh.

Anyway, just chatting to you is a lot easier than trying to write for a blog, so I'm just gonna chat, more Gaylel-like of me!

Our days here are really so free flow. Our technology has been a challenge and I haven't been able to get videos or even photos up as easily as I'd hoped, but I have recorded so many clips and taken so many photos that it all can just wait til the perfect time. It may all just end up as a compilation video when I get home…who knows. Its also that I've mostly switched off to any ‘have to’ and and just being present…tuning into enjoying and capturing the moments of magic..of which there are so many.

The beach is just 5 minutes walk away and we enjoyed and captured a lovely sunset last night. The mornings are magical from our deck and we look out over fabulous greenery, all sorts of different trees, flowers, smells. There are lots of water features and special little places here, very feng shui’d, with Bronwen being an avid gardener and steward of the land.
We are starting to look at moving on tomorrow to our next location and new adventures.

Finding 50 Foods

2009-04-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Food Fabulous Food - What was it we asked for?

Can you hear the tune in your head….from the stage show Oliver?

Such was the tune of our experience today of beachside dining - Thai style.

With no language or absolutely no clue upon being presented a menu, Lori and I decided to just have some fun.

We had started our day with an intention to have (more) fabulous Thai food come our way. …in my search for finding 50 fab foods. As we had walked to the beach we could see food stalls and sitting areas that could only loosely be called restaurant/dining rooms. Al fresco for sure, all flies for certain!

We decided to get very brave, diving into the unknown menu, by simply pointing to various items and awaiting the surprise of what would show up. Understand - there were no pictures, no clues, only lovely Thai squirls of language.

I had seen squid hanging across the road, flapping not only in the breeze of the sea, but clouds of dust and car exhaust – thankfully I couldn’t see from that distance the flies…and thankfully I am alive to tell this tale…you see, what you don’t know won’t, in most cases, kill you.

You might guess that 3 of our 5 dishes turned out to be squid!!! One other a whole dried (by the same means???!!!) fish, and another a lovely salad – not of the lettuce kind, unrecognisable, but very tasty.

We ate like Kings and Queens, very aware we were having a 5 Star food experience on a shoestring for us, but what might amount to a weeks wages to a local. Such awareness brings us humility and even deeper gratitude for our abundance and ability to be in this place, at this time enjoying such richness. Another Dream, made Real – Rich, exciting abundant Lives.

Aaaaah, but what is a meal without dessert! As full as I was I went in search of an icecream, not something easily found, therefore something perhaps to add to my list - Finding50 icecreams, hmmmmm. When hope was fading, as a speed manifester magic remains forefront, and just as we turned the corner an icecream bearing man on motorbike appeared. Talk about magic mobile manifestation, delicious at that.

A Most GREATful TREATful day

2009-04-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

We had fresh mangoes from a tree today. Freshly fallen but warmed by the heat of the day, they alone would be enough of a 5Star experience.

So starts my second day in Thailand, now settled into this amazing resort of Faasai – “Where the forest meets the sea”. The creators and owners of this resort spa are a Kiwi Bronwen, married to a Thai - Surin. A week out from leaving NZ, and not having clear direction on where to start, my friend Andrew had connected us. Just the Flow and Grace and ease I was looking for!

Bronwen (the social liaison one) and Surin have gone out of their way today to look after us. The mangoes were on additional land they've brought and are developing. After our mango treat(1), we went for a swim in one of their spring fed lakes. It had those little fish that 'bite' that are popular in many spa treatments now...we got them 'au naturel' Talk about 5 Star (Treat 2) and all part of the free and natural surrounds! We then picked 'wild' foods - flowers from trees which we got to eat as a banquet tonight (Treat 3), curried, with all sorts of herbs and leaves from their grounds. We were shown ants nests in trees and told they were delicacy, which indeed, that night were also served.

On return to their resort we were shown through their magical ‘wild garden’ and shown species of exotic and rare trees. I got to see cashews growing in the wild. (Treat 4)

Our well-timed stay was serendipitous because of it being the Thai New Year celebrations (Treat 5). Bronwen’s sister Marina and husband Mike were here for their last night having spent a month’s ‘time out’, so we enjoyed their company and included in their farewell banquet.

Marina and Mike took me on a walk up to a shrine that was pretty special (Treat 6), and from there I walked to the local beach... which was on our list to do today, but we just got so fill up with the flow of all the magic I've just described. Oh yes amongst it all I had a couple of swims in the pool (Treat 7) here at the resort and a couple of good reading periods (Treat 8). WOW, what a full and fabulous day that flowed from a no agenda place.

And not that I’m done with treats - No 9 was to have my second Thai massage, fulfilling on my desire to have a massage every day possible. Not that Bronwen is biased and not that I have anything to compare it to, but I truly feel I have stumbled into the best Thai massage therapist in the country...

In my early morning inspiration, I had read and shared with Lori, from my gratitude journal that a year ago I was in Portugal with my darling Patterson at a palace, where we'd had our 5Star afternoon tea. A waterfall at that Palace had taken me right back to a feeling of being Yogananda's Lake Shrine in Los Angeles, and the spring fed lake there, so this mornings spring fed lake swim was equally 5Star….

As I seek – I find; so many 5 Star experiences all around me.

Finding 50 Heart Stones

2009-04-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

As part of my mystery romantic trip with Patterson, I found myself lakeside of Whakatipu, Queenstown. Whilst Patterson had been treated to a couple of hours sailing on an Americas cup yacht on the lake, I had made it my meditation to be Finding50 heartstones. Whakatipu’s lakefront is a place I’ve known as a treasure trove of stones that when you look come in all shapes and sizes of hearts.

I had so much fun, single pointedly focused on finding a collection of heartstones that I will make up into one “Queenstown big heart” as a piece of art – each stone holding the memory of each year of my life, which I will document separately.

As an aside, I had a magic moment relating to heartstones en route to Thailand. Whilst on a stopover in Sydney reboarding the plane there was one magazine left on a stand that felt like it was there ‘just for me’. The first article I opened to was a story of a woman photographer who had documented in photography one thing every day which she could find to be grateful for. There, amongst her images was a beautiful collection of heart stones.

Now today, day three in Thailand when we finally get to spending time at the beach, the first thing I look for and find is a heartstone, and so, the more I look, the more I am able to find…”Acres of Diamonds”. I delight in imagining each stone being priceless gems and how rich I am……such abundant beauty for all to seek, find and enjoy. Indeed I am - injoy, rich of spirit, in imagination, in present moment awe and awareness of so much to be grateful for.

This evening I will return to the beach to complete collecting 50 heartstones for my heart of art project number 2 “Thailand big heart” – with each stone representing and ‘holding space’ for each year of my next 50 to come.

Getting out of my own way

2009-04-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

A whole and separate blog seems appropriate to mention the biggest treat of all from my treat filled Day 2 at Faasai that I didn’t have room enough to mention amongst such a full and fulfilling day.

Whilst I was absorbed in the magic of so many treats, back at home the waves of communication were not breaking on my serene shore. Setting up communication with my world back there had proved difficult and I had surrendered to just being here. So, I’m sorry I haven’t been talking to you…yet!

Meanwhile Patterson had been emailing and phoning, leaving messages that I didn’t get, and in hin

dsight, fortuitously I simply wasn’t supposed to get.

You see I’ve been in a temporary and very unfamiliar financial hole lately…The kind that would have me say, like so many others I imagine, “Am I crazy to head off on a trip I don’t feel I can afford ‘just now’”” Yes I was tempted to play the ‘When I…then I’ game – the one that has us saying, “When things are sorted/when I’m financial etc, then I will…..” fulfill on some of my dreams.

Prior to my leaving NZ I had two properties on both the rental and or sell market, in order to stop the bleed on a financial situation that was ‘hurting’. With high mortgage rates and non -occupancy on both properties, something had to give, but after 1-2 months nothing had shifted.
The moment I shifted my self from the situation…yes, by travelling 1/3 way round the world, the energy shifted enough for an offer of a sale on one property to come through.

Pattterson’s text that finally got through was one of simply saying “Offer of $$$ looks good could all be done by 1 May y or n? To which I replied “counter with $$$ and within an hour I had confirmation of a sale. TALK ABOUT SPEED MANIFESTING. Upon finally being able to access emails I saw previous correspondence that, had I known it’s contents would have made my counter response a different one, and possibly screwed up the excellent result.

I see that I was perfectly withdrawn and saved from any worry or drama, by just being willing to be put in this place of bliss, and to live with intentionality of life being that of flow and fun and Grace and ease.

I reflect on the courage it takes to live ones dreams despite not knowing where the means (Money) is coming from, delighting in the phrase and philosophy that “It is coming from where it is now”

I reflect on the magic of being led to this amazing place, having dreamed of coming to Thailand but having no clue where and a week out hearing about this place from a friend.

Just taking each step and the next step and the next is my Modus Operandi for this my Finding50 year off to celebrate..… Making Dreams Real…Rich Exciting Abundant Lifestyles

http://speed-manifesting.blogspot.com

MY Celebration Day, Week and Year

2009-04-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

MY Celebration day

I could say my big 50th birthday celebration day started, filled in and ended like any other day, every day being special. That is because I planned my day to include all that I hold dear. Each day that I dare to do that which Inspires, Enhances and Evolves my life, it confirms that I’m living my dreams. Every moment spent in appreciation of this fact gives me more.

So what is Finding50….. but 50 things that make my heart sing on a daily weekly monthly yearly basis, and beyond.

My day was the most picture perfect dream realised in a picture perfect location, in picture perfect weather, with picture perfect balance in the fun and fancy of having friends and family flow in and out throughout my day sharing presence, bearing presents.

Sunrise meditation and yoga gave foundation to my day in a very special way, making the Ultimate connection to Spirit and Nature. It was a most magnificent sunrise, and the warmest calmest day of the whole summer. Breakfast followed, and then a walk to and in the hills, back down to the beach, along it and home. More food and friends flowed for lunch before an afternoon of various R and R’s…….spa treatments including foot spas for all, and massage time for me, free time for others. Dinner was delivered and more friends continued to flow in and enjoy.

As planned it was an open hearted - open home warm welcoming day for friends and family to come and share, ending in Pyjamas with a movie and slumber.

As I reviewed to remember all who had dropped in I realised my day had included 50 people!!!!!!! Beyond that there were many who couldn’t make it who’d sent well wishes in cards, emails and other means. My special thanks to 5 friends who had travelled from Auckland and stayed a few days, to Gary and Cory from Aussie, and to friends afield who I just knew were with me in spirit.

My heartfelt thanks to my darling Patterson who made much of my special day possible, to my parents who made my whole life possible, and to friends near and dear, far and wide who touch my life in so many wonderful ways.

My Celebration week that followed

Patterson had organised a mystery week away leaving Sunday, and soon I found myself surrounded by the majesty of Mt Cook and staying at the Hermitage, what a 5 Star way to continue my birthday celebration. A 6 hour round trip hike from the base at 762 m to mountain hut at 1800m, left my legs wobbly for the next three days, but the memory continues to make my heart sing, with every picture still-framed in my mind. Time then in Queenstown with continuing picture perfect weather, was spent on our mountain bikes, taking a tandem paraglide flight together, and enjoying a wilderness 4WD, hike and jetboat trip in and around the Dart river region. Time in Dunedin was spent exploring the city and Otago peninsular before heading safely and satisfyingly home.

My Celebration year to follow

I head off of Easter Monday initially for three weeks in Thailand starting at the FAASAI resort and spa, for the first of my massage research projects, and from there…….well, I’m just open to be guided and supported for finding my 50. Watch this space!!!

Follow me on: www.finding50.blogspot.com
Skype me at: gayelmarquet

from MIA to SIA~ simple inspired actions

2009-03-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Simple Inspired Actions (SIA)

If I told you what the most important things were to me, and then you got to see my life for a day, would you believe me? Would each of my days encompass those things that nourish and support my best life? If so well done, A++, tick in the box, I pass the test. If not, WHY not? What am I waiting for? What are those things that inspire, improve and positively influence me? What enhances and evolves me as a person?

SO - I make plans - out there in the future, for my perfect celebration of the day I turn 50, then further plans for my finding50, which seeks to Make Dreams Real by experiencing those things that 'make my heart sing', that 'inspire, enhance and evolve' my life and others. But why wait for the When I (get there) ...to Then I (will be happy)...

SO - Sunday night I determined to get to bed early in order to get up early Monday morning to enjoy the pre-dawn time in exercise, meditation and quiet reading and catch the sunrise - These being some of the most important things to me, that 'sometimes get done'Of all days I was amazed to have my quiet neighbourhood come alive for the next 4 1/2 hours, with the excitement of a brand new superyacht being launched directly opposite my balcony.

Talk about living here on my cruiseship like balcony having the marina come to me!!!! Talk about somebody's dream coming true this morning, turns out the yacht was five years in the making. I got to capture the event on my new video camera, which my darling had brought me in advance of my travelling adventures to practise using.In my practise of using the camera, I have been rising early each morning to capture my morning moments of pure energy and inspiration. Some of the results I'm now learning to upload to Youtube.

It's raw and it's real and that's me....no make up or fancy stuff. Not a lot of pre planning or practise. "So what?" that I stumble over a few words, and judge unkindly the deep furrow in my brow, my uncombed hair, that I'm in my robe. So much for natural! Waiting to get it perfect, would be to never have it happen.

Taking Simple Inspired Actions is finding 50 - FOUND! That I can make a difference by sharing it bears out in my friend Melanie's response:

"Awww honey! This is wonderful! Such a nice meditation for me this morning, and in general as I am also reminded of the sufficiency and soul of money during a time of forgetfulness in my own life. Thank you for that gift this morning. And the birds definitely helped! Such a lovely backdrop to your reading. Time for me also to get that book as I've thought about it for years". [Soul of Money ~ Lynne Twist]

Inspired,

Gayel

"What's my excuse?"

2009-03-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Heres an inspiration from what just occured for a friend in order for her to travel to join me for my big 50th...I asked her to write her story.....When I heard this from her, my reaction was "What's my excuse?" (I'm a single financially secure girl) You see Janelle married a widower in 1993 and took on 3 young children, one with a disability, and has three more children with him, is now a powerful independant mother to the youngest three still at home, whilst living with Government assistance.

See www.vitalpeace.co.nz and read on.....

"You now know my total love for travelling and for having things happen easily and smoothly, without a fuss - especially when it comes to travel, adventure, celebrating, hanging out with inspiring people etc. Have wanted to come down to your birthday for a month or so now since I first heard about it but not attached to whether that occured really. I did not feel urgent about it. It was a kind of "what will be will be" type feeling. Have looked a couple of times lately on internet trying to get the very cheap seats that have been on offer. Was quite aggravating, annoying and time-wasting experience with no result.

Had that gorgeous day with you the other day and when you asked whether I was coming to your birthday, again I was really in a state of "I don't know, and time will tell." Got up this morning, cleared my email box and had an email from House of travel. Immediately went to it, noticed I could get a fare for 49 bucks one way (Auckland - Christchuch). Then came the decision whether to take my young ones with me or not or whether to try and get them looked after up here for 3 nights in 3 different places. A bit of a pain generally to do that (plus a hint of mother's guilt) but I was equally wanting to enjoy some time on my own in Christchurch.

Something in me just said YES, push the confirm booking button NOW. Did that and decided the circumstances would pan out well and easily. Within 10 mins the following had happened: I had booked for 4 of us - totally less than $400 return , rang my mother to invite her to come up to meet us in Christchurch so she could get together with me and her grandkids.

She said "Crazy, Janelle, I was coming up that weekend. Yep that's easy to come up a day or so earlier and I will look after the kids the day you want to go to Gayel's all day party celebration." Immediately rang my sister who lives in ChCh who just happened to be able and willing to accomodate all of us plus she had already asked for the Friday off work - so she is going to hang out with the kids that day as well plus give me her car to use for the day!!! (as I needed to get from Rangiora to Sumner somehow!)

She was going to have her little daughter's birthday party on the Saturday which has been postponed to the following weekend, so we are having a joint birthday party for my 3 young ones on that day instead who are having birthdays within the next 2 months and have seldom (and perhaps never for one or two of them) celebrated with their aunty or nana. My sister was also wanting an excuse to get out of going to a camp thing, so we are the perfect excuse! Also touched base with my dad and he can do the airport pickup and spend some time with us on the Thursday. So all good Gayel and when I went back to my diary I see I already had Chch written in my diary for exactly those days!!!

Gayel

MIA - Missing In Action

2009-03-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I cant possibly tell you where I've been in terms of all emotions and ideas for my Finding 50...but for the past week I've been MIA....justifying my resignation to drop the whole thing!!!!!

I felt it got too far away from the original idea; too hard, too small, too late, too unclear, too stressful, whilst not having too much fun or flow or ease - and yet I can see Grace all over it. Such is life on the edge, as one seeks to break the bounds of the box....that thing we call our comfort zone. Today's a new day for me and I'm EXCITED cause I just jolly well booked something!!!!!

My loudest messages to date have been Lori's one's of
"Lori is going" (see her blog)
"Gayel Please yourself"
"Gayel WHAT do YOU WANT" (Those who God wants with you She'll orchestrate)
"Gayel stop rescuing people"

My morning started beautifully with morning sunrise meditation and reading - a very pertinent section of Lynne Twists book re "Scarcity" and "Sufficiency" I got to practise recording these special parts of my morning as I intend to capture for my trip. My darling Patterson had bought me a Gorgeous new video camera that we can upload straight to youtube and we're trialing it.

For morning tea my hairdresser girlfriend Vicki came to visit me at our new place and just loved it. I kept saying...why would I leave this place its soooo magic. But - I know 'if' I go, it wouldn't be because I'm running away from a broken place, but that I take this energy and wealth with me. Before she came, my trip was an if, but from the great information she shared I again got to see and FEEL how it could work and be right for me. She knows Thailand and Asia like the back of her hand, and gave me lots of simple exciting tips and information.

After she left I called Lori with yet my latest idea, and even as we spoke Vicki was leaving a message of a brilliant airline deal, a round trip direct to Bangkok 13 April returning 4 May. I decided it was fine to let go of the 50 day thing as the airline deal was only for 21 days...and that was ok. Patterson is taking me somewhere for a week after my actual birthday, and we are heading to NY, CO and LA in June so this is all enough for now.

My focus will be a few days in Bangkok and then to head to Koh Chang for the absolute R&R&R&R&R originally perceived. This is a place where I can get daily massages, live on the beach and take in the local beachfront restaurants, off the beaten tourist traps.

My focus will be daily meditations, yoga, swimming, adventuring, eating and connecting with the locals, reading and recording special moments for my finding50 friends and followers. From there I can be flexible to move as I feel moved for the next steps. Soooo, in pleasing myself and just starting somewhere, this the next step achieved. A decision made, an openness and willingness to continue my joy-urney.

Big Hugs,
Gayel

My I KNOW WHAT I WANT

2009-03-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

....I Gayel Marquet,
with a clean slate
and living in faith
celebrate 50 years of living
with a year in freedom
to flow
to explore, expand and evolve my life,
with fun, ease and Grace
for the greater GOOD

A birthday poem.....

Friends...

Here we are
Here I am
half way thru my life
well lived
and yet, there's more
to explore, to be, do and have
the best life I can
to touch
and be touched
Oh to Breathe, to inspire
to be in Spirit
Spiritfilled
Spiritual
to be inspired and
to be inspiring,
to inspire transformation
through living my dreams NOW
Making my dreams REAL
gives others the power
to reveal and to heal and make real
their own dreams
Rich and Exciting and Abundant Lives
Rich life experiences shared enhances others
I live and teach the art
of CELEBRATION
That APPRECIATION is
CELEBRATION
In Awareness and
Acceptance
of the NOW.
I Thank you for
your part in
my first fifty
NOW lets go explore...

...finding 50 more

Gayel

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it

2009-03-06T03:29:00.000-08:00

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Blessings to you today,
Gayel

2009-02-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Today as I walked into the gym at Ferrymead, a first thought I noticed was of Julie's husband Richard, that maybe I'd see him here (having only done so one other time) and my second thought was, Oh he's a single parent now, I wonder how he'd find the time. You see he'd recently lost his wife, my friend Julie, with whom they share a lovely daughter. After only one set on a weight machine, who should walk by but Richard, WOW, so I got to tell him he had been on my mind only minutes ago.

As we started to chat I noticed he looked remarkably like a friend/client and gym member Chris, so I got to telling him that, and how most remarkably Chris had become a client not long after the death of his own wife. I had Chris in for a session recently and I had shared with him the recent loss of my friend and it made me think of the early days of his loss. Now Chris is happily remarried, such is the passage of time. Both men's stories have touched me deeply, for where there is a beginning there is a middle and an end, and with each end affords opportunity for a new beginning.

I left our conversation to go to my yoga class and in my first 5 quiet minutes tears streamed down my face. Such were my moments of awe and connection, to my self, to others and to Source. No mistake that much of my morning's connection to spirit thru readings were from Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. A sentence stuck with me...

"Opportunities for liberation are occurring continuously and uninterruptedly throughout life......the key...to discover and recognise them, and make the fullest possible use of them."

He also wrote "Pain Grief, loss....are there for a dramatic purpose: to wake us up....and...release our imprisoned splendor".

My Finding 50 adventure is to live to inspire and impress on people to not wait for death, disease, or disaster ...in order to start fully living, living fully. Such are my morning connections to people, wisdoms and spirit. And having weathered a storm overnight the day shines bright, filled with opportunities to spend my afternoon. And if I may offer another Pearl of wisdom and inspiration, I quote Lindsey Dawson from her latest marvel of a book "The Answer" - "When a bad patch seems to go on and on...WAIT, note how, without fail, storms always pass. See how gloom goes and light returns. Observing that, how can you doubt that better times are on the way?"

Gayel

Passion and Possibilities

2009-02-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

In my 'sit with nature' exercise seeing my '3 clouds' vision it felt like the clear guidance was to keep my Finding50 adventure to three people; its original team of myself, Lori and Theresa.

Just so when it's all over and you my readers ask me how I did it and I say something flip like oh we just got lucky or we just got SpeedManifesting - with FUN and FLOW and GRACE and EASE, I want to record here some of my dilemma and process..of the joyurney unfolding.

SOOOO, my dilemma...big or simple???

In my moments of "if anything is possible and money is not the issue" it would seem like this project could be significantly bigger and thereby capture more interest and backing and touch more lives. In keeping to our guiding lights of Fun and Flow and Grace and Ease...did we say SIMPLE?

I question if we have passed the point of including others - people and possibilities??? A production crew...AND YES, I notice fear is present (but not a block) around now looking at a budget that might include a production crew.

I guess the questions are: How can we, by living our dreams (doing our Finding 50 adventure), make the best difference to our quest to: "Inspire People - Enhance Lives - Evolve Consciousness". To creating some Urgency and passion and possibility for others to Find their 50, to live their dreams NOW - so it doesn't die inside them.

Is big better, Is less more???? Does production crew make it easier, more fun or Not? Could more outsider help re concept exploration and defining Finding50 help? Where is Oprah when we need her.....I've watched many of her programmes where shes helping people to live their dreams, Oprah you are my biggest inspiration who has helped so many dreams for people come true. I want to do what you've done, in my own way, and I know my Oprah-like Angels hear me.
Gayel

Clients as friends

2009-02-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Over the years I've made special connections with many clients in hotels, in particular at Christchurch's small luxury boutique hotel, The George. After one such meeting I was invited to return to America and work with them and their friends. That opportunity turned into a journey that took me to 6 States of America, in 6 weeks seeing clients from similar hotel connections, deepening and enhancing friendships along the way.

I am so grateful to have experienced clients as friends, with such heartwarming hospitality. One such couple have returned to NZ after all those years. Yesterday and today were magic pieces of evidence of the value of a moment of time, of lives touched deeply, that lasts longer than one could ever know. Yesterday I had the pleasure of having them home for lunch, that extended to dinner and thereafter coffee at our neighbourhood seaside village.

Double pleasure at their visit came from truely letting go of any of my 'shoulds' on my list to do that day....They had travelled so far and being with them was more important than any doingness.

Today I returned to The George for their massage, then out for lunch and touristing them around. They told me an equally fascinating story that speaks of the heart of Kiwis and our hospitable nature. It also showed my client/friends ability to create magic in their lives. Six years ago on their first visit to New Zealand they'd had a memorable restaurant experience, and wanted to repeat it, so they had kept the proprietors' business card. When they returned to NZ they phoned the restaurant and although the restaurant was no longer in business the owners invited them to join them at their personal home in the middle of a dinner party, a treat even more amazing than their first!

It is interesting as I explore and re-experience these relationships that I notice I once respectfully separated my clients as 'them' (rich clients) and 'Me' - service provider. Recently my SPEED Manifesting coach pointed out it's not an us and them, but an equality; that wealth is a function of mindset; that we carry our wealth with us, and it does not serve to judge ourselves and others as having or not having, nor putting ourselves outside of what we choose as a future lifestyle. She said "in order to have, you have to already be".

Gayel

finding the difference that makes the difference...

2009-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

As I prepare to go out into the world to research what makes a massage fabulous - by having one daily at resorts around the world, I'm looking for what gives it that je ne sais quoi/WOW factor.

I was given a clue by a client Linley Rose, who's video I watched at www.pivotpartners.biz. She spoke of identifying the "What is the difference that makes the difference" and so I asked her what it was for her and she came back to me with...

"From the invitation to make a booking till leaving is different. I love the authentic invitations that are just the way you speak. They convey your vivacity, your empathy and care for your network. Other masseuses do an initial chat, but you always pitch it right. You are in tune with me, your client. The massage itself is silent and at the same time connected, focuses on me and picks up on how and who I am at that moment. I know we can't always cross manage our schedules but when we connect I know you care about my wellbeing. And I am responsible for my wellbeing but I know you are a cheerleader for my wellbeing''.

I was inspired by Linley to start collecting 'evidence of difference' for contributions that may well end up as inspirational passages in my upcoming book.

Gayel

finding 50 all around me...

2009-02-16T02:59:00.000-08:00

This morning at the senior yoga-exercise class I teach, I started to gently break the news of not being available to teach from the end of March, as I told of my finding50 plans.

As a student mentioned she'd just had her 50th Wedding Anniversary, it turned out that every member of the class had celebrated such a significant milestone. Here I was in the midst of such longevity, as their teacher - with so much to learn. There I was also, in the midst of such commitment to their class continuing without me, I had to agree to film the class so they could continue to exercise with me on video.

The most heartening thing about this class is both my parents, you guessed it, married over 50 years, attend. Nearly six years ago my Dad's GP had diagnosed him with Oesophagal cancer and heart disease needing a triple bi-pass, and advised he "get his affairs in order". His is an inspirational story of how new lifestyle choices benefit longevity.

As I prepare to head out into the world being an inspiration for healthy lifestyle choices, and looking for inspirational stories of others, I saw today how many inspirations surround me, the best being my parents, alive, well and together. I'm reminded of the moral in the story Acres of Diamonds...the gems are in our backyards. Knowing and being grateful for close to home blessings inspires my search for more....finding 50 more.

Gayel

The greatest story another might hear could be yours

2009-02-15T03:02:00.000-08:00

This morning I had a lovely followup by Catherine of www.balancedenergy.co.nz We had met at the Waiheke market last Saturday, as I was referred by Theresa.

Upon visiting her website I was grabbed by her headings "Connect, gather, share, learn, grow" and the statement "Everybody has something valuable to share, the greatest story another might hear could be yours."

This is so aligned to the story myself, Theresa and Lori are creating in my finding50 vision.This evening I have more evidence of alignment, connecting to people around the world who are inspired to connect and collaborate and make a difference.

Indeed people are lining up in support of finding50, that three weeks ago I could not have believed possible.

I am intrigued by whatever it takes, and difference it makes, to show up daily for those things that enhance my life and that of others. It matters not whether exercise, good eating, thinking and reading, yoga, massage, and meditation, community service, hobbies, R and R happen by discipline, compulsion or inspiration. What may on any given day, many, with inspired variety, of these things are a part of my everyday investment in balanced healthful living that makes a positive difference.

Could simply living such practises in a Finding50 quest be the greatest story another might hear?

Wildly Worldly Women

2009-02-13T04:04:00.000-08:00

What a great joy to conference call with WWW team Lori and Theresa this afternoon to start to develop our Guiding Principles for Finding50. All that we seek to do must fall into the bounds of

Fun, Ease, Flow and Grace

with Gratitude and Love

The Finding50 Vision is further evolving "to travel the world Inspiring people, enhancing lives and evolving consciousness, whilst - Finding 50 Inspirational things/stories that: Celebrate and co-create and communicate and appreciate life lived fully and creatively"

So, our WHY for FINDING 50: To Inspire people to creatively celebrate life, to enhance the health and wellness, retail and hospitality industry, evolve the consciousness of the planet.

HOW: Speed manifesting with fun and flow, ease and Grace. Contributing with humility to humanity, whilst Allowing contribution to support us in co-creating human potential.

The What, Where, Who, and When is coming soon...
Gayel

My balanced day of playing, planning with work as play...

2009-02-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

My morning started as it has for years, with a reading from Spiritual Diary, An Inspirational Thought for each day, by my Guru Paramahansa Yogananda.

It read:

"The greatest romance is with the Infinite. You have no idea how beautiful life can be. When you suddenly find God everywhere, when he comes and talks to you and guides you, the romance of divine love has begun".

My 'divine romance' began over 15 years ago in LA, when my friend and yoga teacher Kara Price introduced me to Yogananda. I went with her to the Lake Shrine for a Sunday service and sat outside the windmill chapel listening to great wisdoms, overlooking a spring-fed lake, with swans, a houseboat, waterfalls and fountains, koi and turtles all in a beautiful botanical gardens amphitheatre, and felt a deep sense of coming home. Upon reading his autobiography, I applied for his lessons as a home study course and have followed his teachings ever since. To my Guru I give my greatest credit and gratitude. His autobiography is the single most book I have ever given away.

My day included balanced portions of planning, playing, working with my SPEED Manifesting coach and my work as play, with four lovely clients. Coach Lori asked this question "How can I (Gayel) give MORE VALUE" in our telecalss and in less than an hour ..talk about speed. ...A great answer came from Bob Doyle's latest email. "The amount of energy I put into my work gives it its value".

Therefore - By raising my vibration...through concentrated practise and participation in Finding 50 inspirational "being and doing things" such as Yoga, meditation, massage, health-promoting foods, supplements and exercise, connection to new people, cultures and environments, I am able to give more value.

From Mary Robinson Reynold's newsletter today: "The VERY BEST thing I can be doing to make a world of difference, at this time of so much fear and REORGANIZATION in the world's economy is to BE FINANCIALLY AND PERSONALLY SUCCESSFUL ... and yes, RICH! What a GREAT way to help others! What a GREAT way to GIVE of myself for the greater GOOD.Reaching out ...To my Richest Life beyond my Wildest Dreams."

Gayel

Gifted massage

2009-02-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

I have just given a most delightful session to a woman who had been gifted a massage, that would have otherwise not come, because those she's had in the past hadn't quite connected. Also, as a woman she was used to putting everyone and everything else first; instead put self-care as self-first.

We were remarkably the same size, age and looks, with more similarities than I could mention, and throughout the session I truly felt like I was working on myself, and receiving every bit of what I was giving, and that 'the Goddess was truly luxuriating in pampering'.

Afterwards in her sharing of what was there for her, she beautifully articulated the essence of what and how my work is. I asked her to capture that for sharing by this means, as I introduced her to my vision, and invited her to connect into it.

We spoke of (her experience of) the importance of breath and how she felt I'd help connect her more deeply. I feel the process as me, connected to Source, connecting her to herself, thru me to Source, creates a cycle of circulation, a seemless energy of giving and receiving, that's often missed.

We breathe so automatically, like driving an automatic car, where we don't even have think about changing gears, we leave the garage and arrive at destination not present to the process. Imagine how many green lights one travels through without a moment of awareness or gratitude for the flow. Imagine again how many traffic lights that 'annoyingly' stop us, yet give us chance for pause, to stop, to breathe, to aaaaaaahhhhhh, sigh and let go, let good.

Gayel

Meeting the dawn with sculptures, moonset and meditation

2009-02-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Still on Waiheke with more magic to be had, I took a predawn hike with Theresa around the 2km coastal walk installed with 26 sculptures as a 3 week free exhibition www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz/

Some of the pieces literally came out at us in the dark, until the light of dawn stopped us and drew us to sit quietly, reverently, inside a circular sculpture in meditation awe and inspiration at the magnificence of it all, watching the sunrise. As I had been awake an hour earlier than the alarm and ready for our walk at 4.30am I had already seen the most magnificent full moon setting.

I then had a very smooth ferry trip to Auckland, to airport, flight home and airport pickup by my wonderful man, who took me for lunch and quality catch up time. Funny thing, but from seeing horses race yesterday to getting to see jockeys up close today, I went, via a Yellow pages phone request, to work on 3 Wonderfully Wee Women jockeys. What a delight to see young women doing such an amazing thing...those horses are huge, but to also see them looking after themselves by investing in massage. Having it all is to work and play with equal intensity and inspiration, and after it all, to have one's wonderful partner cook a fabulous meal to put one's feet up too and enjoy.

Gayel

Wildly Warm on Waiheke

2009-02-08T17:52:00.000-08:00

What a day to play and work and play some more. I got to spend the morning at the beach where a fun filled community day had attracted hundreds to the annual beach races. I watched horses and tractors running the beachfront, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere of stalls, picnics, swimmers and sun umbrellas.

Destination Waiheke for many, yet I just happen to be here on a working day...so to 'pay the piper' my afternoon was spent with 4 clients, ahhhh the feel good of helping people to feel good. My eve was spent with fabulous food and friends Theresa and Sally. We had so much fun playing together, working with Sally who helped articulate my finding 50 vision. I am getting clearer and more energised and aligned to what it is I really want, the delightful irony of which I am already living my dream, but doing so with much more awareness and appreciation.

Gayel

My perfect day...

2009-02-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

A Picture book, personally perfect day for me here on Waiheke. I had noticed talk with a potential producer and friends (my 5star hosts), once it got to details and the 'how it is' of sponsorship, drained and potentially derailed me...for only such a short time, and I was clear I wasn't going to entertain or work with any energy that didn't meet my 'fun flow, ease and Grace' criteria.

However talking with several people helps me to see I am being a butterfly, (which ironically was one of my exercises so I'm on track) flitting around all sorts of possibilities and not yet landing on a definitive, what do I want compared to the what's in it for others (who might follow or sponsor me). I know the answer lies in simply, what inspires me the most and what would inspire and make a difference in others.

So my perfect day looked like...

-an early wake to the most amazing view and an hour spent in peace and quiet and connective energies, readings etc.
-Breakfast and brainstorming with hosts Mike and Karen, opening to different possibilities.
-A very hot day at the local market, the biggest I've seen and lots of bargins (I'm the queen of bargin hunting)
-and catch ups with friends.

Met and had time with a woman who had developed (by channelling) Balanced Energy, Liquid Light essences based on Chinese 5 element theory, linked to mandalas of which I chose "Wings of Joy" Lightness of Being, and am interested to persue training to use them. She has the same connection, through Theresa into the resort/spa chain I am hoping to work with.

Theresa made us a lovely lunch, shared with Kat and Sally....Sally being my dearest friend, mentor, coach and soul sister, whom you'll hear more of, and Kat a new client, who after a session this afternoon, claimed herself as a new woman. I had a lovely swim in THE most amazing infinity pool here where I stay then gave sessions to potential producer Tracy, and hosts Mike and Karen. They are both wonderful cooks and we enjoyed thai green chicken curry whilst relaxing after a very full and wonderful, variety filled day. WOW, so much to be happy and grateful for, my cup runeth over, even as I keep getting a bigger cup!!!

Gayel

Vocation as Vacation

2009-02-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Its Waitangi day here in New Zealand. I woke with an acute awareness of quiet and stillness, from the normal high energy of a normal workday. The first words I read, were ones I'd obviously been captivated by at some forgotten time. A headline I'd ripped from a magazine reemerged from the unknown. I read with fascination the caption 'Vocation as Vacation', and I was reminded by the saying, 'do what you love and you never work a day'.

I also saw that the caption supported me, almost like a 'permission slip' to fulfill on my desire to morph my work- (passion for massage, and health giving practises) into a holiday. I took it as a great signpost for this joyourney, to stay true to my dream. And so this evening as I type from the 5 star bed of a 5 Star home of 5 Star friends, on the 5 Star island of Waiheke, after 5 Star weather and friends, with the moon (and 5 stars - poetic license) shining over the water and directly through my window, I do more than wish upon the stars.

I give thanks for the future experience already here. More steps along this joyourney included a meeting today with another WWW (Wildy Worldly Woman) who has her own production company. I showed her my dream team of 5 shadow heads being filled in by myself, Lori and Theresa so far, with two places to fill. The letters TM that were there that I had taken to mean 'technical management', she pointed out represented her name Tracy Moon. It feels like the perfect members of my team are appearing in double quick time, as easily and as joyfully as I could have dreamed.

I was however hit in some discussions, with the reality check stuff, that leaves me shaken but not stirred, meaning not falling from my path but shaking up more creative juices to - if I may quote our most famous New Zealander, Sir Ed, on our most patriotic day "to knock the bastard off"... and another famous New Zealander, Sir Peter Blake who said...

"To win, you have to believe you can do it ... to be passionate about it... the hardest part is to begin...we have begun...we have a passion...we want to make a difference."

Gayel

Starting Each Day

2009-02-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun with a focus on watching and listening to some simple yet profound wisdoms to start my day in a connected way and am doing this both before and or as part of my meditation.

A practise I have recently introduced - through my SPEED Manifesting training is that I spend my first waking 5 minutes silently being thankful for all I have in my life.

At the end of the day before sleeping I write 5 things from my day that I am grateful for...this is a practise I have kept since 1 Jan 2000, having met the author of the book Simple Abundance and watched her speaking about gratitude on Oprah. These journals coincidently have become an amazing record of my life, well lived thus far.

I have just spent a further 15 minutes with 3 inspirational 'raising my vibration'resources:

Mary's Lords Prayer Movie (Mary Robinson Reynolds)
http://www.lordsprayermovie.com/

My SPEED Manifesting movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtOFUMsrdZg

Audio clip science of getting rich (lesson 2) - 6 minutes
http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WbNQb3JQ

Throughout the day I am becoming more focused on watching my thoughts, words and actions, conscious and careful to more closely line them up to my finding 50 dreams. I have lots of readiness and willingness and opportunity to create magic in my day, and touch lots of lives along the way.

Gayel

Finding 50...

2009-02-04T01:15:00.000-08:00

Finding 50...

Being,
doing,
having things,
that make my heart sing,
that bring...

health and happiness,
joy and peace,
light and love,

to people and places and connect me to the source of all things.

Gayel

Reignitions...Don't Let Your Dreams Die Inside You

2009-02-03T03:07:00.000-08:00

In preparation for travelling to Auckland for a client work week, I woke early for quiet time to centre, connect to Source and nature then with my SPEED Manifesting lessons and tools. All readings throughout my day were synched to the theme of full awareness of my feelings, thoughts, words and actions as aligned to my intention, and I got to see I have so much joyful easy knowingness around the fulfillment of my intention that there was very little room for doubt, judgements, labels etc.

My friend Theresa, travelling back to Auckland with me visualised ourselves in business class flying over different Asian countries and chatting about the good times had already, making it real in our minds eye and emotions. We brainstormed the list of 'ate' words from yesterday, distilling them into our top 5 to become part of the Vision, mission, purpose statement and came up with a pyramid from top to base being,

TO:
Celebrate (life lived fully and freely NOW)
Co-create
Communicate
Appreciate

and across the bottom our 5 R's...
Relax n
Rejuvinate n
Recreate n
Resonate n
Re-educate.

Upon arrival in Auckland we got to share the energy and intention and delight of Finding 50's rapid evolvement with two friends Sally and Adaleen. I unrolled* for them work I had dated 9 Sep 06 in its earliest development, pictures of which I'll hope to upload, as evidence of a dream long ago dreamed and almost lost for fear of it now being too short of a lead up time, or too hard - at least in my old thinking of less than 12 days ago.

* I had prepared a rollout of pictures of 50 spas in 50 countries for my origional 50 week dream, now a more managable 50 day deal.

Additionally I had created a rollout of 50 things I'd be looking out for on a weekly basis that would captured on film or video or written notes to eventually form books, DVD, CD's, manuals, calendars, charts and reference materials...guess you have to see it to believe it...or as Wayne Dyer title book says you'll see it when you believe it.

Gayel

Beginning My preJoyurney

2009-02-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

I had a gorgeous start to my morning, getting connected to source, with my daily speed manifesting movie, meditation and gratitude, then was lead into an Abraham-Hicks you tube:
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=w5iwooFszo8&feature=related
re aligning with my veritable fortune, and shared it with a friend who is holidaying with me.

The amazing thing about my friend is I had gifted her this trip down from Auckland, by making the flight bookings mid December - her timing to be here now is extraordinary. This friend had opened the door to my working in the "Beverly Hills" of Waiheke, New Zealand over two years ago. Not only is she so connected to the right kind of people on the international scene of Luxury spa owners, she has connections to a film crew. She had been desiring a change in her life, and was focusing on 5 weeks and wanting a massage every day. She has brought two significant extra energies and focus points to add value to the trip as a raw food expert and has a business built on conscious consumerism of eco friendly, sustainable, third world supporting goods. I am gathering my team so quickly and easily, having asked her to join me and my coach/friend and support person Lori Mitchell. All three of us appear to be in complete alignment and synergy.

The GODdess is alive and magic is afoot.I played with words on my way to a client this eve after my wonderful coaching call...it flowed something like this....I get soooo inspired....A CONSCIOUS MANDATE TO...celebrate, luxuriate, resonate, co-create, elevate, imaginate,relaxate (ok poetic license), recreate, educate, relate, communicate, facilitate, meditate, rejuvinate, alleviate, generate, collaborate, appreciate...(no longer tolerate separate, disparate).

Gayel

One Woman turning 50, the world to explore

2009-01-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Getting to 50 years old is a significant point for most women. It is a time to re-evaluate life. It is a time to dust off old dreams and reignite them or send them out the door. One woman has looked at it as a chance to experience total freedom, luxury and simplicity.

Gayel Marquet has put together a world "joyurney" - as she puts it. As a full time massage therapist to celebrities and high profile personalities, she has experienced luxury and abundance from the other side of the table. Now she wants to experience that pampered lifestyle herself. For her 5oth birthday coming up this year, she has created a plan to have 50 massages to find the 'best of the best' therapists on her world trip. Her finding 50 includes finding 50 different ways to be, do and have a fun and fulfilling life, that inspires others to celebrate more fully their own lives.

Her itinerary is being finalised and sponsors are lining up to be a part of this exciting 50th year adventure. Launching in late March, Gayel will be using all the social networking tools to share her escapades as they happen, using youtube, twitter and blogs.

She will be putting a video up each day as she stays at 5 Star Luxury Resorts and Hotels and gives her view on what it's like to live like to indulge, celebrate and connect for her 50th year.