Sacred- a word from Chanda

This week I have been given the opportunity to meet some of the most beautiful people I have ever encountered.

A couple of months ago Troy and I were in our usual mode of staring at the map going "where in the world are we serving others next?" and were drawn back to Montana. This last spring we had an amazing response from a rather large group in Helena. We fell in love with the mountains, and decided fall would be a beautiful time to be here again.

As the trip drew closer, I noticed Troy had put a place called Babb, MT on our itinerary. I promptly questioned this. My husband tends to get overly ambitious, having us going from one corner of the state to the next figuring "while we're in the area" we can stop. It's an endearing quality that I love him for. He explained that while he was in Missoula last spring, he met with a husband and wife whose son had died unexpectedly and they were forever changed by the experience of connecting to the afterlife for the first time. They wanted to bring us to their town to offer readings to the community. After learning that the weather during September in East Glacier is less than desirable, and that we would be miles from a large city, I was less than convinced this was a wise choice. However, compromise has become my new middle name and I decided to give Troy the benefit of the doubt.

We found ourselves on the road again. Just outside of Glacier, I began to feel a stirring. It is really hard to explain. It was subtle at first but grew and grew until it felt as if our car was being picked up off of the highway and air lifted to where we needed to be. It was a magnetic feeling, and I was so overwhelmed with the voices I was already beginning to hear that I began to cry. I had no idea what we were heading into, and at the same time felt as if I was being given an initiation and a welcoming from the spirits that surround that side of the mountain range. It was palpable.

After arriving, we discovered that they would have 50-100 people at our opening event. It became clear what we were doing there in an instant. Love engulfed us all, we were giddy. We knew that some incredible healing would be done on this reservation. I suddenly grew intimidated. I have never done intuitive readings on a reservation, with people so connected to spirit that it's in their blood. Who were we to march onto their territory and deliver messages of hope and inspiration?

The evening event was incredible. Troy and I exchanged time in the spotlight. I was so comfortable, it was family, it was home. The space was sacred both in and around us, and it was understood this was our offering to them as a community. The offering of our gifts was held with the utmost respect and dignity. Needless to say, we all booked solid for the next two days. We were in heaven...literally. After speaking with one of the owners of the bar where we presented (no lie, we really were in a bar) I discovered that they lose at least 30 young people to tragedies every year. It was clear that energetically the community was suffering. A little light and hope was all they were looking for, and it wasn't happening in the pews of their churches anymore. We were humbled and honored by the faith and trust they placed on us to deliver. And we did. Every time. I pulled up my boot straps and declared that I would be whatever was needed. Sometimes I was a hands on healer, other times the medium, other times the intuitive. No matter what was called for from person to person, I was able to pull from within the power to offer a sense of closure and peace they all so desperately longed for. Those who were searching for answers received them. Loved ones, spirit guides, animal totems and channeled messages graced the walls of that bar. It will never be the same.

The joy and peace that was exchanged will be an experience I will never forget. They begged us to stay extra days. We begged them to let us come back, knowing our time together was complete for now. They offered us a gift, a peace offering, a tribal offering to honor us. It was touching. I can't say looking back who was changed more by that experience, them or me. I am incredibly humbled by the true power of allowing. It is in that space where love...a.k.a. miracles lie. I offer a prayer now, a meditation to honor those we met in Babb, Montana and for that sacred place we all shared together.

Great Mother, sacred Earth. Please guide and protect the people of the Blackfeet Reservation.
It is in your nurturing hands they will be carried. Lift them up, caress their souls gently now. We give gratitude for the grace you bring to the land, healing the multitude of sorrows laying like a fresh blanket of snow so cold and heavy. Melting the hurt cleanses their spirits like the melting snow that flows back to the river, back to where it came. So connected, this cycle of life. Your steadiness gives strength to this people, as you hold them up. They understand your divine connection to them, to us all. Bring peace and understanding to their children and their children's children. Amen.

Automatic Writing - from Chanda

I took on an exercise in journaling last night. I would call it automatic writing, because when I read back on what I wrote it was as if it wasn't me writing. I encourage anyone interested or curious about this to take it on as a way to connect to your higher self, purpose, mission, or God. Thank you for allowing me to share this. I hope it inspires you in some way.

Love is...elusive and yet necessary. Sustain love and freedom remains. Sufi poets speak of love, touch the heart of love and grab the soul of love with words. Grab the soul of love with both hands and watch it disappear. Love is freedom. We speak of love, think of love, try to understand something like love. No understanding can bring love into existance. It fleets from moment to moment pleased with the one who allows it to be exactly as it is, no shape or form holding it. Too much harm can come when the need to hold becomes too strong. Hold it and all is lost, let go and all is ours. There in the freedom lies the soul of love.

Time to strike against the nerves of the lives of others, mixing it up, shaking it...no them. Too vulnerable, you say? What else is there? Stir the imagination, you say? I'll leave that for the animators. My purpose...being drawn to digging deeper than the first layer of the soul. I help others reveal emotional blockages, baggage, residue to reach higher truths. Peeling the layers back of the onion one layer at a time, to expose the sweet untouched and flavorful center. Isn't that what we all want? Get to the heart of the matter, but that's too exposed, too strong, gives off an odor, makes others cry, too pure, too blinding.

Please God, peel my layers, help me find the center. The most flavor lies there. Others will dry their eyes, they will recover. I, however, cannot recover covered by all the layers. Please, God, I ask you to be bold, all hesitation lost, no one will give you permission besides me to strip away the unwanted layers of my soul. Through the tears others will finally see the beauty that is themselves, if they choose. Revolutionary and shocking, too far ahead of my time is o.k. Shaking up the sleeping, the lazy, the dying...get to the center of the matter, the heart of the matter, it doesn't matter what you find there and it is ALL that matters.

Love is Freedom - from Chanda

Love is Freedom.

Those three words hit me like a lightning bolt last night at our Course in Miracles group. Just the night before I had been sitting on the couch throwing one of my famous tantrums (by the way now after the fact I have absolutely no idea what I was whining about), while Troy just sat on the couch in baffled wonderment at me, waiting ever so patiently for me to finish and then said "where are you withholding love from yourself, Chanda?" His question had me dumbfounded. But it stopped me in my tracks. Holding back love for ourselves means we withhold love from others. Earlier in the day I had a less than proud parenting moment with Jacob where I'm sure he was doing something really innocent and I was reacting which had us both in a time out by the end of it. All I needed to do was stop and remind myself to find where the love was missing in the moment. Sitting on the couch with Troy, hours later, I found love again, when all I needed to do in the first place was grant myself mercy for the feelings I was having and any and all angst disappeared. That is love. Love is freedom. Freedom feels good.

Today was filled with Love. We spent our day serving others. Troy and I manifested more abundance in one day than we would have earned together in a week when we were working 8-5 jobs. I found myself assisting a realtor clearing negative energy from homes she is trying to sell, analyzing stocks for another client and assisting someone connect to their spirit guide, while Troy helped someone who very recently lost a spouse connect with that loved one now in spirit. Just business as usual at the Parkinsons.

After that, we went to the gym, picked Jacob up from daycare, spent time as a family and by the end of the day we looked at each other a little dumbfounded and completely joyful at what we had created. Love showed up in the presence of assisting others make difficult decisions and gain closure. All we were doing was what we were asked to do. Can you clear energies of a house for me? O.K. Can you help me connect with my spirit guide? O.K. Can you help me reach out to my deceased spouse? O.K. Giving of ourselves freely, without judgment, letting go and allowing, because we say so, because we know it is right and is in perfect alignment with who we are as spirit. That is love. Love is freedom.

Food for thought: any action out of the motivation of fear is a dead end. It doesn't matter how noble or ethical the action. If it's based in fear, it will pretty much come back to haunt us later somehow, to teach us something about ourselves and who we want to be. I was listening to a podcast from Abraham (through the work of Esther Hicks) and he was saying that we have attracted and created our current circumstances only as a contrast to what we desire. So the current reality we are living in is there only to provide a contrast to what we desire. In other words, this is my home, my car, my job and my life, and it may not be exactly where I would like it to be. I definitely want this other home, this other car, this other reality. Fine. So start thinking about it. Where the rut catches us every time is any time we dwell in what we do not want, the focus becomes so strong, we become fixated on what exists that we really could do without. It seems like nothing can take our attention away from what is (again...that we usually do not want). Usually there is some presence of fear, so we take action out of that fear and guess what? Another dead end.

I had grown really comfy in my dead ends for a long time. At the same time, I couldn't figure out why I was always finding them. What I've learned is this: driving out of them means getting out the map again, shaking it up a bit and finding another way, shifting the direction I am going in, trying something else, something new, letting go of the attachments I have to my way being the right way. It's not comfortable, sometimes I run out of gas and need to refuel. Worse yet, sometimes I need to ask for directions, swallowing my pride and recognizing I don't in fact know it all...yet :-)

When we stop the act of desiring, we are dead. Living as if we no longer want anything is denying ourselves God, Love and what's rightly ours. I found the English translation of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." I read here that we aspire, soar and strive to truth yet unknown, to be like the Christ and that desire never ends, until death.
Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy Wisdom, Love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls, aspiring,
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashion'd,
With the fire of life impassion'd,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying, round Thy throne.

Montana Update - from Chanda

Well it has been quite a whirlwind since we last wrote in our blog. Montana was breathtaking, in many ways. Exhilarating in others. The highlights were meeting up with our dear friend Patty Kirk in Missoula. She and her husband have a home on the Blackfoot River. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the river, walking down to the dock and enjoying morning coffee staring at the beautiful mountains covered with trees. What a way to live! We spent a day hiking to Holland Lake and a magnificent waterfall and another day together floating down the Blackfoot River. We shared lots of great meals, laughter and work. Patty is a wonderful energy healer, and for the first time Sheri and I were able to share our work with her. It was a really profound experience.

We were welcomed so warmly at the Feng Shui Center in downtown Missoula. The public evening of communication was great and Troy's work really flourished there. We made some terrific connections, including a session we had with Archangel Raphael, channeled through a woman who does readings there. We were given much insight and guidance for what's to come. Raphael seemed to know a lot about us that he couldn't have known, and some of the insights were right on and downright spooky (this coming from a psychic :-) While in Missoula, we were connected with a woman in Helena, MT who owns a healing center. Within 48 hours she was able to put together a public event that had 30 people attend! Now that's manifestation!! We've been invited back in September.

After work was done, it was time to play. We headed to Glacier National Park for a family reunion. Cozy cabins kept us safe and warm as we connected with Troy's family from far and wide, intimate conversations on walking trails and celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary for Troy's aunt Barb and uncle Ronnie were the highlight. Jacob would say the highlight for him was going to his first ever waterpark with real water slides. He was so brave and did several of the rides by himself. After getting a bit spooked by one of them, he was ready to "go to the hot tub." So cute! We also went white water rafting. I've never laughed so hard watching Troy and his dad in the front of the raft get slammed time and again by freezing glacier waves. What an adventure!

We felt the sadness sink in on the drive back to Fargo. Leaving this trek was not easy to do. Not because we didn't want to come home, we really were very excited to connect back into community. It was sadness because we were leaving behind people we didn't recognize anymore, mainly the old Chanda, Troy and Jacob. We learned so much on this journey and peeled layers off of ourselves each day we were called to live in the moment. At home with daily routines it's easier to slide by, not really in our bodies, at times even coasting. When you are out there you are only thinking about your next meal and where you will lay your head that night. Not having any other distractions but the beauty and joy of the wonders around us, we were inspired beyond our wildest dreams. We found ourselves brainstorming ways of making a living on the road, fantasizing about ways that the "psychic Von Trapp" family could go to work for National Geographic or maybe The Discovery Channel? Maybe. Maybe not. Considering what we've been manifesting in our lives lately, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens. Careful what you wish for, right?

The Journey Continues

Today we took off for Montana after being back in Fargo for only 48 hours. There is an excitement to hit the road again and we look forward to what this leg of the journey manifests. We stopped by the Capital grounds today in Bismarck and took a picture with the pioneer statue. In many ways our family feels like pioneers...we are breaking new ground, out on a new adventure and the world is wide open to us.

Our Final Day

Hello Everyone...here we are at our final day in Hawaii. It's seems so long ago that we came. The trip has been wonderful, the sights amazing and the lessons and insights will last a lifetime. We leave in a few hours for the airport. So I wanted to load a few more shots from our adventure....you'll see above a group shot from the Polynesian cultural center, a rainbow off our balcony, me jumping out of a plane and a sunset walk on the beach. We leave behind fond memories and look forward to our next trip to Hawaii.

Next Stop...Helena, MT!

Respect

FROM CHANDA
Sitting in Honolulu with the ocean in front of me, mountains behind me (Diamond Head) I am caught literally between a rock and a...well I wouldn't consider the ocean to be a hard place, but it makes it pretty hard to escape. The beautiful condo we are sitting in holds us, the view almost too much to handle, my knees give out every single time I walk out onto the balcony. Just a friend's place. Wow, I have a friend who vacations here. I have a friend who lives abundance. I am so aware and so grateful today of how this is showing up in my life. A wonderful home, family, amazing friends, a booming business, support all around and adventure galore. And I'm doing it with grace and ease. Be careful what you ask for, yes?

The feelings I'm having are overwhelming. This space, this island, will hold me for as long as I need to really let in the miracle of abundance all around me. I stop and take notice, I see it all over my life. What a way to go, you know? Manifesting miracles the way God intended - surrounded by the most incredible acts of God, Source, Universe, You, Me, We, Us...I can hear the wind saying "you made it." I am a part of creating this place, this experience. I take a moment to be still and listen. Everything is magnified. The senses are incredibly heightened here, you cannot hide from anything. Why not be in earth's majestic wonderment and be so unbelievably tuned in that God appears everywhere so obvious one doesn't even need to take time to "tune-in." You can't help but be plugged in here, all the time, everywhere you go. The inspiration just flows. Much as it did in Portland, but this is really different. So it makes me question: with Troy and I in such a sensory field, can we really afford NOT to be hanging out here? No wonder "our friend Wayne" lives in Hawaii (Wayne Dyer for those of you who aren't in A Course in Miracles Group in Fargo). Today I am healthy, vibrant, sun drenched, filled with peace, light and energy pouring in with each moment. The work just flows, insights coming at every turn and beat. The heat drives me to the water, the energy drives me to the mountain.

I took it as a great sign that at 4 p.m. this afternoon I no longer knew what day or time it was. I had to ask.

The waves now are thundering and pounding the side of the condo complex we are staying in. It reminds me full power is ours. The waves wake us up, beckoning to the vastness that is...everything. The vastness of what's available, no limitations...ever. The building holds me. Steady. Still. Strong. Until I'm ready to feel my power, and own up the fullness of what life has to offer. But it's more than just about the material things. I'm beginning to see that now. It's about connecting to the core essence of the earth, the universe, of myself. Accessing that space is like heaven to me, and it brings forth whatever I need, want, desire or wish for myself, my family, for mankind. The ocean has absolutely no limitations. Ever. I feel a mutual respect coming at me in those gigantic waves lapping the shore. At first it feels like a mere handshake, or a pat on the back. After awhile I'm sure I feel the waves caressing my soul. That's connection. I want to be the ocean for the rest of the world. Larger than life, no limitations, gentle yet strong when necessary, and of course vast. I want to show the world the ocean in themselves and what's available from that connecting place where everything and anything is created. In the strength of this body of water I'm reminded of how close I've come at times to being swallowed up by it. By myself, actually (isn't it all one anyway?) At times I became really good at allowing myself to get lost at sea. Not anymore.

I said goodbye to my 33rd year on Wednesday. My Jesus year. I grieved. It was the best year of my life. Today I sit on the balcony of a condo in Hawaii overlooking the magnificence of life. Not a bad way to start year number 34, eh?

Oh, yeah, about that mountain...the juxtaposition of the two incredible miracles ocean and mountain is really quite overpowering at times. Diamond Head stands there as if to say to the ocean "I'm right here always, to support you, to hold you right where you are and to guide you back in case you lose your way." People climb that mountain everyday to see the beauty all around. It's the ocean's biggest promoter. That's what my husband Troy is to me. Someone who is my biggest promoter, stands so strong and helps me find my way back when I lose my way. Thanks, Troy. You are my mountain.

View from Hawaii

Yesterday we arrived in Hawaii and are in complete awe by the views from the condo we are staying at. Diamond head out the bedroom and the ocean out the balcony.

WOW...WOW...WOW. More to come but right now enjoy the view. We are!!

Life in LA

Today we wrap up our final day in Los Angeles. We've been here for a week and we've held workshops, private sessions and a public demonstration of mediumship. We've enjoyed seeing friends and family in LA and also enjoyed our day at Disneyland! We'll write a more detailed LA update with our downtime in Hawaii. Yes...we are off to Honolulu today. Next post will be from the beaches of Hawaii.

If You're Going to San Francisco...

Today we saw the Golden Gate Bridge and had seafood on the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. It was a cool experience to see a city that I've seen so often on movies and television. We also were able to drive down the curviest road in the world.

This afternoon was also fun because I was able to connect with my cousin, Michael, who I haven't seen in 20 years. We had the chance to have coffee and catch up. It was very cool to see him and to have him meet my family.

To top off the day we had a wonderful birthday celebration for our friend Lisa. She hosted a gathering of her friends and we did some group work and private readings for individuals. Truly an inspired evening!

More Red Woods and Meeting Friends

Our journey continued down California today as we visited another Bigfoot statue, drove through a tree and met up with some friends. Each day is full of new memories and more connections. We are also thrilled to meet up with our friend, Sheri today. She is joining us here in San Francisco and LA and then we'll travel to Hawaii.

While in the San Fran area we'll be staying with our friend Lisa and her daughter, Hope. I know Jake's favorite part of today is having a new girl to play with! And as he puts it, "I like girls." It's so great to connect with new people on this trip. We know we are building friendships that will last a life time.

California Here We Come

Today we shoved off from Ashland and headed to California. We had the chance to meet Cornflower my web designer and his wife Nikita. We also said goodbye to our new friend Christopher. We thank him and Samantha for their kindness and hospitality.

I guess you could say we took the "scenic" route back to California today. We were encouraged to back track up I-5 and then down to the California Coast and the red woods, instead we were adventurous took I-5 south, saw Mt. Shasta and thought we'd "save" sometime and cut through the Klamath National Forrest and the Siskiyou Mountains. What we discovered what the windy road that cuts through the mountains isn't faster...especially when you start in Oregon, drive to California and then back into Oregon before driving back to California. However, it was one beautiful ride and we were able to see a HUGE sculpture of Bigfoot in Happy Camp, California.. Yes we are in Bigfoot country...my dreams have come true!

We also made it to the Red Wood Forest and were amazed by what we saw. Words can't describe the majestic experience of being among those trees. It is truly something out of "Lord of the Rings." Favorite part of that experience...or most memorable...sliding down the hill with Chanda and Jake. We weren't wearing the right shoes to be tromping around the forest and hit a real steep embankment and slipped. We had one good laugh after that.

We had a quick stop at the beach in Crescent City and then traveled on to spend the night in Arcata. Ah...a hotel...two big beds...and a pool. It's nice to have a space to call our own if only for one night.

Our Ashland Experience

Hello from Ashland. Today was a very good day. We made are trip down to Ashland this morning and arrived here about 1:30 p.m. I held a public event at the Rouge Valley Metaphysical Library. WOW...what a place. I could spend years in this library reading all the wonderful books.

We had a nice intimate group session this afternoon and the messages were inspiring and touching. One spirit came forward very strong and relayed a very specific message. During the communication I had the song in my head, "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" and so I communicated that to the woman. She immediate laughed out loud and knew exactly who it was. She then went on to tell us the woman in spirit loved that song and that they sang it all the time. I believe everyone in spirit was amazed by the specific reference to the song.

As for our accommodations, we are totally blessed to be staying with a wonderful couple in Ashland. Christopher and Samantha are friends of my web designer, Cornflower. It's great to meet such a like minded couple. We've learned a lot from our time together and look forward to building our friendship.

Off to California tomorrow!

Public Event in Eugene

Last night we did a public event at the Unity Church in Eugene. It was well attended and it was the first time Troy and I gave messages together. Everyone was pleased, and it showed in the numbers of private sessions scheduled for today. Troy and I worked well together, I think we always knew we would but we just never created the opportunity before. The message work really flowed and people were visibly touched by the experience. We are staying with a wonderful woman who was connected through Troy’s mom. We have had nothing but five star accommodations, being treated like kings and queens. It has been a complete pleasure being in this town, it’s very similar to Fargo in size and feel. Tonight is our last night here before moving on to Ashland. We are rested and rejuvenated and ready to take on another city.

More from the coast

We were on the road to Eugene, Oregon today. We drove up the coast to Astoria, where they filmed the movie “The Goonies.” I’m guessing you all can figure out who was led there ☺ We had a wonderful time, stopped at Canon Beach, had a picnic and then continued our drive, mouths hanging wide open in awe of the lush green vegetation. The trees on hills and cliffs shooting up to the sky seemed to represent determination and perseverance. It was cold, but we didn’t care, so pleased to be at the ocean. The fresh sea air filled my lungs and I watched Jake and Troy run around on the sand, dancing about and looking for seashells. What an awesome moment to be with my family on this trek, this mecca, this pursuit of ourselves. To stop and take it all in was awesome and today we stuck to fresh green veggies, brown rice and other whole grains. No more puke buckets in site ☺

On a side note…I was incredibly moved by the amount of hawks I saw circling around and above me. Every time I turned around, there were hawks…I didn’t think anything of it initially, but after the 3rd or 4th time I began to believe the messages they were trying to send were intended for me. This is the research we found online for the symbolism of the hawk.

In representation to humanity, the hawk is called messenger, protector and visionary. Keen vision is one of it’s greatest gifts. Hawks see things others miss. The hawk comes to you indicating that you are now awakening to your soul purpose. Your reason for being here. It can teach you how to fly high while keeping yourself connected to the earth. As you rise to a higher level, your psychic energies are awakening and the hawk can help you to keep those senses in balance. It’s message for you is to be open to hope and new ideas, to the vision of your life. The Hawk is known as a messenger, similar to the planet Mercury (also the planet of my sign Gemini). If a hawk has soared into your life, you require a higher perspective. You need to see the details of what is going on and look at the bigger picture. Take a look at your situation from above.

Down the Coast

Well, in just about 25 minutes we shove off from Portland to the Coast. We are going to head up to Astoria first. The point where the Columbia River flows into the Ocean...and the sight where the movie Goonies was shot! You can read more here...http://www.astoria-usa.com/

We'll update you on the week in Portland. Some powerful connections and inspiring signs.

More to come soon.

Love,
Troy

Our Final Day in Portland

I rested so well last night, however Jake did end up with a case of food poisoning (we think) and was vomiting all morning. Poor little guy. What a trooper, he came with us to our sessions today and between naps he just sat with us in sessions, watching intently. He was looking a bit better and hadn’t eaten much. We are pretty certain there was a purging of some kind for Jake. All the pressure and stress of getting ready for this adventure had really taken its toll on us all emotionally and mentally. Jason Roth had given me some advice a few weeks ago when Jake was having unusual bed wetting episodes to “weather the storm.” Jake, too, shows us every time when things are getting a little goofy energetically. Most kids do, if they are tuned in at all to the energies of their surroundings. So I felt confident this was another cue that things were growing a little intense, and big things were being felt by all.

“Time to let it go” was becoming the main theme for the week, and apparently now it was Jake’s turn. Over the course of the day he mended and so enjoyed being with us that he cried and moaned when it was time to leave. Jake is usually our gauge if a place is o.k. to hang out in, he is so sensitive to energies in his surroundings (join the club, Jake!) Being at the store, though…he was feeling better, his energy calmed down, and he didn’t want to leave. Add that to the list of signs we were receiving and it started to become very clear this is now something to seriously consider.

Our time with Joan and the wonderful healers at the store came to an end. As we said our goodbyes, I just looked at her and asked “so what now?” In her very calm, confident way she replied to the gist of “be open to receiving the answer either way and you’ll know what to do.” The connection between the two of us is so strong and when we said our goodbyes, we hugged not able to let go. The tears just came as if from nowhere and Joan whispered in my ear “welcome home.”

Day Two at Healing Waters

Well, the Universe heard possibility and when I walked into the store I had 3 back-to- back sessions already scheduled. I dove in, and the day flowed so magically. We were booked for sessions up until the end, and in those moments between, Troy and I would give each other high fives. We had really gotten on the 84 for real (read our previous blog for the meaning behind the number 84) and there was no stopping us. To my dismay, Joan was gone for the day and that meant I had to wait to pick her brain about any more insights or impressions she may have had about the previous night. We took a more extensive tour of the property, and the beautiful thing is there is a house attached to the store that Joan uses to live in and to host workshops and gatherings and an apartment above the store whose tenants are on their way out. I couldn’t help myself as the pieces of a very interesting puzzle began coming together…did I manifest this? If we lived there we would have no commute, we would be able to build our business there, see clients and assist the store with publicity and PR efforts, giving it the lift it is crying out for. The fresh food markets and restaurants in the area are amazing, and right next door exists a beautiful church where Joan also hosts events when a larger space is needed. A vision of Troy presenting in the church to a packed crowd entered my mind. Then I quickly shut it off, deciding again it was better not to get into my head about it, but instead to continue to stay open and notice what I notice.

Our First Day at Healing Waters

I attempt to put into words the incredible experience of being me the past few days. Being in Fargo just a week and a half ago seems like an eternity ago. Not to sound clichéd, but the signs are everywhere for change. We’ve been so blessed to have had three amazing days of readings at Healing Waters and Sacred Spaces in Portland. Before we came here, I had done a phone reading with the owner, Joan. Her deceased uncle came forward for communication. He told Joan that meeting me would be like seeing herself at my age, in my “Jesus year” at 33. Joan’s uncle gave the message very clearly that it would be like family, we would have an instant connection. I thought it really sweet at the time, and Joan was open to receiving the information and we left it at that.

When we arrived at the store for our first day of readings, Troy and I each had one scheduled right away. What a perfect start to the day! No coincidences my first client’s name was Peg, dark hair and everything. Peg was our dear friend and mentor who crossed over a year and a half ago. That was so reassuring. After that session it was slow. We sat most of the rest of the day staring at each other, reminding each other to stay on the 84 and reading our A Course in Miracles book (surely that would help matters ☺). That evening we had our public event, we were dressed in our Sunday best for the occasion and we were incredibly surprised, yet blessed to have 1 person attend the event besides the owner Joan. You can imagine our dismay. The kicker is the 1 person in attendance was originally from Fargo. HA! What a hoot. She said she never checked her news bulletins from Healing Waters and for some reason she did this time did. She saw that we were coming to the store, and could not pass up the opportunity. The evening was perfect. Troy and I took turns giving messages, and then we were inspired to do a round robin exercise giving each other messages. It was incredible. By the end of the session we learned that Joan at Healing Waters has felt the need for finding help with her store, giving it a boost and also so she can do more traveling. I drew the Magician tarot card to help describe the person she would attract. It didn’t at all occur to me at the time that the Magician card is a card that repeatedly comes up for Troy and I until later we were chatting and Joan told us that her astrologer and spiritual advisors/guides have instructed her that this person or people would come into her life in May. She received more than one instruction to pay attention. As she was telling us this story, I was struck with the Magician card again. I couldn’t let it go, and spent until two in the morning doing various tarot readings hoping it would show me that it was a silly fantasy and to let it go. Portland? Why Portland? I don’t like traffic, I don’t care for how rainy it is there, and I never saw myself working in a city of any kind, the country girl in me too attached to wide open spaces. Each subsequent reading I did only supported the notion of me being the one to assist Joan with her mission. I decided to let the thought rest and went to bed ready for whatever came next.

The 84

Tonight Chanda and I had one of those "Aha" moments that changes everything. We came to a place of pure clarity on what we are up to here and why...and it has nothing to do with how many people we sit with or how many people show up at our events....it comes down to service and sharing our work full out. We gained this clarity on I-84 just after passing through downtown Portland.

This all started because we had forecasted the numbers for our Portland experience. We determined what our expenses would be, what we projected our numbers to be, basically we prepped a P&L sheet for the trip. When it became clear that the numbers we had projected were not going to be the numbers that would show up we PANICKED. We started running the shoulda, woulda, coulda on the trip, the fear kicked in and we started making each other and ourselves wrong...Chanda had actually coached me on it early in the day, at that point she was speaking the channeled insight but not necessarily hearing it herself. Because it wasn't until we were driving on I-84 that it hit us both and it sunk in. We go clear that it wasn't about how much money we "had" to make. And if it was then we'd loose the whole reason for being there...which was to serve. Now of course as business people we understand that we still have to pay the bills, etc. But it became so clear that the money IS THERE, IS COMING AND WILL CONTINUE TO COME. It just may not look like how we thought it would and as a result we had to let go of our attachment to the outcome and just allow the experience to be what it is. That clarity provided such a wonderful sense of peace. That I believe for the first time we really got how this works and why when we just allow it truly does manifest.

So next time you're in a rut and concerned about how something is going to play out. Remember to catch the I-84 of allowing and that is when the real abundance flows.

The Joy for Jake!

If Jake could write about what his favorite part about the last few days in Carlton, OR have been...he'd write THE BARBIE JEEP and his 2nd cousin Riley. You can about guess what he now wants for his birthday this August.

Life in a Suitcase

Troy, Jacob and I typically live with suitcases packed and by the door, ready to head out on another journey. We get home from one trip, and the bags stay packed, in the middle of the bedroom floor for at least a week, calling us to consider what the next adventure will be. Even if it’s just a day trip, there isn’t much that can keep us tied down for too long. Even Jacob often asks “where are we going now, mamma?” No matter how long it is between trips, we are usually ready to go as if one part of our essence is connected to the world. I truly feel at home in other places, and become uncomfortable and restless if it has been too long in one place. I hear my friend and partner Sheri saying to me as she reads this “yes, Chanda that is attributed to your Gemini nature.” Part of me wonders if I find it hard to be at home in myself and that’s why I constantly seek and search for something new, unique and unusual to explore? Possibly. Or it’s remnants of a past life spent as a gypsy, wandering from port to port, town to town, begging for food and lodging and feeling free and connected to the possibility of what a new day would bring, not knowing what I would eat, who I would meet, but loving every moment of the joy of wandering. Vagabonds don’t call one place home, they continue searching, roaming about as citizens of the world. As I write that a twinge of anxiety creeps in. O.K. maybe the life of the vagabond isn’t for me in this lifetime. Perhaps in the past one I neglected community in hopes of avoiding responsibility and commitment.

Troy and I went for a long walk this morning. There was a tinge of missing home that completely caught me off guard. I thought to myself “oh, boy. This is going to be a long trip if you’re already missing home.” I can hear Sheri my Astrologer and best friend saying “it’s your Taurus Moon sign that needs stability and security.” O.K. fine. Regardless, it made me ponder why we were drawn to make such a drastic change to our current existence, why we put everything on hold in our current community to stretch out, reach out to other communities.

We really don’t know anyone who’s done this before, so the best I can figure is it was guided by Spirit. As we open ourselves up to the beauty of divine guidance, using the cues and signs all around, we know we have done the right thing. In the true spirit of contribution, service has no boundaries…doesn’t discriminate. Now I find myself in moments with my family members where I sense Spirit present and guiding my words, giving me pictures and insight into what to say. We are paying extra special attention to the lessons we are to learn being so far from home.

My brother Chad quit his job. We had been in contact several times over the past few months and using my intuitive abilities, I helped Chad see where it may serve him to get started in another direction. The current situation was stifling his Spirit, and he was allowing it to drag him down to a place none of us want to be. So with the support of his loving wife, he quit. Now he’s combining his skills and talents in a new business that he will record and edit wedding videos. That is just a stepping stone. He has goals and dreams of being a professional card player. I believe he will do it. His attitude is fantastic, there is this new zest for living that I haven’t seen in him for a really long time. We have spent time talking heart to heart about what the implications of his choice will be. There is nothing that we can think of that would stop him from being successful. After we did some work with the tarot cards and pendulum, it reinforced even more for him that he did the right thing at this moment. The choice is his now, to take action and prioritize. However, I can see a drive and a fire that I haven’t experienced in him before.

Being here in this moment, I am connecting to possibility in my family, helping them see and move past their fears. With our own act of declaration of what we are creating, we have inspired others to believe in themselves, to take action in a new way, to be bold and breathe life into the way they see serving the world with their gifts. Giving others the gift of seeing all of life’s possibilities is priceless. That’s what I know for sure. It comes back tenfold. Everytime.

I’m beginning to see that it doesn’t matter how exotic the location, how beautiful the sunset, how wonderful the food, how magnificent the view…where I am is where I serve. Everyday and at every moment. However, waking up to the magnificence of nature, taking a risk like never before has left me inspired by my own courage and is making me stronger. I’m sending out the message to the universe to BRING IT ON. I’m ready for it.

Peace.
Chanda

Moving Up the Mountain

So today I made it up the mountain. Mount Hood, that is. This beacon of light and power in the city of Portland, Oregon.

The day began quite slowly, with nine of us getting ready for the day. It was a comedy of errors this morning as we sorted through luggage for just the right clothing for the day, concerned with what the weather would bring us? My dad was on the phone trying to arrange the rental car details, I was ironing the shirt Troy insisted on wearing, Troy was finishing the newsletter we sent out today, everyone was rotating showers while entertaining my cousin's three dogs and two cats. Our time of departure this morning was pushed back from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., then from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and by 11:30, we were all snugly packed into two vehicles ready for the trip up the mountain. But first, there were more stops. First to the Portland sky tram, then to the gas station, then to Whole Foods (gotta love it) for lunch...I began to think we really weren't going to make it by sunset to see this pinnacle in the clouds. It was 3 p.m. and we still had 2 hours to drive.

The day had cleared, and I kept my focus on that mountain as it continued to beckon and whisper. I felt the pulse of it like a heartbeat constant, steady, strong, the life force of this monument feeding the city. Palpable. Why was this seemingly uncontrollable urge mounting in me? It seemed to be taking over, and I knew that I would not be able to leave this city without going there.

So we started the trek up the winding road. The messages from Mount Hood grew stronger, more intense somehow, the urgency increasing and my own heartbeat began fluttering faster in anticipation of what I would encounter at the top. Every twist and turn on the highway up the slope brought more and more danger, the road grew more and more narrow, the barricade blocking us from tumbling off the cliff was nothing more than a metal fence here and there, worn and rusted. One wrong move or distraction and the risk of potentially going off the cliff into nothingness pressed us to quietly charge onward, carefully navigating the course. It occurred to me that the switchback turns started becoming more and more steep, and more and more often. We wouldn't know what each turn would bring us, or what we would see until we turned the corner.

Then we would get around a turn and look off into the distance, the valley covered in lush green trees, the vegetation welcoming us, the intense beauty of it all with the sun streaming through the clouds...God are you there? I mean, God you really are there...I mean here...and everywhere. I feel it now. I know that inside. It is the most clear when I let go and experience and feel the danger of the risk, faithfully charging onward. No fear, God. NO FEAR HERE. I surrender now, what am I opening up to, what whispers on my heart will you have me understand today?

We reach the top. My breath catches. I didn't anticipate being so close. The peak of the mountain shoots upward, I feel instantly at peace and overcome with emotion. The mountain says to me to reach to the sky just as it has done. It does so day after day, never complaining, just reaches up, welcomes whoever needs it's power and does not discriminate. It reminds me to take care of others just as it does, and to be a source that helps others experience the thrill of connecting to the spirit within. Just like a mountain. Just like Mount Hood.

As we make our way back down the mountain, I am acutely aware of what I learned from a work of art today, and by the way something I was just as much a part of creating as the rest of the God consciousness. Pride seeps in and for a moment I take just a pinch of credit for being a part of this awesome network of minds that creates such magnificence. I am also aware that just like the winding road of life, this mountain road was at times scary, difficult to navigate, trying and slow, uncertain, requiring courage, hope, faith to climb. When the twists and turns of life are navigated, what's around the corner isn't always so clear. But when you get around it and see that it's o.k., you're still doing it, faithfully and diligently pressing on...that's when the beauty is the most profound.

Thanks, Mount Hood. You are a great teacher, healer and friend.

My best to you all as you make your own way up the mountain.

Peace.
Chanda

Arriving in the Pacific NW

Hello from Camas, WA. We made it out to the Pacific Northwest yesterday…all 5 suitcases, 3 carry on bags, a purse and a car seat. I swear we have everything but the kitchen sink.

Flying into Portland was beautiful. Seeing Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helens from the air was unbelievable. Last night we just hung out at Chanda’s cousin Debbie’s place in Camas, which is just across the river from Portland.

This morning, I went out for a run and listened to my ipod, as I followed the trail, I was struck by the beauty I was surrounded by. I also took 10 min to just sit quietly in the woods and observe all the miracles around me: the lush green, the delicate flowers and the perfect spider webs.

I was also aware of the pure gratitude I’m feeling. Here we are in the Pacific Northwest starting this new chapter in our lives…and there is such a joy and excitement for all that will unfold. People long for this experience and now we get to live it!

Today we are going to explore Portland and then go to Mt. Hood.

The Journey Begins

Although it still feels like Tuesday to me, here we are at 12:33 on Wednesday morning and in just 10 hours we'll be on the plane to Portland, OR. What a journey so far. This past weekend was the Fargo Holistic Expo it was the first expo for us and we were very pleased with the experience. We met many wonderful people and are excited to be back again next year.

As for today, it's been a full one. I woke up about 4 a.m. this morning with the need to start getting things tied up before we left. I caught up on my email and finalized some paperwork. These past few days have all kind of blended together. Between packing the car, running errands, cleaning the house and making sure everything is in place on our journey I'm pretty darn proud that we made it out of the town by 4:00 p.m.

Our dear friend Sheri Woxland drove us down to the cities and we made one pit stop in Freeport, MN where we took a few pictures to capture our first stop. I suppose in some respects it became more of a photo op to showcase Chanda and Sheri's new matching shirts from "The Grateful Goddess." A new line of clothing and gifts from created by our friends Darcy and Sheila. Apparently Chanda and Sheri just showed up wearing the same thing. What's the expression, great minds think alike?

But by far my favorite part of the day was receiving a wonderful card of encouragement from my Dad. He's been recently came up with an idea to create a line of greeting cards that are inspired by spirit. Now mind you my Dad doesn't consider himself a medium but after reading his card...there is no doubt he has the connection.

The front of the card was printed with the following: "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius.

Here are the inspiring words he wrote on the inside:

SPIRIT MEMO: Inspired by Grandpa Leonard and delivered by his Son.

No spirit is more vulnerable yet more resilient than the Human Spirit. It transcends time in ways most cannot understand, dare not consider let alone dare believe. Yet it exists, a gift of the Universe to those who open themselves to explore its reality. You have a key to unlock these doors, to help the broken, distraught and lonely realize there is much to be shared from the vastness of this universe. We, (those of us) who have passed over often reach out, but too often cannot touch. You, Troy, lift US and lift Those that dare explore the continuum of the Spirit ultimately connecting us in ways that truly matter. Your integrity, honesty and sensitivity light a path that is comforting to the many who wonder if at all, it might be true. Serve many with this gift and you will be richly blessed in ways you have not yet conceived. Continue to nourish that resilient Spirit that exists in us all. Through inspirational words, thoughts and actions you will be God's blessing to many, be so humbly and those needing your insights shall appear as often as you attract them.

Just so you know, I brag about you up here and give out lots of referrals. Your Dad probably doesn't really know how much he was inspired to write the above but trust me he was. And even though I used to stick my tongue out at you, ask about your girlfriends and be silly with you, I thought it important that you carry these thoughts in your heart as you write this new chapter in your life.

I always told your Dad to carry some emergency money tucked away in his wallet and to this day he does. I also told him to make sure you had some there too. Grandma says to travel safely and she and I send our love and light...PS: Grandpa Ed is giving you Two Thumbs Up!

---

I'll admit as I read these words out loud I got choked up. My Dad is an incredible writer and when he let's the inspiration flow...it's truly touching. I'll never forget this message from him and my Grandfather. I believe he's on to something here. Stay tuned for more details.

So I best be hitting the hay. I need to be up in 6 hours. I think my Dad, Sheri and Chanda are still up reading tarot cards. What a trip!

New Beginnings

This morning I'm struck by the expression...today is the first day of the rest of your life. After working at a great production company for almost 7 years, I'm not out on my own creating a new business and following a new passion. The exciting part for me is that I know I'm not alone. First and foremost, I'm teaming up with my incredibly talented and intuitive wife to create Parkinson Productions, Inc. A company that produces inspiring workshops, products and events for the spirit, mind and body. We also have a wonderful community of people supporting and encouraging us along the way. With support like that we know we'll have nothing but success.

I used to think about what this first day with no "job" would be like. I figured I'd sleep in, have a relaxing morning etc. Instead, I was up earlier than usual to be on KVLY the local NBC affiliate's morning show for a 6:40 a.m. interview about the Fargo Holistic Expo and my work as a medium. It was a great experience and I am totally grateful to have had the opportunity.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life...nothing like hitting the ground running!