Japanese Mountain Retreat

Dear friend,
I did it, I did it, I did it. I did the challenging drive to Montrose to the Japanese Mountain Retreat. I find all the trucks on the road and the unknown territory a bit scary but I stayed focused and I did it.
The retreat was tremendous. It was a lovely place amidst Australian bushland. I had a hot stone massage, a Japanese banquet, a spa bath by candlelight, drew, read, went for walks. Read my travel book of Japan.
One thing I realised though is my idea of going to a Japanese village for 10 days isn't workable. I'd get too lonely on my own. I was disappointed for a few weeks at the idea of not being able to travel overseas. Then I came upon the idea of New York again and staying at a hotel near the metropolitan Museum of Art and seeing my friends and I thought I can do that. Easy, breezy I can do that. I have already practiced a few overnight stays at motels and have been thinking today of going into Melbourne for a few days as a practice run and as an adventure.
I was going to stay near the zoo for a couple of days but a friend said she'd like to do a day trip so I have made a change of plans.
I feel so inspired this morning at the thought of going to New York and it is closer than I think. I thought it would take me years to get the confidence up but I am confident today. OK Susan one step at a time just lets see how Melbourne goes first. I am deciding when is good to go. I thought August.
Meanwhile I have my next overnight stay planned for Frankston only 30 minutes away. I'll get my car an oil change while I am there.
lots and lots of love from susan in australia

Hi

Dear friend,
Awake at 3am this morning and decided to get up and begin my day. My healthy living is in it's 8th week and I am off to the doctor for a check in. I have lost another couple of kilo so I am pleased. The daily routine is fabulous and I am not having sugar cravings now I have stopped eating sugar most days.
I am looking forward to going to the Japanese Mountain Retreat. This is my first big, big, big adventure just overnight into the hills. I also went to the travel agent to see how much it costs to go to Japan. Just wanting to know how much I need to have saved. I need a few more thousand so I have plenty of time to save up. I am going to start surfing the net looking at Japanese bed and breakfasts. Some how I have to find one that is close to a city with an airport and that is near a shrine and a few interesting places in walking distance. I want to make it as simple as possible.
Never imagined I'd be going to Japan before NY but the journey to NY is going to be a long one. I just found out an internet friend lives 40 minutes from NY so I have another friend there. I am so excited.
I have put up lots of inspiration on my visualisation board about Japan and my other travels. I have made some huge steps in the past few days.
I can feel it becoming more real. I priced a first class ticket to Japan and it is doable. I am thrilled. I am so, so thrilled.
Lots of love from susan in australia

Healthier living

Dear friend,
It has been awhile. Yes I am in my latest zippy mode. Don't usually blog when I am quiet and reflective. My latest escapade is to live more healthier. I have thrown out or given away all my cake, biscuits, lollies and cordial. I've bought lots of fruit, vegies and healthy food. I am now walking everyday and doing exercise bike and yoga. I have tried all this before but I weighed myself recently and was so shocked by how much weight i have put on. I also have an overweight friend who has diabetes that is out of control and it scares me to be like her with weight problems and diabetes. My doctor has kindly said he will see me each month to check in. I am really taking it seriously this time. I have tried to think of a program that I can do simply. At the moment the biking and yoga is only a few minutes and easily doable on my quiet time. In my next quiet time I will see how I go and how I can improve things. I will try and blog next time I am quiet to say how I am going.
Are you overweight? Do you have problems with your health because of unhealthy living?
lots of love from susan in australia

Tidying up

Dear friend, When i get zippy which is every 10 to 21 days I create lots of chaos in the house with books, letters, papers, artwork, needlework and not doing housework. I usually get quite distressed when the next quiet phase comes and the house is a mess. This time I have tidied up twice. It is like when I am at the motel and everything is in order. I am learning a lot from my motel visits. I am so pleased the house is tidy today and I can enjoy myself free of the chaos. Hopefully I won't make more. I am heading into my next quiet phase.
Do you get into chaos in the home or are you always organised?
lots of love from susan in australia

Another motel visit

dear friend,
As you know I go to a motel once a month to get used to traveling. I went again to a motel 10 minutes from home. I took all my art materials and did collages and art work. I did crochet and read and watched TV in the evening. I went to the local shops and saw an aquarium shop, went to a gem shop and bought a crystal and a beautiful shell and some things for bracelet making. I had Indian takeaway and had pancakes and bacon and maple syrup in the dining room for breakfast. I had a great time away. It gives me a break from home and I really feel I am on an adventure.
I have been a bit zippy this cycle. The house was full of activities and lists of things to do. I am tidying up these past couple of days trying to create order from the chaos. Been buying a few things too. Nothing I don't need assuming a crystal and shell are OK and I bought other things.
Would you ever go to a motel overnight near home?
lots of love from susan in australia

Not accepting my mental illness

Dear friend,
I went to my counsellor yesterday and we ended up talking about how I don't fully accept having a mental illness. I argued with him briefly but realised he is right. I came home heavy laden. I am not sure how to go about accepting my mental illness fully.
I still get really cranky because I can't travel far. I am certainly financially restrained although I don't often mention it I am aware of my penny pinching. I get upset because I sleep in so much and need so much sleep when I am a bit flatter. I get a bit upset when friends and family remind me I am a bit up at the moment or a bit flat.
Yes I have some homework to do on accepting my mental illness.
Do you accept your life with its limitations?
lots of love from susan in australia

Vein of gold

Dear friend,
I've been away a while from the blog as I have been in another quiet phase and not knowing what to say about it. I am back into zippy and the latest news is i am doing Julia Cameron's book The vein of gold with a group on www.coachcreativespace.ning.com
It is tremendous fun reading Julia's book with such a big enthusiastic group. Over enthusiastic student that I am I am doing lots of homework. i have even got an artist journal to celebrate some art work.
I have just done a time line of my life and am reviewing it. It is very challenging.
I'll report back with more news about this later.
Have you read any of Julia Cameron's books? Did you enjoy them?
lots of love from susan in australia