The Hippie

           Lately I have been hearing a lot of people saying things like “oh they are hippies” or “I am a hippy”. I will be the first to admit that I have said these statements out of context also. But more recently I feel I have been hearing it a lot more. It seems to be bothering me. Like no those twenty something’s on the side of the road begging for money are not hippies, nor is the woman who doesn’t shave, nor are you a hippie just because you grow your own garden or only buy local organic food. Being a hippie is deeper. It’s a much more simple but meaningful statement than all of these things.

           If we look at the beginnings of the hippie movement we see men and women who were unhappy and in disagreement with their government. They had parents who lived through a horrible war. From living through this war they learned that in order to get by in life you were to wholeheartedly trust in your government. This generation believed that the government had their best interest in mind and that you could rely on the government for protection and loving support. They tried to raise their kids with these same values. Now I did not live through any of these years, but most of my family have and some well educated people that I am friends with have weighed in on the subject. In gathering information I have come to a few conclusions. First is that perhaps the government changed. Perhaps they started to care more about other thing than caring for their citizens. Perhaps they really were doing what they believed was best for our country. Either way we ended up in another war. Only this time there were people who were not OK with the decisions they were making on the behalf of the citizens.

          Looking at the tactics they were using in my humble opinion there was a lot of misuse of power and “fear mongering” as there is within any war time. Or any power structure really. The older generation still felt the trust in the government. They saw a lot of the same patterns they had gone through and fallowed suite. But what no one counted on was they people who saw what was happening for what it was and said “NO, we are not OK with your choices, especially if you are making them on behalf of me and the entire country.” And thus the “Hippie” was born.

           From the view point of someone who does believe in our government and our country, at least what it could be and the intention of our for fathers, and the valued opinions of the people I have consulted being a hippie is about rebelling against the moments of what they considered tyranny and  complete abuse of power. They believed that the people who had power were using it to gain for themselves not the people they represented. So what did they do, they protested, they wore clothes that were the opposite of that people who fallowed the government wore, they lived in communes,  grew their own food, raised children in and lived their lives in over all ways that almost went against the people who fallowed the government or  how they government said they should be living. They stood up for what they believed in and did everything they could to show where they stood and why they stood for it. They did they best they could to promote love and kindness and stop what they felt to be hatred.

         I can relate to this feeling. This is the reason why I have been known for calling myself a hippie. I believe in love, forgiveness, kindness, and gentleness towards mankind and other spirits in general. I believe that we do not need to be ruled with fear, hatred and war. We need to learn to understand and have compassion for one another. There needs to come a time for support of our fellow man and get back to putting the organic flowers we grown in our gardens back in to the barrels of unnecessary guns. Now do not get me wrong I love, support, appreciate our armed forces. I am so thankful for the protection of o our freedom to stand up and say I disagree with what  you are using these fine young men and women for and I disagree with what you’re gaining from this misuse. I am thankful for all my freedoms and the daily life I live… as a hippie.  I will continue to do my best to spread peace and love. To try to use my actions to show and teach my fellow man that we can be human beings before anything else.

Points of Perception

Reality:  the quality or state of being real; a real event, entity, or state of affairs; the totality of real things and events.

              Everything around us and about who we are influences how we perceive reality. Our perception often changes. I suppose because we are always changing, and growing. Sometimes we “see” something or someone or a situation a cretin way. As people we tend to think that our perception is the right perception. We often forget that everyone around us thinks the same thing, or we don’t even think about that they have their own separate, possibly completely different, perception. We use our differences in perception to keep us separate from each other. We often get mad or hurt by others when we don’t like how they perceive something or some situation. We take it very personal if they do not agree with us or we make them wrong if they see it differently than we do. Sometimes we get stuck in that anger or righteousness instead of really seeing things from the other person’s point of perception. Nor do we try to care or understand why they may feel the way they do.
             I feel that when we feel the maddest or most hurt by someone else’s perception of reality is when we really need to dig deep and see why it offends us so much. What about this perception is reminding us of something else we have been through or someone else’s difference of perception that has offended us. Perhaps it is because we haven’t let go of old ways of being or of thinking. We could use these moments of our life that are really difficult or that hurt us as a way to look at ourselves from a point of perception outside of ourselves. Perhaps we don’t like it because we don’t want to be perceived that way or we don’t like to think that we may have been doing or looking at a situation from a narrow-minded way, from a selfish point of perception. We could use these feeling of hurt or anger as a clue a hint that we are not operating from a conscious vibration. That we are holding ourselves back usually out of fear. We can use them as clues to help find a better way of being in the world. Use it as a tool to finding a better way of interacting with the world and people in it.
               Growing in this particular manner is very difficult for me and I think most humans. Most of you know that my main goal in life is to be a being of light, to spread all encompassing peace and unconditional love through the world. I am making a commitment to myself today that I am going to start being open to reality from every different point of perception, not just mine. I am going to be open to using other people’s point of perception as a tool to better myself and make my point of perception well rounded and less emotional.  
 

Namaste

Catching up with the Tibbetts

Helllooooo!  Man it’s been a while not that I don’t adore all of you and want to share every little bit of everything that happens in my life, but life has been in high gear for the last month or so and it seem that I am nonstop on the go. This is good and bad. Good in the sense that I am constantly moving and shaking so all the yummy food and celebratory libations haven’t ALL gone straight to my ass. (Just most of them) Bad in the sense that I am constantly on the go and it’s been hardtop find some me time or even hubby time. Man we haven’t been on a date, just the two of us, in about a month.  Life really has been fun and had a lot of changes this last month! 
              To start we made it to one year! I hear this is quite the feat but we feel like it went by so fast with little hiccups in the big picture sense. We really have gotten a lot closer and stronger. We have had some challenges that not only have hurt a little but have helped to build our bond and solidify that we made the right choice with the right person. When it comes down to it that is what marriage is about. Never giving up on the love you felt the day you committed your life to that person. We had a fabulous trip. We went and stayed in Venice with our family friend Sonia. From there we made the trek over to Disneyland, but first we picked up Kelly from the Long beach airport, if you can even call it an airport. Sorry LBA. We spent two magical days and nights in Anaheim at Disneyland. We rode some ride (pirates is my favorite, F splash mountain) When it was time to leave the most magical place on earth we hit the open road for a 4 hour car ride to one of the sleaziest places on earth…VEGAS BABY! OH MY was that fun, we ate great food and drank way too much. I even danced on the bar at Coyote Ugly! We stayed at the New York New York. By this time we were ready for our own bed and some routine. So we hopped back in the car drove 8 hours through the Nevada dessert AKA Deliverance and through the back side of Reno through Tahoe to home sweet home.  

 

Then it was back on the pony gearing up for the fabulous events to lie ahead. Next was my “little” brother’s graduation from high school. *tear I can’t believe He is 18 and graduated. It was so cool to be there and watch him get his diploma and then that weekend Adam and I went to his house for a little BBQ and presents to celebrate the accomplishments of the last 4 years! I am so proud and excited to see where is takes his life now! 

 

He is so smart, kind hearted, tenacious, and focused. I know He can do anything He puts his mind to. A week after Spencer graduated My Seester turned 30!! What a fabulous 30 she is. Dad, Mom, Alan, Steph, Jodi, Jason, Adam, and I all went to dinner at The Kitchen. It is a wonderful high class place that serves amazingly delicious food with exquisite wine and what a show they put on. It is a little pricey but so worth saving your pennies! Then we all headed back to her house where parents went to be and Kids hit the town. We walked to Ink, The Blue Que, and Pine Cove. I wore the complete wrong shoes and ended up with blisters but I was a wee bit intoxicated so I didn’t care at the time. ;-)

 All of this excitement was preparing us for the big moment it all was leading up to…Audrie Brown became Audrie Kerr. It was so much fun, but wait I am getting ahead of myself. Of course there was lots of prep and planning that went on but then the Saturday before the big day was time to relax and celebrate the shedding of the past and the start of a new future. Sara (the maid of honor) Audrie, Molly and I all drove up to South Lake Tahoe for a night on the strip. It was so fun we got all dolled up had dinner at the Hard Rock Café. As full as we were we headed over to the Cabo Wabo bar where they were serving pitchers of Waboritas to any bridal party of 5 or more so we hooked up with another bridal party we saw in line who only had 3 ladies and we got 2 pitchers, how I am not sure. Guess we were so dang cute we looked like we had more girls than we did. OH well no one was complaining. So we hung out and talked with them for a while and danced. They had a band playing that was really good and we knew almost all the song! By then it was 12:30 our dogs were barking and we had some major drunk munchies! So we walked back to our hotel (again in heels, my poor feet hate me) where we snuggled in to eat chips and bean dip and watch Best in Show. Great movie. Great night and company.

Then it was prep prep  prep! Friday the village spent all day at the hall decorating and transforming it from a little farm hall to a beautiful country ball room. It was elegantly simple and classy. The girls spent the night at Audrie’s house and Chris and some of the boys spent the night at his brother’s house. In the morning Audrie and I cleaned wonders pasture, loaded up the car and drove to the hotel they were staying at that night to get ready! I did hair and make up for us while we sipped champagne. We loaded up again to get to Sara’s parents house for pictures and putting on the dress. She looked absolutely stunning. I think Chris was blown away by her beauty, grace and that dress!!! The wedding was pretty nontraditional, as Chris walked her down the aisle, they did what’s called a first look before the ceremony and went and did some of the reception, then took more pictures later on about half way through. Mostly because it was ridiculously hot, I think it actually got to 109!! From there it was a dance party till the end. The bride and groom took off into the night, leaving for the Mendocino coast the next day! Meanwhile the village was back for round 2…clean up! Great weekend, great wedding, gorgeous bride! 

 

Now it’s just been back to the grind stone workin workin workin. Been offered a little extra position at the restaurant as sommelier! So been wine tasting and crunching numbers to find our next local winery! 

Day 30

Today I am thankful for life...

"Leave all your love and your longing behind. You cant carry it with you if you want to survive." - Florence and the Machine

       I have thought long and hard about this particular entry. For many reasons. I know being open and possibly using this as an out let is the original intention, but neither it seems have been very easy for me lately. I feel that the lesson I am supposed to be learning right now, or at least one of them, has become very obvious. Let it go, let it be, let it ride. My dad's advice about most things that upset me, one of my most favorite songs, and a motto of a good friend I once knew that I am feeling inspire me more than ever. These things do not come very natural to me at all. I drive my self crazy at time with over analyzing every moment of life and what their outcomes might be. Instead of truly basking in the glory of every moment good or bad. They all are teaching me something.And i may not get as many as I think.

     "The fact that life depends on death is hard for us to accept." Unknown 

     Most of you know that my gramie Trish is sick, very sick in fact, with cancer. I really am pretty close with all my gramies. There has always been a special thing about my grandmas that I could never put my finger on, but always leaves me in awe. Perhaps its the knowledgeable perspective, the great cooking skills, or the grace of an era and the sweet loving moments. Grandpas are awesome, but for a little girl grandmas are really special. All of my gramies have been very good to me. My gramie Tris has always seemed to just love me, and encourage who I am. She is like my other gramies in the way that they don't seem to be "old". They are all very sane, strong, opinionated, insightful, capable women. Gramie Trish only gave up her real estate clients a month ago! I am feeling that not only do I need to reconnect more with my gramies, but I have become more appreciative of what all of them have brought to my life and also who all of them are as women. I am so thankful and do not think its a coincidence that you all are my gramies and that I am the way I am after knowing all of you. Thank you for being who you all are and being there for me. Helping raise me in to the the sweet, loving, intelligent woman I am. It led me to happiness and the love of a man who can not only handle me but loves me completely. I have moments of complete sadness and engulfing grief not only for me but for my Mom (Deb) and my entire family. Then I think about how my gram must feel and I can't even imagine, or Mr. B, Her hubby. I understand I guess that these things happen to everyone but it's so surreal now.

       Life is full circle, as hard as that is for us to see sometimes. Life in my opinion is all about looking for the lessons. I am here to learn. The more I learn and grow the closer I feel to existing and to my relationships with people. I am having my mind and soul opened up so much in this moment in life that I am over whelmed with emotions and semi understanding, or at least semi rationalizing why I feel like I do.


"Keep your head above your heart and your eyes wide open. So this world can't find a way to leave you cold. And no your not the only ship out on the ocean. Save your strength for things that you can change, forgive the ones that you can't, you gotta let it go. Like a sweet sunset in Georgia let it go. Like the fear that grab a hold ya let it go." - Zac Brown Band

Day 29

Today I am thankful for love.


        

love

   [luhv] Show IPA noun, verb, loved, lov·ing.

noun

1.

a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2.

a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3.

sexual passion or desire.

4.

a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

5.

(used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?



1. Of course the one person who I have a profoundly tender, very passionate affection for is Adam. Coming up on our one year and I am realizing how much time we have, and how fast it will go by. Trying to learn how to just be in this love. Cherrish ever moment I can, with him.

2. You all know who you are, chances are the only people who actually read this are the people who fit in this "category".

3. I don't kiss and tell, but I am far from board.

4. D All of the above

We use love so loosely these days. Well some people do. I have been known.... I love this (song, color, dress, movie, ect.). I have blogged about my love for music before. For me music can be and has been some of the most moving experiences of life. I am not talking about the words of the music, more the actual feeling or vibration musical notes arranged in certain patterns feels like.  I am sure it is no surprise that some of my favorite songs are about spreading love. The intention and feeling behind the music is peaceful, calm, and passionate. Most of this is the music I listen to when I meditate give facials/massages or meditate. I have a Buddha next to my side of the bed to help remember to love all the world. Life is short and the vibration of love is so easy to share. Love is fulfilling for all around it and is intoxicating. I have never shared love with anyone person like I do with Adam. He is so open, giving love so freely. I am excited to someday share the love of a soul we get the privilege of bringing in to this world.

Day 28

Today I am thankful for something old.

     We are back to our house now. It was nice to have a break from our house, but its so nice to be back in our space. Back in our bed and our kitchen and with our family. I am  getting all unpacked and settled in. Adam has been out of town, but as soon as he gets home it will really feel like our space again. I just love the way our house feels, its so open and inviting. Its a space where I am free to be myself and and this place has really helped me find myself. This place is grounding and settles my soul. It is where Adam and I met for the first time and where he proposed to me. its the place I want to foster my kids growth, and teach them about family. It has a lot of history ( it's over 100 years old) and a lot has happened to this family in this house, and they always come out with a tighter bond in the end. It is great property and has so much character. So much life, love and humor.  I love this "old" place.

Day 27

Today I am thankful for pride.


               Pride is a total double edge sward for me. At times I am very prideful and stubborn. I know that everyone has those moments and I have learned to make them fewer and farther between. Pride in this manor can be pretty unhealthy and destructive. I feel good that I have learned this lesson at a young age. I feel as though I still have a lot to learn when it comes to pride. Sometimes I judge myself to much, take things to personally, and tell myself things that are mean. This is the most wicked and for me hardest to overcome. Fact is this is my prideful ego who is telling me these things.  Not the healing loving energy that is Me, the pure love and light of my being, my "soul" if you will. My soul loves its vehicle in this world and is pride filled not prideful.  I am so proud of so many aspects of my life.The ego is fighting back because the more light that fills me , the less room there is for the ego. So I consciously and acknowledging that I am proud of my husband and the life we are creating. I am proud of the love that I am able to spread with the world. I am proud of the amazing supportive family that I have. I am proud of the kind, fun friends that surround me, ect. But I feel that I need to learn to truly be proud of who I am. Oh man even typing it now makes me a little anxious and a million reasons why I shouldn't be proud come to mind. Lately I have really been holding on to the past and who I thought I was then. I haven't always been someone I have been proud of. I suppose that this has been a good inspiration for me to continue growing and change. I look at a lot of people in my life and think " That is the type of person I want to be". Tonight it was pointed out to me that I wouldn't have these people around me or have a great life that I was proud of if I wasn't that type of person. That I am attracted to that  energy and it is attracted to me because we are one and the same. Some thing to be be proud of! I am beautiful, strong, honest, funny, a loving wife, an adoring daughter and sister, a supportive friend and a cousin/niece/granddaughter who will always be there for her family. I woman who is deserving of all life offers, and who wants to share healing light with the wold. I am learning to be proud of those thing and remember that I am attractive to good things to come! 

Peace and Love to all, namaste.