Tammy In Wanderlust

VW Westfalia Living the Dream...road trips!

2012-10-17T19:07:00.000-04:00

I have this "THING" for Westies. Oh how I like the 76-78 models. It would appear that I have one. But no, I do not, yet. All of these were taken while I was on Kauai's, North Shore 9/12.

The goal. To get one. Next, get on the road. Heading in any direction.

I may have this romantic notion about them. I have wanted one since the age of 16. I landed a VW Bug instead. I adore them as well. I currently have a black convertible that makes me smile. Even in the snow.

The photos are of just a few that I was lucky to see. I am on the search. Anyone know of one for sale? :) Cream or yellow are my favorite.

Tammy becomes "Shirley Valentine" in Greece 2012

2012-09-07T22:58:00.000-04:00

From the classic "Shirley Valentine" movie. Shirley's a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, who finds herself talking to the wall while she prepares her husband's chip'n'egg, wondering what happened to her life. She compares scenes in her current life with what she used to be like and feels she's stagnated and in a rut. But when her best friend wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece for two, Shirley begins to see the world, and herself, in a different light. Written by Kathy Li

I also had a friend invite me on a fabulous journey to Greece. One that I could never convey well enough its effect in me. I was in a rut of a marriage which recently ended in divorce. I was stagnated. In Greece I was rejuvenated. More importantly, I found that I am excited about what my future holds.

I left Detroit Michigan (DTW) 7:08pm arrived in Amsterdam 9:10am. 3 hour layover allowed me to exchange my dollars to euros. That in itself was exciting to me. So you can only imagine how bright eyed I was about landing in Athens at 5:35pm.

I was greeted by my friend as he had promised. Patiently waiting for this jet lagged lady. I arrived with two bags. One clothes, the other camera equipment. Yes, I was the obvious tourist. We walked over to the metro train in Athens and waited for it. And waited for it! It was hot and humid on August 17, 2012. 94 degrees. Excited about where I was headed we boarded the metro. One and a half hours later we exited the train. Headed to a car and drove to his village. On the way, in every direction you looked you saw grape vines and olive trees. Mountains, blue skies and a crystal clear sparkling sea.

I entered the home. The warmth of the family was immediate. A buffet of food and wine that night and every night after was served.

I was taken to the most wonderful locations. From ancient ruins (Acropolis) to scenic out looks. The most vivid of colors blast through my sunglasses. Crisp, clean and endless.

At the end of this journey I have found new friendships and a feeling of belonging and love. Thankful for being on the road that day. The day when a phone call came to me at a stop sign near home. "hey do you want to go to Greece?"

World Peace 2011 Dalai Lama

2012-09-06T18:13:00.000-04:00

It was just any other sunny summer day in July. I was sitting out in the back yard with my best buddy Vickie. I was sent information on an upcoming event in Washington D.C. on July 9, 2011. WORLD PEACE DAY! Yes! I was in before reading any further.

I came in the house all excited to share the information with my then, husband. "Honey, The Dalai is coming to Washington D.C. on our Anniversary. "Lets do it. Lets go?" He looked up and said "no, if I want to hear or watch the Dalai I will do it on TV." I stated how it would be a fun road trip. WORLD PEACE, who would not want to witness that? He added, "besides, you would want to try and get as close to him as possible to get a photo and then buy a T-shirt." I turned around and headed back outside.

Turned on the laptop and started looking for a hotel. Done! Booked at the Channel Inn on Water St. Beautiful waterfront room with balcony. Vickie asked what I was doing. I said "driving to Washington D.C. to be a part of history" She said "you want company?' and that is how two moms with their daughters made way to witness compassion in the best form.

Arrived 7/7/2011. HOT! At a dead stop in heavy traffic. Only 2 miles to the Channel Inn. We arrived two hours later. Did I mention traffic! WHEW. Good company made it laughable. Alex and Ellyn were taking photos and window shopping from the car. I knew we had no time for that. We were on a MISSION. Of Peace, Compassion and Love for one another. Acceptance! I was giddy with excitement.

Tired, getting in late we parked. Dragged our drenched selves into the lobby, up to the room, showered and headed out to find dinner. A view from our balcony.

We went to scout out the location of the event. There was one man there on the lawn. I approached him and asked if he knew the best time to arrive. He (J.D.) gave me a clear answer and added he was the producer of the event. SURE he was. Guess what, he was! The four of us became Volunteers for the World Peace Day!

No Chance Meetings

2012-08-11T11:07:00.001-04:00

As my profile states, I am a Full-Time Realtor in Michigan. I love my work. I love the people I meet. I am overjoyed being the one they trust with what may be their largest investment. In most cases emotional decision. Those are big shoes to fill. I pride myself in knowing that I will always put the needs of my clients first.

There is no bigger compliment then someone who refers you to their family and friends. And so, this is where just one of my amazing stories begins.

The PEOPLE, Johnny and Kristen. I was called to be interviewed. Kristen's brother referred me. I was referred to him. A wonderful chain of events. After they interviewed myself and other Realtor's they called to say "we would like to work with you" It was not long until we had a good offer and closed on their home.

In the time between selling their home and finding them a home, we had many conversations not revolving around real estate. It was about life. Their two, adorable, beautiful, well mannered and smart children. The planet, natural remedies and so much more.

Most importantly, why I admire these people is their love for each other, their kids and family. The ongoing words of encouragment. The thoughtfulness to uplift. They may or may not know they do this,
which is just another wonderful quality I embrace.

I would not have this Blog if not for Johnny's help. They both have endless talent. Crazy busy schedules and yet he took the time to help me start BLOGGING. Something I have wanted to do for awhile. I have journaled since I was young. This just seemed cool.

I am now BLOGGING. Why? Because I was blessed to meet two sweet people. They have their own wishes and dreams to reach for. Difference, they helped and encoraged me to grow. Unselfish! They walk the talk. I am more than thankful to be a little part of their journey. I only hope it lasts for many days to come, as I am better for having them in my life.

Johnny just became a Bee Keeper, making amazing honey! Yes, I have it and smile each time I use it. He also is working on a Masters Degree. Kristen teaches at Mott and yet is taking on more classes to add to her impressive resume in healing people. All while being the best role models they can be.

I am thankful! I am blessed! I admire these people.

Peace and Love!

Forever Changed ~Portals to the Self~

2012-08-08T22:12:00.001-04:00

February 2012, sitting on the couch listening to the noise of the television. My mind consumed by desire to get away. Those who know me, know this is nothing new. But it was new. I wanted to experience something. That was the problem. What? SOMETHING? What was that something? Ah, a NEW BEGINNING.

I searched the web, Peru, Italy or Africa. Any of these would be fantastic. " Speak to me, Show me! YOU know my need." I called out. Then I went to a site for women that I had subscribed to many months back. As I scanned I kept having this pull. Tugging at my mind and heart. What was I searching for?

SELF!

Sounds Selfish I know. I found it! Retreats for Women Seeking Grounding and Grace. A Women's Circle by the Sea. YES! I emailed right away. The deadline to register was near. Karen (fabulous leader) emailed right back. Stated I could get in. We emailed back and forth. I asked questions front, backwards and sideways. She knew me before she KNEW ME! I was hooked.

Besides how scary could it be? A woman traveling to Mexico alone? To meet 15 strangers from all over the country for a week. This was a SINK or SWIM moment. Many tried to talk me out of it. Instead, I dove in! Embraced the possibility.

I admit I thought, if it isn't for me I will just do my own thing? I will be at a beautiful place on the sea with my camera. That alone usually is enough. So I thought....

"Be careful what you ask for in the Portal. You are likely to receive it".

I never was alone after our first CIRCLE. I know I never will be again. These women are apart of me. I am a part of them. Forever Changed. oxxo

(of course there will be more entries on this week) I hope you find your circle. This one happens again March 9-16 2013. You are worth it!

Warrior Dash 2012 Michigan

2012-08-06T18:23:00.000-04:00

July 29th 2012. First Warrior Dash for this girl. A bit sluggish from the 20 hour Jimmy Buffett tailgate the evening before at Comerica. Arrived with Jeremy (son) and his girlfriend Lindsey at 12:05. Late! Race started at 12:30. We went and picked up our gear and hit the start gate. 1:12 completed. Already signed up for next year. Join me?

South Florida Calling! Answered:)

2012-03-29T18:00:00.000-04:00

I am not the usual Florida wanderer. However, this year I have made many exceptions. I have decided that anytime I have an opportunity I would seek it out with only positive thoughts and gusto.

And so... I arrived in Fort Myers Beach with my best friend Vickie. Our annual road trip. I must say the road trip is often more adventurous than the stay. When two ladies enclosed for 21 hours with just our thoughts, music and traffic we can get pretty silly. We laughed for hours, often at our memories. Vickie is the, "we can drive straight through girl". I am the lets stop and get a comfortable, start in the morning. We stopped.

It was a fabulous journey. One that was so entertaining and full of "new beginnings" that I returned in April, May and June to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples.

The warmth of the sun. The powdered soft white sand, sunrise and sunsets. The spontaneity that I sought, I found. I no longer think of Florida as"the last resort" trip. Open minded now and forward bound.