The fruit!!!

I've always been crazy about papaya and now passion fruit too! And the fresh juices....

You can get it all at road side stands:

We rented a car yesterday and today we drove to Samana.

Here's the view from the new Airbnb we're staying at in Samana.

Peace 

Food and flowers

Delicious authentic Dominican food (with Barbara from our Airbnb), colorful flowers, and the view from our Airbnb in Punta Cana.

Peace 

Nothing ever wasted

As hard as it is to accept obstacles and difficulties, I do believe that this is true.

Peace

Looks pretty perfect

Okay, it's not as perfect as it looks. It's a family vacation after all, and there are little squabbles, and people can't agree on what to do, and at least one person is usually grumpy. If you have a family you probably know what I'm talking about. Still, things are pretty beautiful here, hard to beat the postcard perfect look of the place, and there are moments when everyone is happy.

Peace 

Greetings from Punta Cana

Peace 

Happy New Year

From Dominican Republic 

2018

2018 is the year in which, with encouragement from people close to me, I put together and self published my first poetry book. From the sales of my book, I was also able to raise and donate $600 for environmental work.

I am so very grateful for all of this, and for being able to share my poetry here with you!

I hope that some of my words reached you and brought peace and hope and maybe a feeling of connection, of being understood, and the knowledge that whatever you're going through, you're not alone...

I am excited about the feedback I've received on my poetry, mostly people telling me that they felt moved or touched by it, and look forward to sharing more of what I learn and what's meaningful to me in 2019!

I send my very best wishes to you all, friends and family who've been following this blog. 

Keep your spirits high, rest, do whatever you need to do, and keep walking! The world is good. You have gifts that nobody else can share!

And remember, in one way or another, maybe not the way you planned or envisioned, but still, in the end:

When we truly see each other, underneath our misguided actions, our insecurities and defenses, and all other distracting appearances, the natural response is love.

Peace 

Guiding forces into 2019 and beyond

Keep traveling your road. The real journey is always inside you. 

Back from Canada (through beautiful Vermont in picture above) and getting ready for our family trip to Dominican Republic tomorrow.

Peace and best wishes to all.

Paying tribute

Today the girls and I went downtown Montreal. I really wanted to see the mural of Leonard Cohen. Aiyana wanted to buy a couple of things.

The mural was beautiful. I was very moved, and I felt an immediate connection with his hand-on-the-heart pose, which is a favorite of mine.

We also stopped at the cafe I used to work part time at when I was 19 and studying at McGill. The croissants were great.

Aiyana got hot cocoa, and look at this amazing horse design they made on it. I had told them that she likes horses.

And there was also this 

Peace 

Meanwhile

Meanwhile in Montreal, I'm back in my old bedroom at my parents' house. Sleeping in, no responsibilities, lots of good books around me: yes, I'm enjoying this little break.

Today's collage 

Peace 

In Montreal

The girls and I are spending the holidays in Montreal at my parents, with my sister's family as well.

Peace 

Sena's Birthday Party

She had a great time with her friends. These girls are all amazing and so much fun to be around. I always laugh so hard when I'm with them.

And a couple of karate kicks in the new barn that Ed and Aiyana built.

Peace 

Happy Birthday to our beautiful Sena!

She is turning 15 years old today!!! Her physics teacher recently told her that in Arabic, "Sena" means the first light of dawn, the light that breaks the darkness. We didn't know this when we named her, and neither did we know that she'd be born right after Winter Solstice. But we do know now that her name suits her perfectly. She is the light!

Check out this little video of her I put it together. The technical aspect is pretty bare bones, but the content shows some of this year's highlights.
https://youtu.be/6Mb6ViOuZzs

This picture is from a few weeks ago, before her public speech class. She's wearing traditional Romanian costume. She ended up getting A's in all her classes again this semester, and her cumulative GPA so far is 4. She'll be transferring to UConn, in Marine Science, next September.

Peace

Lots

Lots of things going right now:

1. Sold all my books yesterday at the Willi Food Coop - so grateful and excited! One guy said: only $15?
2. Preparing for the big day tomorrow- more about that soon 
3. Going to Montreal on Christmas Day 
4. Going to Dominican Republic on the 31st this month 

My latest:

Have a wonderful day!

Peace 

Happy Winter Solstice

I love this time of year: time to release, let go of old patterns that are no longer needed, and dream something new into experience.

Today is Winter Solstice: longest night of the year, and also the point at which darkness begins to wane and light starts getting stronger. Allow yourself to rest and renew; let yourself dream about new beginnings, seeds that you would like to plant and nurture, literally or metaphorically.

Image is a mix of my pictures, Pixabay and art from unknown sources.

Peace 

Tomorrow at Willimantic Food Coop

Just a little announcement that I will be at the Willimantic Food Coop tomorrow, Friday 12/21 with my poetry book, Fertile Ground: Beauty and Brokenness; I will be there from 11am until I sell out.

So if you're still looking for a last minute gift that is thoughtful and unique, costs only $15, and will also make you feel good about helping the environment, please come and see me at my table. Or, come by anyway, to say hello 🙂

I donate ALL the profits from my book to environmental organizations, and have donated $500 so far to: Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Center for Coastal Studies, Center For Whale Research, and Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket. Profits from Friday's sale will go to Warriors for Tomorrow, the youth organization started by our daughter Sena, whose mission is: "To protect the planet for future generations of humans and animals and to give back to the Earth that we call our home".

If you can't stop by tomorrow, the Willimantic Food Coop carries my book at all times, or you can get it on Etsy at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/shundahaishop. I ship within one business day.

Peace 

Wholeness

We're all just trying to navigate the river of life as best as we can. It's never easy. In different ways, we all suffer. It is in recognizing this fact, and softening to someone else's pain, that our best chance for connection, understanding and healing lies. In the wholeness of life, it turns out that when we see someone's suffering, we also see their beauty, as well as the beauty of life. 

This is beautiful Natchaug forest:

Camus said: "There is no love of life without despair of life". To me, that's another facet of wholeness.

Peace 

Form and field

I've always been drawn to that place where physics and spirituality meet.

This little thing I wrote came into my head this morning when I was milking the cows. That's where I come up with most of my poems. There's something about milking the cows, maybe how relaxed I am around them, or how my hands are busy but my mind is relaxed. In any case, there's something about being with them...

Peace 

Gift

Hi there! If you're looking for a gift that is thoughtful and unique, and also:

1. Costs under $20

2. Will make you feel good about helping the environment

Check out my poetry book: Fertile Ground: Beauty and Brokenness, on Etsy, at https://www.etsy.com/shop/shundahaishop ($15 plus shipping).

I donate ALL the profits to environmental organizations. $500 donated so far.

Image source: Pixabay

Peace 

Numbers and Dostoevsky

I like numbers. I think they're fun.

And I am loving the book I'm currently reading: Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. Excellent translation by Constance Garnett.

Peace 

December 11th, 1986

December 11, 1986:

32 years ago, my mom, sister and I boarded a plane in Bucharest, Romania and flew to New York City. We had never been on a plane before, but that's not what was causing us the most trepidation. We were leaving our home forever and moving to a new country. Also, we hadn't seen my dad in two years, but we knew that we'd finally be reunited when we got off the plane in New York.

The things that are most vivid for me from that day are: first, how magical and beautiful the lights of NYC looked as we were landing. In Romania, electricity was rationed by the government, so our streets were dimly lit if at all. But NYC was a sea of lights, and it looked so magical to me, like a different world, which it turned out to be in many different ways.

(Image source unknown)

The other most vivid memory from that day was seeing my dad. I had been so worried that something might happen to him during the 2 years our family was separated, and it was really good to see him again and know that he was okay.

I also remember that he brought us bananas and coke.  Although now we take those things for granted like everyone else, back then, coming from a communist country where such things were very rare and thus coveted, we felt that they were a real treat. We had our fill of coke and bananas on the drive from NYC to our new home in Canada.

I could write a book about our move from Romania to Canada; but right now I'll just say that it has been the kind of journey that has left all of us with lasting scars, but has also opened up wonderful experiences and opportunities. I am grateful for all of it and I give thanks to my parents for the great sacrifices and risks they took to give my sister and I a better chance in life. I hope they feel it was worth it.

Yesterday, Sena gave a 2 minute commemorative speech for her public speaking class. She chose to speak about today's date and why it is important to her. Here's her presentation if you want to see it.

Peace

Healing fear

Everyone has fear. We're tempted to want to get rid of it altogether. But I'm not sure that's what we really need.

What makes sense to me is to focus on healing fear, such that we don't end up passing our pain on to others, or creating more pain for ourselves and others, through our unconscious reactions.

How to heal fear is not an easy question, of course. From my personal experience, I found that understanding and awareness are key. Also, meditation and the sweat lodge have been invaluable in allowing me to move in the direction of healing.

Some days I'm fully submerged in the murky waters of fear. But other days, there is an opening, and though I know the fear is still there, I can live with it, and I can move with it in a good way.

Some days, I actually feel gratitude for my fear, for allowing me to understand, have compassion, and feel connected with others.

Peace 

Cogratulations Aiyana for your 2nd degree Black Belt!

She was very nervous beforehand, but check out this form she performed at last night's awards ceremony. Someone commented that "she moves like water", which is one of the coolest compliments I ever did hear.

Here's her diploma:

Peace

Ask your own questions

I've come to understand that a lot of times, the questions we ask and pursue are more important than any answers. The questions hold within themselves the journey, and it is the journey that brings growth and understanding. So learn how to ask your own questions.

Image source: Pixabay

Peace 

Important date coming up soon

December 11th is an important date for my family and I. I will tell you more about it on the actual date if you don't already know. But for now, just this little hint:

Photo source: Pixabay 

Peace 

Life lesson

It only takes a few short lines to say this, but it can take a lifetime to embody.

Image source: Pixabay

...and we shall understand all things

"Come forth, ye drunkards, come forth, ye weak ones, come forth, ye children of shame!" And we shall all come forth, without shame and shall stand before him.....

And the wise ones and those of understanding will say: "Oh Lord, why dost Though receive these men?" And He will say: "This is why I receive them,oh ye wise, this is why I receive them, oh ye of understanding, that not one of them believed himself to be worthy of this." And He will hold out His hands to us and we shall fall down before Him...and we shall weep...and we shall understand all things!

- From my current read, Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment

I adore this quote, although I have to admit that reading Dostoevsky is not easy. The degree to which he makes you look at the not-easily-resolved human struggle is exhausting. Still, I keep reading.

Peace 

For K

What does it feel like to stand in your power?

Lonely, shaky, raw

Like you are standing at the edge 

Way too exposed 

And you know there's no going back 

Although sometimes you want to 

You cannot fool yourself 

No platitudes 

No easy ways 

Nobody else's answers 

Nothing to hold on to 

Just this:

The openness and sense of being real

Naked 

Now

With circumstance you can't control 

The truth of who you are 

Of how life is not easy 

And still, you see 

A sort of holiness in that 

Picture is in Corbeni, Romania, taken on our 2016 trip.

Poem is dedicated to my amazing friend K, who is my example and inspiration. Sometimes I wonder, how did I ever deserve such a friend like her? And she doesn't even know how amazing she is, or if she does she certainly doesn't show it.

Peace 

Sena's TV interview

Here is Sena's interview on our local TV station, Local Access CTV. Sena's part starts at 00:13:19 - click where it says Warriors For Tomorrow in the upper right hand corner. She spoke about her work and environmental activism, as well as the group she started, Warriors for Tomorrow Environmental Youth​ warriorsfortomorrow.org.

http://www.ctv192.com/

Pictures from Romania

Sena is doing a project for a public speaking class, and needed some pictures of my parents from Romania. My mom and dad sent these and I think they're cool so I wanted to share them.

My mom, probably a year or so before I was born.

My mom and dad hanging out with my aunt. I love this.

My mom, dad, my cousins and I (in red).


Same people as above. My sister had not been born yet in these pictures. I'm in yellow in this one, and was about 1.5 years old.


Peace 

In the murkiness

Image: Pixabay

Peace 

Boundless

Image source: Pixabay

Peace 

Dream the dreams

I welcome these long winter nights,

Windy and cold

They help me hear the call within

So clearly 

Return,

Come home,

it says 

I take my time 

And in the dark 

I find my shelter, comfort 

Here everything is whole 

And I'm accepted 

Welcomed 

I rest

and heal

And dream the dreams

that guide me 

Image credit: Jessica Boehman

Peace 

Peacefully rising

Our challenges at every level are our greatest teachers. Be grateful!

Image source: Pixabay

Peace 

To all the seekers

Have patience!

The picture is of my Christmas cactus. It's starting to bloom. Isn't it beautiful?

Peace 

I love Zen jokes

This one's perfect today 

Oops

Thank you to my dad for commenting on yesterday's post and pointing out that Winter Solstice is not for another month or so. I was so convinced it was this coming Friday, but part of me was also puzzled as I noticed that nobody else was talking about it...

Had my dad not said anything, surely I would've been out there on Friday making a big deal about it again.

Maybe I should review my resume and take off detail-oriented as being one of my key attributes. I'll have at least two others left.

Well, anyway, so now there's a whole month to ponder and enjoy the meaning of Winter Solstice. See, I was just raising awareness early. It all works out.

And now that my credibility is firmly established, I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, which I'm pretty sure is today!

Peace