Water, water everywhere...

Looking out the door today.......I noticed the natural beauty of water.  

Water all around us.  

Water in it's frozen form.

Hardened and reaching out into tiny crystal formations.  

One moment it took to notice, one moment to stop, one moment to look.   This moment allowed me to enjoy the sheer beauty of it.   It is breath taking.  

The 3 shots below bring you closer to the unique formation that found itself clinging onto the glass. Clinging until the heat of the sun decides it's time to melt it.  Time to make it fluid once again.

The fluid water - that in a year, we will be sailing with, living on, swimming in.  

Water, water everywhere....

 

Prepping for Rental

In an attempt to un-clutter the house and prep it for rental photos....I have come to like the starkness, the simplicity of it all.

     

     

Now only 7 more rooms to go!!!

ODE to Spreadsheets

This evening highlighted the need for Spreadsheets!  Our 4 pages of tiny print below is of our Winter To Do List!!!   It looks insane, but amazingly between, work, school, sports, activities and trying to live today's life......we are actually checking things off.  =)  
Overall spreadsheets have helped us to line up comparisons for best options with boat purchases, creating the task lists, and figuring out our budget.

This brings me to this weekend and Dave and I reading the plethora of different blogs and articles about the best strategies for money management while at sea.   Trying to dig through all the advice about this and the least amount of bank fees and foreign transaction fees, is mind boggling!!!
So much so, I have to stop reading, take a breath and sleep on it overnight.  THEN wake up, re-read with the Spreadsheet Program Open and start jotting down details for each suggestion.   Then and only then will I scratch the surface on organizing these thoughts and begin the task of reviewing with David some effective strategies.

Every dollar kept in the bank adds up.  And most ATM fees begin at $3.00 in foreign countries and go up from there, and both the ATM and credit cards charges a percentage to convert your foreign transaction (called a conversion fee).  Imagine the gift you give to the bank when away for 10 months, going to many different islands of which have ties to a 'mother country'.  England, France, Holland.....Cha-Ching.

So tonight after a tough few days of feeling overwhelmed and not quite effective living this two track life........I am going to consult my pillow overnight and start fresh in the morning!   Spreadsheet dreams tonight!

Happiness Catching Fire.....

Finding your simplest form of happy.

Today I shifted my paradigm and did something for me.  It made me extremely happy inside, connected, rooted .

I stopped for a moment and took control of myself in a simple gesture.  I stopped letting all the things, lists, to dos that are running around my peripheral and central vision....and listened to what I desired.

It was sincerely like playing hooky from my life, but gave me such a sense of focus, joy and love. 

I ran around prior to it and had tons to do after it.....but I just needed to know I was still in control of the simple desire to do something for me.

I went to a matinee mid week without kids! Without it being a kid movie or animated movie!  I know you probably thought it was something juicier or more in depth.  But no.  I simply found time to see a movie, mid-week, no kids, no spouse....before it left the big screen forever.

I am happy to say my friend Sue came along for the ride....to which I thank her for witnessing my desire to retire for 2 hours this afternoon before resuming the checklist of life.

May this blog be Catching Fire within your Soul - so you too will listen for your simple desire!!

To meditate or not to meditate....

January 2, 2015

Homeschooling choices.....

If I can get over having to teach 7th grade pre-algebra while homeschooling on a boat....I am more inclined to think I can add another subject to our daily learning.

Meditation.


While watching a news show on the benefits of giving kids Two 15 minute segments a day to have Quiet time.  A California school extended their day by a half an hour so they could include meditation.

NBC Nightly News on Meditation (click here to see clip)

     

I have done meditation and have reaped the rewards of this amazing centering, but have not been so apt to extend that knowledge to our boys in a concentrated manner.   A few times a week I sit with our boys at bed time and listen to them and draw them out, but I think this addition to our routine will be welcome - and - a lifelong gesture of love for their self actualization.   Since this trip is about connecting with our children along with sharing our passions.  This self connection is also paramount.

I would love nothing more than giving our boys the ability to find solitude, quiet, centering thoughts and mindfulness at an early age.

Time will tell and the efforts will be noted.

I just hope I can etch out enough time in the next 9 months to practice meditation more for myself, as well as, start the conversation with them.


Other articles:
David Lynch Foundation   and

How to start a meditation program in your school

Happy New Year!!

Being Happy and the Blog

Think on this.....Choose to be Happy.

I was asked by a close friend if the blogs I will write will be flowery and positive all the time OR will they be real and sometimes gritty.
Wow, great question Sandy.
Hmmmm, answered her as such....(to the best of my recollection.)

"I hope to be real and gritty.  I'll try to write the truth the best I can, but I do tend to be a glass half FULL type personality.  So my writings will reflect this."

So, pondering her question further, My writings will show my truth with a spin on the silver lining.  Sometimes flowery and sometimes gritty.

I think, sometimes, I understand situations differently, seemingly searching for the alternate reason for my reality, for the lesson to be learned in order that I may grow and even alter course if it presents itself the better choice.  Maybe even have the ability to perceive things as they happen from a 3rd person perspective which may allow my perceptions to be clear quicker.    Who really knows...but this question lead to much contemplation in the last few days.

Although the journey ahead may not be paved smoothly - I look forward to interpreting the events for you in the best 'Lana Rae way' I know how.  Reality is Truth in how we perceive it.   I will bring my truth to you for as long as you want to read it.

Choose to be Happy.  

May be hard to do, but practice makes it easier.

Namaste!

Christmas Card

December 23, 2014

Here is a copy of the Very Merry Christmas Card!

Merry Elves are we

December 21, 2014

Here we are 4 days prior to Christmas,  the last weekend before we celebrate the birth of Jesus.   Some would suspect we would be travelling to see family during the holidays, many are out shopping today for those last minute gifts......but no.  We have other things on our two track mind.  More immediate things to be taken care of....PAINTING!!

 Yes, painting.

Between yesterday and today we updated, printed and hung up our excel spreadsheets listing boat chores and house chores.  And since the weather tends toward indoor chores we chose to give each other an early Christmas gift....Checking off 2 things on that list!

Today I finished painting the kitchen ceiling and David painted the upstairs hallway.  Both needed major touch ups!  

In the spirit of renting the house out...We want the renters to know how much we care for our house, in hopes they will do the same.

Bonus to this trip is....all these house chores have been waiting to be completed for years.  And This trip is making it happen!  All the better for when we return. 

          Happy couple relaxing!

Do Chag

December 15, 2014

Do you have a "Do Chag"?  

Do Chag is the Tibetan word for 'Sticky Desire'.  

Our sailing trip is our Sticky Desire to create strong bonds within our family.   But there are other Do Chag references, especially with Christmas coming upon us....read on.

David found this article by Arthur Brooks that is one he was compelled to share.  It hit a chord within him, as it did with me.

If you take a minute to read the whole article you will find yourself shifted in thought (or validated in thought) about our Attachment to Things.  (But you must read on past the first few paragraphs....and click on the 'rest of the article'.)

It certainly touches on our Desire to create experiences within our family that transcends any material item we could ever purchase. 

For the rest of the Do Chag story about attachments, click here...

Check Engine Light

December 10, 2014

Hmmm.....the bump in the road, the ouch that hurts my wallet, the moment you realize you bought a used Lemon.  This past week the Check engine light went on in our 'new to Me' used 2005 VW Passat Wagon 1.8 turbo silver bullet with 143,000 miles on it.

I went a few days with the light on for I found out it could be the gas cap was not secured tightly enough.  Good conclusion since I had just filled it up with gas the day before the 'check engine light' appeared.    I mean, the car ran no different from the moment I drove it off the used car lot to when the light went off.....so gas cap is what I went with.  

But after a few days - the light stayed on.   Hmmm.....I brought it then to Auto Zone, for they can diagnose your car engine light for FREE.  Yes a FREE service and they were so amazingly pleasant.
The code came up P0304.  Sounds like an ok series of digits.  This means Cylinder 4 is not firing correctly.   Ok, what do I do with that bit of info.   I know how to change spark plugs and wires (yep, I can do that ladies!!!  My dad and a car guy I dated in college taught me a lot!  Who wants to be a damsel in distress on the side of the road waiting for someone to save her........not me.  My dad also taught me how to drive stick shift just so I could get out of any situation I needed to in an emergency!  Thanks Dad)

Ok... I digress, back to the car.  The next day I pulled the front end into the garage and open the hood. I see 1.8 Turbo staring me in the face....and I see a place for spark plugs but not really any wiring I would be familiar with.  I know it's been awhile since college and being hands on with a car engine - but have things under the hood changed that much??  I turned away and tucked my pride back in, took a deep breath and called the local VW dealership asking if they could check out the car.  We drove it up there first thing and they came back with the same diagnostic of the cylinder.

Then I ask how much..........one grand.  Does not look so bad when you type it out in letters but when you type it out with digits....$1,000.00 .....OUCH.  Especially when you are trying so hard to save for an amazing sailing experience with your family in Less than a years time!  This money could go towards the homeschooling books for the boys, toward the monthly satellite connection bill, toward food, toward the water maker, toward anything that means connecting with my family and NOT A USED CAR!

OK, deep breath, money is money.  Keep my heart open and realize this is a bump in the road, an obstacle we must jump over, a rise we must climb to see the beautiful landscape.  

And to remember look beyond the obstacle when your Dream is Bigger than the resistance!  

Namaste!

End note:  We had the shop fix the leaking gaskets, spark plugs and coils (there weren't any wires, so I am not crazy!!)  and we picked it up tonight.  I have to say, it does run smoother and it is so nice to drive without the Check Engine Light on!!  

Planning....

 November 30, 2014

Planning a trip like this is no small feat.  Besides all the land responsibilities, house rental preparation and provisioning; there is also the plan for on the water.

The plan to get down the US coast.
The plan for the Passage from US to the Caribbean.
The Plan while down in the Caribbean.
The Plan for the Bahama island jumping when working our way back to the US.
The Plan for coming up the US coast.
The Plan when we return to the Rhode Island area.

Geez, all these could be chapters in and of themselves!  And to say this is daunting is an understatement!  Except that we have an amazing resource in the Conway family! These are our dear friends who just 2 years ago did this trip (and then some).

With unending support, stories and good advice Chris and Erica - this Thanksgiving holiday - opened their homes and hearts to host us and gave us detailed, first hand knowledge of the islands we are going to see.

With solid information, great stories and fare warnings we left them with an excitement that renewed our spirits and created a vision of what this trip beholds.

• Not just trying to see as many islands as we can, but to connect with the cultures, the people and nature.   
• To follow the weather and decide how long we will stay someplace based on how we are feeling about being there. 
• To expand our connections with people and their way of life.
• To slow down and take care of the minute at hand. 
• And to give our children the opportunity to immerse their sensibilities to all these possibilities. 

I am energized and calmed by these thoughts!

Two Track Life

November 24th, 2014

I read a post last night from another cruising family.  And She wrote a very interesting blog about what she was feeling during the year prior to departing on her journey.  She called it the 'Place in between".  Read the excerpt...from Our Life with Ceol Mor

Any mom trying to be full on Super Mom knows that no matter how good a job you do, nobody gives you high fives. I know the girls are doing well so that is thanks enough but it does contribute to making this final countdown feel a bit tough at times.The kids are doing great and are engaged, busy and happy but I have this weird 'in flux ' feeling going on. I am not really connected with everything going on in suburbia because we are leaving. Its this really bizarre feeling of being here, but at the same time NOT being here. It is existing some place in between.

Its not a place of sadness. Nor is it a place of disappointment or anxiety. Its just this really strange place to be. In all of the writings I have read, I've never seen anyone discuss how weird it is to be neither here nor there in the last year. In one on one conversation, it seems that EVERYONE has this feeling. They just never talk about it. Not certain exactly why, but there it is.

So we are rolling into 2014. 2014, the year that we will no longer be living in the in between but will be actively cruising. I am looking forward to it more than I can say. Not just because we have been actively pursuing this for over 4 years now but because it will mean that I will be living a little more in the here and now. And that is the whole point of this adventure.

It was a neat read for me, for I too am feeling a sense of this.  This quasi presence to your current life realities and the ever growing list of things to do to prepare.  Feeling distant but being present.  

I have had discussions about it with friends and family and termed it in my mind as "Living a Two Track Life".

Two sets of thoughts, two sets of realities riding the curve of life.

The track on my left is our present livable moments, the track on the right are my mental future en-devour thoughts and check lists.
At some point the track of thoughts and ideas on your right need to jump over to the left track so as to carry out the mental check lists created on the right.   (In our case it is the implementation and planning of this trip.....OR it will never happen.)

At times, especially at night when I am trying to fall asleep, my mind has a very high pre-occupation rate....and I tend to stay up later than I intend.  (Thank goodness I am a night owl.  Hoot!)  It is at this time where the mental track jumping happens.  I am able to put aside the duties of the everyday and while the house is quiet....(except for some snoring) I am able to crossover some checklist tidbits to the left side 'action tracks' (or more fun - the "Get 'er Done" tracks.)

Living a Two Track Life varies from the life I have created for myself over the last few years....where I like feeling centered.   It seems my centered-ness nowadays - I have to work on harder ....and at moments - it is a coat I am not wearing well.  (My apologies to friends who have seen this coat!)

So I keep entering thoughts purposely rather than organically at the moment - just to keep my focus on the small tasks (the left track) - Kids, Family time, work, School, groceries, connections, house work, boat checklist etc... 

I look forward to all this hard work paying off in the greatest adventure our family of four may ever have!  And that day is fast approaching........I look forward to when the two track life becomes one again.  One that is much simpler...just because we worked so hard now.

Being Mindful of your environment

November 19, 2014

Found this wonderful affirming information in my inbox today and thought I would share.  Written.....by Bhava Ram

Being mindful of what environments you choose to be in and what you expose your consciousness to is essential for emotional balance and wellness. I invite you to explore six simple steps to improve your emotional wellness today.

• Turn Off the Tube: TV invades your consciousness and fries your mind. Click it off. Instead, read an inspiring book, listen to soft music, or choose a creative endeavor that you’ve been longing to try.
• Turn on Nature: Get out in nature more often. Her rhythms are soothing and healing. Try to catch some sunrises and sunsets. Go to a beach, a bay, a park, or take a gentle hike in the mountains. This is how you feed your mind nourishing, natural food.
• Avoid Crowd and Loud: Take a break from noisy, crowded environments. They only clutter and cloud your mind.
• Release Dramas: Try letting go of all the opinions, judgments, and dramas that swirl around in your mind. They don’t change much of anything, but they do stress you out.
• Find Stillness and Silence: Teach yourself to “just be.” Sit for five minutes every day and follow your breath. Notice how it makes you feel.
• Affirm Yourself: Tell yourself you are calm and relaxed again and again. Believe in your capacity to take charge of your emotional life, feed your mind nourishing thoughts, and heal.

Holiday Spirit

November 17, 2014

Yes....feeling Festive. Getting every drip of the Christmas traditions in our home before we have our Cruiser Christmas next year!!!!

1st Ornaments.....their very own picture balls.   Memories.....

   

I know it's before Thanksgiving.....but we have friends who put Christmas decorations up by midnight on Halloween!   So we are coming to the party tardy!

           

I have Adele station playing on Pandora and just FEELING in the moment.

I think we need to host a Dessert and Drinks night soon!

One Year from Now...

November 16, 2014

Today we went to Sandy Point Beach in town and walked down this path to the beach on this chilly day.  

We strolled, picked up rocks and sea glass and brought to the boys attention that one year from now we will all be together on Nemetona in the British Virgin Islands strolling a beach in much warmer weather and crystal clear waters.   

It was a great day of reflection and anticipation of things to come.  Taking this moment NOT to think about all that needs to get done and just share in each others company is...priceless.

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci

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.......I'm exhausted just writing this post, and I know you are in disbelief this is what needs to be done........I guess it just weeds out those who are really not interested in signing up for different blogs.  I am just EXCEEDINGLY HAPPY you are interested in our story!!!!

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Thoughts and inspiration from Mark Twain

November 14, 2014

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do,

than by the ones you DID do. 

So throw off the bowlines. 

Sail away from the safe harbor. 

Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. 

Dream. 

Discover.

-Mark Twain

You may be disappointed in less than 20 years, so....

 what are you going to do TODAY?

Top 20 cruising realities no-one talks about! by Jackie Parry

A fun article David found on Sail-World.com by Jackie Perry

Here it begins.....

I didn’t talk to my husband for two days when his peculiar answers to my naïve nautical questions reached my bewildered ears. Back then, as a mere fledgling to sailing, my raw researching met brutal honesty. Seeking a sailboat and home, to travel the planet, I tried to grasp the financials and what, exactly, was I letting myself in for. .....

To read the rest click the caption below...

Sail world article

Moments

November 11, 2014

Moments

Got a call while filming a commercial for Kelly Financial on the 28th of October from the Collision Center that the van was brought to after our car accident.  Hoping it was the results from the appraiser, so we know what direction to move in...I checked voice mail.  Apparently the appraiser cannot do his duty without the keys.

So after our shoot was "A Wrap"...I drove from Braintree to Newport to hand over the keys.  First I went to the van and grabbed the 3 bags of clothes and 4 pairs of shoes we were going to drop off at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of RI, among other items strewn across the Mom mobile.

One item I found in a tiny space was a small shell I picked up in New Zealand two years ago Christmas from the beach in Tuaranga.  It was not in an obvious spot.  When I leaned over from the passenger seat to peer into the little opening near the steering wheel, I saw it and I felt a warmth in my chest and a smile slowly turning up the corner of my lips.

This little snail shell represents an amazing time in my life When connecting with the universe, connecting with others in a deeper way and self exploration was at it's height.  I was exploring being a student of my life and not taking on the angst or emotions of others - which allowed me to explore and be at peace with who I was at that time.

While vacationing with David's family and taking daily strolls on that beach - I found these tiny shells to be prolific along the shoreline.  I picked up as many as I could - I was like a hoarder of shells. Pockets filled and I would come back to the apartment and clean them for I wanted to bring them home.

Not to add clutter to our home in the states, but to remind me of the most peaceful moments that were evoked in those sandy meditative strolls.    I wasn't collecting shells I was collecting Moments.
And it was those moments I wanted to bring home.  Each shell representing a moment.

A moment of simplicity.  A moment of peace.  A moment of reflection.  A moment of sea spray.  A moment of feeling the earth below my feet.  A moment alone.  A moment with family.  A moment to celebrate me.  A moment to share.  A moment to see the excellence within.  A moment to dream.  A moment to realize.   A moment to meditate.  A moment to realize potential.  A moment to be present. A moment.......

As I walked that beach - the peace I felt and the connection I felt with nature - was paramount.  And these shells represented each thought, each moment I pondered as I strolled with the sea mist on my face.   You can add your own moment to that list...it just takes a moment of turning your attention inward.  Thinking simply.

I look forward to the these moments during our year on the boat.

I cleaned and brought home a bunch of them - and handed them out to an amazing group of women who took a chance and ventured on a journey of Extreme Self Care with me.  This gift from nature from a far away land was a reminder to them and to you - that we always have an opportunity to reflect on our own individual MOMENTS!  

What are your moments?