Shout Out

Fun Fri-Yay Spring Training and Opening Day

Published on April 2, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas139 Comments

Spring days are here again,
the wind up and the the throw

The horsehide hurling through the air
the batters heavy blow

It won’t be very long until the stands are overflowing
with baseball fans from everywhere who boo and do their crowing

And that is our America and our democracy
when one may argue in defeat and smile in victory

Because our baseball represents our human way of living
of playing square and asking less, than ever we are giving

There ought to be spring training now for everyone on earth
to put us in condition and to help us prove our worth

Author Unknown

A Shout Out to My Dad today for all his many talents, this being only one of them.

Sweet Mug my Dad had made for me of my Grandpa Jo who played Pro Baseball for 4 years and then met and married my grandma (GG)

Fun Fact:

This is just one of many of the poems my Dad has memorized through the years. He learned this one sometime in the 50’s. My father, Stanley Joesph Cartwright, played semi pro baseball in San Francisco with Sarto’s AC. His father, my Grandfather; Joeseph Leslie Cartwright, played Professional baseball for the Western Leagues, The Pacific Coast Leagues, The Salt Lake City Bees with Tony Lazzeri and in the minor-league baseball for the Mission Reds, a San Francisco-based pro team. In the off season he played against Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb and Jim Thorpe.

Baseball has always been big in our family. I played in an after school softball program in high school, which was short lived. My husband has played all of his life and our kids have been immersed in it all of their lives as well. He coached them all from T-Ball to majors in 8th grade. In 1994 my husband went to baseball fantasy camp that The San Francisco Giants ran, which was a dream come true for him.

Four Kids and their Dad

Four kids and their dad on the baseball diamond,
giving hand signals, shouting calls
Run, slide, throw,
rounding the bases for the winning run.

Pitcher, shortstop, left fielder and catcher, we had one of each.
3 strikes and you’re out and you better not pout.
Good sportsmanship was required.

Daddy’s little girls, had him wrapped around their finger, were safe
while he and our son had words and arguments while flipping the bird, since he never quite understood he was a surfer by fate.

Mom In the stands, cheering them all on, delivering snacks, refereeing, mending wounds, always just missing the catch or the home run and rushing home to get dinner on the table.
Who’s on first, second, third or home, it was never clear to her since her job was the schlepper.

Every year they got out of school for Opening Day and even watched their Dad play as a Giant one year at spring training camp with all the Giants greats.

And now they all play on a coed summer softball league when Covid isn’t happening and our son now gives him a run for his money. Coed champions now 3 times in a row and mom shows up with the dogs and watches in the stands.

Well, we lost tonight but the memories live on of better games ahead. I still hear my grandma singing take me out to the Ballgame which is the best part of baseball to me. Sorry, but to me, baseball is the only sport you can fall asleep in and not miss anything, except if you do. My husband argues that you have to understand the nuances of the game and I’m sure he’s right, but it’s beyond me. My favorite thing about the game is getting there late, visiting the amazing vegetable garden with kale and lettuces, walking around, eating peanuts and then leaving early. Lunch at Momo’s after would be ideal or an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista but that rarely makes the cut.

Cheers to a great season and all of you for being great sports and visiting! Please like ( if you to of course), comment and or share. Have a great weekend however you spend it.

Happy Easter and Rebirth and Renewal,

💖

Cindy

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Visit with A Medicine Man

Published on March 15, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas126 Comments

I remember when I visited Ketut Liyer, Elizabeth Gilbert’s medicine Man that she talked about in her book Eat, Pray, Love in 2015. You can imagine how excited I was after all of the profound experiences she shared on her journey to find love after her terrible divorce. She had weekly visits with Ketut and he mentored and guided her to self realization of self love and care of her soul.

When I get a notion about something I want to do in my head, I will go to the necesary steps to make it happen. In this case, we were going to Bali and I thought it would be so much fun to see Elizabeth’s medicine that she so much revered in her writing and in the movie. We had to schedule an appointment before we went because he had such a renowned reputation and I wanted to be assured I could get a spot. When I called, I got someone that was not very professional on the phone but the hotel in Ubud I was staying in, confirmed it was indeed the right place.

I couldn’t wait and of course my husband thought I was crazy but what else is new. He is very pragmatic and considers this kind of thing witch craft of sorts but he’s been with me long enough to know not to ask questions, because at the end of the day, I will end up doing what it is I want anyway. His mantra is why waste my breath. He is also very patient and always willing to go along with whatever joy ride I take him on. I wasn’t looking for any kind of enlightenment in the least as my life was a waking meditation pretty much at the time, (well as of the last 10 years I’d say); but it was more the fun of meeting someone with such wisdom after reading so much about him.

We arrived after getting very lost in all of the unmarked streets in Bali and navigating the motorcycles with 2-4 people riding on one, with animals, furniture, plants etc which is in and of itself a challenge. It was mind boggling to us and I hear it is nothing compared to India.

When we got there we were greeted by an old woman who turned out to be his wife who told us to wait and he would be coming out soon. It appeared we were the only people there so there weren’t the lines I expected which was curious to me after all of the hype. It was 20.00 U.S. dollars for the 30 min visit which I happily paid.

A younger gentleman came out as well and took me to meet Ketut and guided my husband to sit in a chair below me, while I had my fortune told and he could read his book. Then his wife came out to meet me and gave me a big hug and said hello as well.

Finally, the moment I had waited for was here and there in front of me stood Ketut Liyer, The Medicine Man. He greeted me with a handshake and the biggest grin you have ever seen with only a few teeth in his head, was hunched over, had a difficult time walking and was about 5 foot tall if that. He smiled ear to ear and then we sat down on the floor of his porch to talk. He like most all of the Balinese people we met had the warmest heart.

I didn’t have any burning questions. I suppose I just wanted to know what was so special about Elizabeth’s medicine man and what knowledge he had to impart and pass on to me. He sat and asked my name many times and said over and over “You are very beautiful” and he would touch my face and then hold my hands.

“What is your name”? Of course I would tell him and he would ask again and say “You are very beautiful and wise and wealthy”. Honestly, I can’t remember much more of what he said other than “you will live long and have a very good life”. And then he would start over saying “You are very beautiful, what is your name”? He repeated over and over again. I’m not sure I even had a question except to wonder if maybe I had met the wrong medicine man. He was the sweetest man in the world, however, this of course was not what I had envisioned. When I left he gave me a beautiful blessing with the Bali bell and a very big hug and smile and again blessed me with his same words. Of course my next mission then became finding a Bali bell, a story for another time.

As we were leaving, we walked in the room of their office home and were once again greeted by the young gentleman and I said “he is very sweet and very old”. He said “yes, he is my father and I am so sorry” but he has dementia”. I said “yes, I see that, but no apologies are needed”. He apologized profusely again and said “we tell him he can’t meet the people but he refuses and wants to see them as often as they come”. “Of course”, I said. I assured him it was all worth it and that I love old people, which is true and besides I said “according to your father, I am very beautiful, I am wise and I am wealthy” and that is worth every cent. That mantra sticks in my head when I think of Ketut Liyer the medicine man, and the pleasure is all mine.

Sadly, and luckily for me he died in 2016 so I feel very privalaged to have met him. The baton has been passed on to his son who is also a medicine man and he will happily see you and show you around the family compound and give you a tour. All of the pictures on the office wall are displayed of Ketut Liyer with Elizabeth Gilbert front and center as well as others. Let me know if you see my picture if you go. I have looked everywhere for those pictures to mark a memory in time in 2015 but so far no luck. The pictures below are not him or his wife or compound but representational of the beautiful people we met and a land we love.

The beautiful people of Bali are forever imbedded in my heart

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiOxpXK47LvAhWkITQIHTTOCPsQwqsBMAp6BAghEAg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzARxvKfcA4I&usg=AOvVaw0WFLlZngbhlpxaFqADvTSs

Elizabeth talks about how her book evolved in her own words

Elizabeth’s book was magical and took off like lightening which only happens once in a blue moon and editors can’t even explain how it happened. Others continue to to try to copy the name in some way or an other but there is some kind of unexplained fairy dust that blessed this book that had a protective aura around it. I believe it was a story that we all needed to hear and the messages she was receiving were being channeled through her as she listened to her inner wisdom and followed her intuition.

“Eat Pray Love” sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and became so popular that Time Magazine named Gilbert one of the 100 most influential people in the world. It was a New York Times best seller. Four years later, her book was turned into a film, starring Julia Roberts as Gilbert.Sep 23, 2015The writer has easily made $10 million in royalties from the book, and according to one source with knowledge of the deal, she earned another $1 million for the film rights.Aug 16, 2010

The movie grossed 204,594,016 world wide. The trailor gives you a good glimmer into both the movie and the book.

*Dede Gardner, left, Ryan Murphy, Elizabeth Gilbert, center, Julia Roberts and Richard Jenkins arrive for the gala premiere of “Eat Pray Love” in London, Sept. 22, 2010.*

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Daring to step out of her comfort zone, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Bali. Release Date: August 13, 2010

I have read one of her books Big Magic but had no idea about her life story, passion and career as a journalist and writer. She has written 10 books and is and excellent speaker appearing on Oprah, Ted Talks etc. She is a master speaker sharing from her heart and has many wonderful YouTube talks about writing, her philosophy and it is well worth a visit. Her many life experiences and shared wisdom in writing and speaking is very inspiring. She has a contagious spirt that is motivating, colorful and inspires all of us to honor our process and live in joy while we follow our bliss.

Thanks so much for reading as always, liking (if you do of course), commenting and or sharing.
Have a blessed day and follow your heart wherever it might take you today.

💖

Cindy

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Treasured Fri-Yay Funday Moments at Buddha Medicine Land

Published on March 12, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas89 Comments

“Treasured Moments of far off lands in your own backyard take you home.
There is no distance in hearts that love. All the faces I have known come smiling
back at me as I ring the bell or spin the sacred Prayer Wheel”.

^Cindy

Buddha Medicine Land.

Prayer Wheel with my friend Debbie in Santa Cruz, Calififornia

Strip away the illusion of who you think you are and enter the space of love and connection of all beings everywhere. This safe haven in Santa Cruz, California welcomes all to the land of open heartfelt connections. Just 1 hour south of San Francisco, be transported to your souls deepest desires. Feel the earth move under your feet and the echo of the great teachings of the Buddah, blessed by the Dali Lama amongest many other monks and those that live on the property.

Teachings that inspire and infuse our being as we Bless ourselves and others with love and kindness.
May health and happiness be available for ourselves and all beings everywhere.

Magic is found at every turn of the junction, while hiking this sacred beautiful land.

Everywhere you walk fills your heart, open your senses, quiets your mind, as you become one with nature.

Sound permeates your soul, igniting the light of the love of who your are, stripping away false illusions, raising your frequency.

And finally a stop at the gift shop for a treasure to bring home to remind me to come to my bell and stop daily to ring in the song of my heart, that’s always there if I only stop to listen.

Thanks stopping in and sharing this secret hidden treasure with me. When we stop to share our experiences in life they reinfuse our spirit and keep them alive; which was the unexpected gift of this post; so much appreciation for visiting.

With a grateful heart, please like (If you do of course), comment and or share.

Until Monday Stay Blessed and remember You Are Love,

💖

Cindy

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It’s God Calling; Are You Ready To Go?

Published on March 8, 2021March 10, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas144 Comments

Happy Monday Everyone,

I woke up 3 nights ago in the middle of the night to a memory of Alice, a dear client/friend that has been gone for 12 years now. She lives forever in my heart. She was such an amazing lady and I am so grateful to her daughter in law, one of my dearest friends and her son for the gift of hiring me to work with her. She was a force to be reckoned with and I am so honored to have shared so many special years of her life.
The below is a true story.

Every time I hear the chimes on my phone, I see your face.
They rang everyday at the same time and was your reminder to take your medication. Towards the end when life became such a struggle, I would turn to you and say “It’s God calling are you ready to go”? You would smile and say “I’m getting there” and you didn’t even believe in God!

You were so winded but day after day we walked and you made good improvements but with COPD, it became a losing battle. As we climbed the hill, you were slower and we had to stop more often to rest.
Watching your decline was hard and I so wanted to let you off the hook, but onward we trudged. The chimes would go off and I would say “It’s God calling are you ready to go”? and we would chuckle. As the stairs got too much and the hill too steep to climb, we would just walk on flat land. The chimes would ring and I would say “It’s God calling are you ready to go”? This time you would answer “Jesus, Joseph and Mary, yes”. But still we walked. Our walks turned into circles in the house and you commanded me to sit.

I’ll never forget bringing Ram Dass’s book, “Still Here” and reading it to you and your beautiful face full of lines and expression and childlike wonder, would light up. Sometimes we would walk a little and as time progressed it went from sitting with you to lying in your bed and reading Ram Dass’s book, and we would talk about death and dying and what it all meant. When the chimes would ring I would say “It’s God calling are you ready to go”? You would say “Hell yes, but keep reading”. Sometimes I was able to say “well it’s not time yet and I’m going to get fired if we don’t get up and one of your kids sees me lying in bed with you”. We would laugh and cackle like school girls getting away with something. You asked me to order that book for you and you read it everyday when you were by yourself. I was so impressed because here you were at 86 opening to new ways of thinking which you would have never entertained in your lifetime before.

We took our sessions to the bed but I was still able to drag you out to move a little most days. One day the chimes went off and I said my usual “It’s God calling are you ready to go”? and you said “I’m so ready” and I too knew the days were drawing close. I tried to help you up but so wanted to just let you stay in bed because it took all of your effort to get up, but I knew if you were around longer, you needed to be strong for your daily activities, so I helped you up. You sat at the edge of the bed, looked me in the eyes and said “thank you for everything, I could never have done it without you. You were here for my every need”. The room stood still, tears ran down my face, my heart burst open with happiness and sadness all at once.

When I left that day, I wanted to bake you a cheesecake; The same one you gave me the recipe for and baked for me, but I was too busy that day, so I bought one instead and brought it with me the next day when I arrived. You had stopped eating now because it was too much effort. I told you to stick out your tongue and close your eyes and I put a drop of cheesecake on your tongue because it was your favorite. I actually lied and said I baked it for you and you shook your head and puckered up your face and said “no, this isn’t my cheesecake”. We laughed but I felt so bad because I wanted to give you something sweet that you had given me in your last days but it seemed my presence of just laying with you, reading and stroking your head softly was the sweetness you actually needed. I knew the end was near and I planned to spend the night with you and sleep in your bed but with 4 kids and a full client load to see, I fell asleep at home and never made it.

In the morning when I returned, I came into the house and I heard your phone ringing and you were in bed. I said, “It’s God calling are you ready to go”?
But you didn’t answer; you had already gone.

I layed with you one last time and held you while I sobbed.

And now when I hear the chimes I set on my phone everyday, I think of you and the memories we shared. I’m not ready to go yet but you’re the first one I want to see when God calls me.

_{(my dear friend, Alices Daughter in law actually called me in the morning to let me know she had made her transition and then I went over for my final closure). I am forever grateful for that call.}

Alice’s 85th Birthday whowing off our muscles and smiles. She was gorgeous!

If you don’t know Ram Dass, he was formerly known as Richard Alpert and was a Harvard Professor and psychologist who explored LSD and other hallucinogens Timothy Leary, a colleague. He traveled off to India and studied with Neem Karoli Baba (Hindi: नीम करौली बाबा) or Neeb Karori Baba (Hindi: नीब करौरी बाबा) (c. 1900 – 11 September 1973), known to his followers as Maharaj ji, was his Hindu guru and a devotee of the Hindu deity Hanuman.

Ram Dass, also known as Baba Ram Dass, an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author. He was given his name by his Guru. His best known book, “Be Here Now”, has been described as “seminal”, and helped popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga with the baby boomer generation in the West. Wikipedia

Born: April 6, 1931, Boston, MA

Died: December 22, 2019, Maui, HI

Full name: Richard Alpert

Be Here Now was one of the first books I remember reading on my spiritual path which one of the first of it’s kind and quite profound.
Still Here came after his stroke which is a story about dealing with loss of function and the challenge of now needing others to help him in the way he helped others. He also discovered his core root was still the same through his stroke and lived in grace.

Thanks for visiting today. Remember you are stronger than you know, blessed beyond measure and more sacred with every passing day. Life is a short journey, make everyday count as you never know when you will take your last breath. Reach out and touch someone.

Please remember to like (if you do of course), comment and or share if inclined.

Blesssings,

💖

Cindy

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DIY Decoations on Fri-Yay Funday

Published on March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas140 Comments

Happy Fri-Yay Funday Friends!

I am sooooo excited to share these decorations with you that my daughter made for all of the celebrations we’ve had lately and there are more to come. Always right?! We’re just done with Valentine’s Day and the chocolate bunnies are already in stores for Easter if you can stand it.

This year is a milestone year for our family as we celebrate 3 generations and a total of 5 grandparents birthdays. 65 (no not me! Remember, I’m 16 with 49 years of experience) 🤣, my sister in law is right behind me, my mom will be 85, My Dad 88, My Step Dad just turned 88, My Dad’s significant other, 90 and my FIL turned 95 last week. WOW! And then there’s our baby who will be 30 in June.

I’ve always made a big deal about birthdays which I got from none other than my mother. I make a point to celebrate them because it’s a chance to pause, come together and honor another day we are blessed to be here on earth. However, I’m off my game this past year with the pandemic and the new normal has taken it’s toll and I have become much more simple and busy with technology (my fav…hahahahaha). So, if I forgot to send you a card, or wish you a happy birthday this year, Happy Belated Birthday, I’m really so sorry!

With that, comes the shock of the younger generation and surprise of them stepping up and digging in to keep traditions alive. YAY!!!!! I couldn’t be happier and more proud of my kids!

I promised Vani, at Story time with Shivani that I would share this new die cut machine, The Cricut, my daughter is using to create all of these amazing decorations. So here you go Vani, I hope you like it. Do visit her blog and follow her. She has fun stories, great messages, will always make you laugh and she is an amazing supportive follower.

If you have to go, scroll all the way down to the bottom of my post (YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THESE), to see my AMAZING GLASSES SHE MADE ME. YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THEM AND YOU MIGHT EVEN WANT TO ORDER SOME. THEY ARE SO RELATABLE TO US CRAZY BLOGGERS. WHO US? 🤣🤣🤣

But of course; first a poem called…….

I Pass The Baton

I pass the baton to my daughter who has surpassed me
My once bought decorations I hung with pride
Are crafted by my oldest with her very own cricut die cut machine
She programs and designs cutting out of wood, paper, and plastic
From signs, labels to pins, banners, no two the same
Talented, unique and finely crafted
I’m happy to say she puts me to shame
Yes, I’ve been replaced I’m happy to say!
I pass the baton to my daughter who has surpassed me
These decorations are amazing like her in every way!

And what better than to love and be loved! Notice the intricacy of this over lay design

My Father In Law Pete makes 95 look easy! Still driving and retired just recently

OK, READY FOR THE GLASSES?!!!!! CHECK THESE OUT!

I always wished I had a sister but my sister in law (who made this bag) and my soul sisters (you know who you are) are gifts to my heart and I am everything because of you.

Thanks soooo much Renee and to all of you for reading! However you celebrate your Friday and weekend make sure to take time to enjoy the gifts of the day that come your way. Take some time to enjoy your special gifts, hold yourself lightly and lovingly no matter what is going on and know you are LOVE!

Please remember to like (if you do of course), comment and or share. It truly means so much and I am forever grateful.

💖

Cindy

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Fri-Yay Funday: All my bags are Packed

Published on February 26, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas87 Comments

All my bags are packed
I’m ready to go
leaving all my baggage behind
Good where I been, good where I’m going to
I’m taking it in stride
Entering the golden years, I’m not gonna lie
Life has good to me or I to it and in the next chapter, I’ll take what I find
Good bad or indifferent, through the ups and downs, always be kind
First to yourself and then to others, that’s what wins the prize
Life is what you make it no matter what it throws you and there are times
I really didn’t think I’d make it out alive
Today I leap into the now, filled with anticipation celebrating my 16 year old self
with 49 years of experience with love and joy in my heart, it’s been quite a ride.

This was a song I loved and sang when I was about 17 and leaving for college. My brother would play the piano and I would sing which is a fond memory. Mind you, I was only going 40 minutes from my house but would be living in the dorms. I was leaving my high school sweetheart who is my husband now.

Today I’m going to visit my best and only friend I stayed in touch with from college at San Jose State Unniversity. So wildly ironic because we are heading to Carmel Valley and Montery, California. As close as we are to the area, we haven’t been in years.

Leaving on a jet plane was written by John Denver who wrote this song because he was traveling so much which was the one thing he didn’t like about touring. He ended up dying in a plane crash.

The anguish of being on the road inspired a 24-year-old Denver to write “Babe, I Hate to Go” (later renamed “Leaving on a Jet Plane“) in 1966 during a layover at Washington airport. … In fact, he took the name “Denver” to honor Colorado — and because the name Deutschendorf was not likely to fit on many marquees.

There never was and there probably never will be a star quite like John Denver, who diedon October 12, 1997 when his experimental amateur aircraft crashed into Monterey Bay on the California coast. …

Peter, Paul and Mary Sang Leaving on a Jet Plane.

Happy Fun Friday to you and have a great weekend!
I will miss you over the weekend but going to do my best to stay off of all of my devices.
See you Monday and stay blessed, inspired and find joy!
❤️
Cindy

Please remember to like (if you do of course), comment and or share if inclined. Your presence and support is a great gift, thank you!

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Can’t Live With Them 💖 Can’t Live Without

Published on February 12, 2021 by Cindy Georgakas212 Comments

Happy Fri-Yay Funday and almost Valentines Day from me and Jay (an amazing poet and writer). This organic song originated out of a silly fun. See our post exchange below.

Lyrics to ‘Can’t Live with Them but Can’t Live Without’

Men and woman
light years apart
can’t live with them
but can’t live without

Reflecting each other
Neither right or wrong
Spring Moon and Stars
near yet so far

Can’t live with them
But can’t live without
Can’t live with them
But can’t live without

Raising each other
To new heights
Made for one another
Space bound lovers