2 months in
Beanie (who is now 3!?!) and I have been living here in Balian for 2 months now…amazing how fast time has gone by.
As I have been learning the ins and outs of Shankari International, I have not had many opportunities to really EXPLORE Bali. Not to say that I haven’t made it out of the driveway.
our driveway 
But the exploring that I have done, has mainly been from the passenger side of the car.
Two nights ago, I had the pleasure in attending a Blogging Bali get together — celebrating Pesta Blogger 2008 and I am so thankful to my twitter community for hooking me in, for I feel like I have found a new group of friends.
In speaking with them, I realized as much as I feel more connected and at home here, I am still not quite able to communicate effectively as to where I live!! I live at Shankari’s house is a little vague! LOL
To put an end to that, I want to share with all of you the nitty gritty as to where we are.
Balian
As you know, I work for Shankari International. My office is here in the mothership; Shankari’s Bali Retreat is across the bridge. We are a little up the river from beautiful Balian beach, it is one of my favorite places to go in the morning — black sands, a little rocky, incredibly peaceful.
We are located in Tabanan —- which is on the Western coast of Bali. The village we are in is called Lalang-linggah. It’s a beautiful sacred spot. I am hoping to learn more about the history and hidden secrets in the coming months.
Crocodile Temple
It’s remote…especially regarding what I am used to from Rhode Island. The novelty of RI is that everything is 20 minutes away…or for a real getaway adventure, 45 minutes…here it is about 45 minutes to Hardy’s — which is the closest big market…it’s a funny place. No disrespect to Hardy’s!! But after a week or longer of not leaving Balian, Hardy’s may as well be Disneyland!! LOL
BUT in that we are remote, it is very relaxing. We have many many many projects that have to get done now now now…which we have all experienced in our respective jobs. But with Balian as the backdrop, it is much easier to breathe and be okay with it. The lush atmosphere encourages relaxation — even in the face of a demanding work schedule.
As much as there is a part of me that longs for sweater weather — missing out on the hour of my day shlepping downtown and dealing with RIPTA madness, ginormous iced coffees, KP antics and mayhem….hmm I miss it a little…
I look forward to getting to know Bali and sharing it with you!!
Stay tuned…more on all these things
xo
beginnings
It’s all about choices and intent.
What do I want to do?
What is it that you do? What do you really want to be doing?
You would think that was an easy topic. My first reaction is to go deep.
“I want to change the world, leave my mark, help ease the suffering —la la la”
Those are big statements. Focus.
I want to have some breakfast. That’s a good beginning.
I want to do some stretches first and wash off a sleepless night, and then go and have some breakfast, even better!
Once upon a time a young woman found herself on the most wonderful journey. It was not always tea and cake. There were moments she felt shipwrecked in her own tearful angry ocean. Moments where turning back and giving up seemed like the best idea. Sometimes having a sit and listening, feeling and trusting that to keep going forward is the only way — taking a deep breath she journeyed on. Friendships along the way, led to building a family along the way…these are the things that you will find here.
A Note!
Remembering beanie’s first fortune cookie:
“A Note!” He triumphantly shouted as he held the little slip of paper with faded blue print on both sides up in the air. “A note!” Waving it to anyone that would catch his eye and appreciate the smile of a young man, and a new discovery.
There are so many moments to share…but it’s late and we have plenty of time.
All the things you can’t remember
Tell the things you can’t forget…
Flying to Bali
As bean and I were en route to Bali, I imagined what it would have been like to travel by boat…a longer — much longer journey. Perhaps similar in some ways, turbulence, cramped quarters, crankiness and joy…no connecting flights! That would be a boon. You board and ride it out until you get there.
I must say that the airport in Tokyo is wonderful. I did not feel intimidated at all. It was so organized and full of cuteness!! I hope to travel in Japan someday. Hands down, it was my favorite airport experience…even in security, they were so nice and actually had a sense of humor. Bringing peanut butter on the plane was a security issue that was wonderfully funny watching the staff deal with. I think that when I travel, I will always bring peanut butter, just so I can experience the hullabaloo — a small way to spread some joyful chaos and bring some smiles and giggles to my fellow passengers.
Bean was incredible!! He barely peeped, and had fun and he liked it when it was “bumpy”…it lulled him to sleep for the most part, so for once, I was grateful for the turbulence.
Arriving in Bali was right out of a story book. The sights and smells…after many many hours in planes, discovering that our ride to Shankari’s was over an hour made me want to cry a little bit but as we drove — or rather, as I sat with beanie and gladly didn’t drive, thankful our wonderful driver was taking care of us — it was just enough time to let it all sink in, here we were in a totally different environment, bean was savvy enough to notice that we were driving on a different side and was amazed that the steering wheel was on the right instead of the left. He of course jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel and beep the horn in the parking lot of the airport, I was thankful that our driver was amused!!
We got in late, tired and my bed was the most welcome site — waking up and stepping outside more door was seriously akin to Dorothy stepping out of her black and white house into the Technicolor world of OZ.
We are not in Kansas anymore!!
one of our amazing gardens
define:kisses
kisses
I love kisses. I had an up all night defining things kind of day.
Early morning madness is the only explanation.
Related phrases: love and kisses stolen kisses bloody kisses sweet kisses kisses & basketball deadly kisses love & kisses kisses don’t lie milk and kisses
Definitions of kisses on the Web:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisses
www.cooksrecipes.com/cooking-dictionary/K-2.html
A kiss is the touching of one person’s lips to another place…
| Related searches: | different kisses myspace kisses personalized kisses meaning of kisses |
Image results for kisses
may everyone get their kisses today and everyday
big hugs
Net Neutrality
This has been buzzing in the back of my mind.
net neutrality
When people talk about the internet. We are talking about a creation that is so big…it is difficult to imagine that one person’s internet is the same as mine. The discussion of net neutrality, gives me an uncomfortable feeling in the belly.
I came across this article today.
Watching the progression…what can we do?
I have heard people say…it will never happen — no one company or 4 even, could control the internet.
I believe it could happen. They cut off the head, and a new one will grow in it’s place, but will we all have access to it? The internet has brought us closer together than ever before. Much like the telephone, radio and television have all done in turn. What will our children’s internet be like? I hope to be around long enough to say…well, in my day, it was just a box.
