What a difference 4 months can make

In late April/early May, I returned to the USA to 'tidy up' my stateside life, now that I'm an official NZ resident.  Lots of traveling, sorting, purging, and clearing out on many levels. 

 

First stop was the east coast. NYC to sell and empty the apartment, and hang out with friends.  NC to visit with sister Sarah's family and see Dad.  Then back to New York, rented a tent and headed to the Catskills for a 4 week intensive yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Ranch.  Then off to McCloud, CA, to visit sister Nancy and her husband Robert.  Helped out at their hotel/b&b over July and August (time to make the polenta!).  Next to NJ for the wedding of a college/girls' night friend. Currently in NC visiting Dad and prepping for my next stop---northern Spain and the pilgrimage path to Santiago.  Plan to be in Santiago on or around my 53rd birthday, to kick off my personal 7 continent challenge.

 

 

31 May, 2014
The end of a tough month
Photo taken after emptying out my one bedroom apartment in Washington Heights (reduced a furnished 1BR with full storage space to 3 boxes--thanks to Vicki, Joe, and Griffin, and Housing Works. Massive thanks to Michael, Tim, and Jessie for generously sharing their home with this stressed out traveler)

1st July, 2014
Another tough month, but much happier
Back in NYC after completing one month yoga teacher training course in the Catskills.  Twice daily yoga and meditation.  Thanks to all staff and fellow students---special shout outs to Srinivasan, Mahadev Chaitanya, Gavinda, Lalita Devi, and Kamakshi.  Thanks forever to Sri Swami Sivananda for moving the lineage along.

3rd September, 2014
Finally got a decent haircut!
Visiting Dad in Wilmington, one week before I fly to Spain for pilgrimage walk on the Camino de Sant Iago.  Inconsistent with the yoga, but meditating daily.