India - What an amazing experience!

Well, it took me awhile to write about India - and I am still not sure I have the words yet - but I will try. India was an amazing experience. Mumbai is a very bustling city that is full of people, animals, sights, sounds, and smells....and oh the colors! The air is very polluted because the city is surrounded by factories - you can see their smoke stacks glowing at night.
Anywhere you go - you can hear the sound of horns honking. They are not being rude drivers, mind you. It is expected to honk - it is how they keep order in a system of travel that appears chaotic. Most of the roads are 4 lanes - with 7 lanes of taxis, rickshaws, motorized rickshaws, animals, pedestrians, cars, and trucks are bustling about. From what I could tell, traffic lights are mere suggestions. However I have to say, that I NEVER saw a major accident in all the time I was there. What appears to be chaos seems to be not as deadly as our roadways here in America! I do not want to drive there, but I became quite comfortable that I would be safe while traveling the roadways of Mumbai.
There were scores of colors - beautiful sari's abound - it was so lovely to see the rainbow of colors. On the way to the airport to leave for home, we passed about 20 children in school uniforms sitting on the sidewalk - backs to the street - facing a chalkboard that was propped up against the wall! Impromptu school. I also saw a group of women - young and old - sitting by the side of the road - each in a colorful sari or other typical Indian outfit - waiting to be picked up as a day laborer- amazing. Quite different from what we see outside any Home Depot here.
Slums abound - with the backdrop of the elite.
Quite the city of contrast. We were blessed to see a premier opening of the new spa my sister will be working with. It was a high society event and paparazzi everywhere. It took place on a lovely roof-top garden in Mumbai.
As for the people of India - very gracious and generous. I believe if you spend enough time there - and get to know the people - you will fall in love.
We left Mumbai after a few intense days of shopping and we were off to Goa.
We were arriving just in time for the wedding festivities of Adam Bedi and Nisha Harale to begin.
Goa is full of beautiful beaches and laid back people. Much slower pace in Goa. It was nice to refresh after the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Mumbai. Hippies abound in Goa! It appears that many have come to Goa on holiday and just never left. I don't blame them. One can live comfortably - in a beach town - for very little money.
Then there is the Arabian Sea...my husband and I could not get over the fact that we were swimming in the Arabian Sea! Lovely!
Nisha and Adams wedding was unlike anything I had ever seen. So full of love. There were large floating luminarias, dancers from Cirque du Soleil Canada, Mehndi, a colorful Hindi ceremony that really blesses the union of two families - not just two people, then a Christian ceremony - all in white - on the beach at sunset - there are not words to describe it sufficiently. The night ended with food, dancing, fireworks, amazing music and performances, family, friends, and love.
Thank you Nisha and Adam for giving us the opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip that we will never forget!
I am including some pictures that highlight the experience. Next time I return to India, I will also see the Taj Mahal.

India, Here We Come!

Well, it was touch and go there for awhile. I had some unexpected health issues come up which just about wiped out our India trip. However, with as much rest as possible (a long plane flight is good for that, right?!) and some relaxation (being with family and not working sounds like it fits the bill) - we are on our way after all. I Will write more upon our return in two weeks. Please send prayers for healing and safe travels. I, in return, send everyone prayers for health, safety, and fun! Chala chala - we gotta go!
xoxo

Recovery

When you have reached a spot you never thought you'd get to, how do you recover? It's not a simple process for me. It probably isn't for anyone. How do you make the transition back to where you want to be - be it happy, peaceful, calm...or back to doing what you know you are meant to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they have recovered? It could be financial. It could be emotional. It could be healing a relationship. It could be anything. Let's start a discussion. Maybe eventually, as a nation, we can all start to heal and recover.

Trying not to panic

It's hard as you are going through transitions, not to hit those wide-eyed panicky times when you start to spin and spiral through life. I think I hit one of those times today. I started frantically cleaning, organizing, and looking for employment. I applied for part time jobs and full time careers...anything from working part time in a studio to working for a university. I had to "step away from the resume" and take a break. I have also been doing what I can to update my website and promote my business. I have so many directions that I can go, that it is easy for me to spiral. Now it is time to let go and let God. I have been praying for guidance and help. Maybe I should sit back and listen now - don't you think?! Wish me luck and pray for me!

Ixchel Leigh Escentials and Parfumerie

One of my sister's has just recently moved to Mumbai, India. She is going to be the head aromatherapist for a wonderful new spa chain starting in Mumbai. I have the privilege of taking over her new high-end aromatherapy product line while she is away. I have become the COO of Ixchel Leigh Escentials and Parfumerie. They are wonderful, quality products. Look for more about this exciting new line in the future! I hope to do you proud, sis. Oprah - here we come!
For more information, you can check call 1.415.251.7151 or go to http://www.theescentials.com/.

Transitions and Change

In this time of change, I figured I might as well try something new and blog my way into the changes I am trying to create in my life. I am working on marketing my own business, marketing my sister's business, and helping others market their business by creating a unique brand and logo for them. Graphics has become my passion. Helping others has always been something I like to do. It's time to merge the two passions and soar to brand new heights.
Please check out my website http://www.sleepyhedgehogpress.com/ and feel free to give me some feedback. Hopefully within 6 months I will have better pictures of my work completed thus far.