As the days grow shorter, darker, colder... and wetter (well, at least here in the Pacific Northwest!), I find myself naturally "going inside" in many ways... becoming even more in touch with my inner world as well as my immediate surroundings (and those I share those immediate surroundings with). And when you're living in a 28' vintage airstream... well, let's just say it gives a whole new meaning to the word "intimacy" . :-) 

It's a dance, really... and in this scenario, we are learning new steps, for sure. Eric and I are literally learning to dance with each other in this beautiful (yet small) space. The key word here is dancing with  each other... not dancing around each other.  Yes, we get in each others' faces quite literally these days. ;-) And you know what? I can honestly say (today anyway... lol) it's a pretty cool growing opportunity. It's not always pretty, but it's real. And you know you truly love someone when you can be ready to bite their head off one minute and still feel connected to the essence of their being underneath it all. When I really stop to take it in, it's a pretty awesome feeling... knowing we can share intimate space, be ALL of who we are (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and still find the grace and love. To be able to laugh (key!) and  forgive...  and at the end of the day, still really want to be with each other. That's no small feat for this girl who used to say (a lot)  "I need my space!" But then, I suppose having your space really just means being in a place that feels truly HOME, where you can be completely yourself no matter what.

In these "indoor days" especially, I have a greater appreciation for the home Eric and I are creating, both inside and out. Do you feel a sense of comfort and ease in your home? Is it a "letting down your guard" kind of haven? A place to be in a way that feels like a big exhale? This is the time of year to really get cozy within yourself and your home... and to dance with the light and dark of these shorter, colder days. Snuggle up, my friends! There are gifts in every season of being..... <3  

Living out here in "the country", in a rather small immediate living space, I find I am becoming more connected to the land I reside on. It's much more of a co-existence than I have experienced in the past. I am becoming more directly aware of my "footprint" and how my living affects our dear earth (and vice versa!).

Living in our cozy little "tiny home trailer" right now forces me to pay close attention to how much garbage I produce, for example... how much water and electricity is being used (I have experienced more than a few blown circuits in my learning!), and the products I use that are cycling back into the earth.  All of this is very close to the surface in day to day life now. And it's a good thing. I find I don't waste food scraps as much as I used to. They either get composted or I find a creative way to consume them. I take better care... I conserve more... I am becoming more intentional in my use of resources. Just some of the gifts of choosing a simpler way of living. :-)

Yes, we the people have abused our precious earth, no doubt. Some of it out of greed and selfishness... and some of it just lack of awareness of the interdependence and interconnection of all things, especially our relationship with Mother Earth. I believe it is when we truly feel that connection that we more naturally act with honor and respect. This is true for me, anyway. The more I know about "how things work"... the closer I am to the processes and cycles... the more gratitude I feel for the natural resources we are granted. Yes, granted. It is a gift. We are cared for...

"Let the earth embrace you... the air caress you and take you... hear it whisper a sweet, sweet song... reminding you that you belong... come back... come back to your heart... to all that you are... all that you are... "

It's time that we really feel the connection and oneness in our hearts... between us and our precious earth. To honor it better. Respect it more. And to act accordingly. I'm learning to do my part... and praying we all move in this direction together. Namaste. <3

When I submitted songs from my new album to Women of Substance Radio a little while back, they advised me that they wanted to air ALL of them (adding that this was "not very common at all") and that I would have a new song airing every three weeks through January 2016! Yay! :-)

What an honor... and such beautiful affirmation! Especially from WOS. I really admire and respect the owner, Bree Noble, and her passion and commitment in promoting not only women in music, but women of SUBSTANCE in music. I LOVE her company's mission and everything it stands for. From the website:

"WHAT IS A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE? Substance can be defined as 'significant quality with the implication of a hidden or special significance'.  Music of Substance is not just entertainment or fluff, but has an essential core brimming with heart, soul, and spirit.  Women of Substance are female performers who deliver high quality music that speaks to the listener through vocal excellence, depth of character and emotion, and lyrics that leave a lasting impression.  This includes Label Artists, Indies and Unsigned Artists alike. Our review board selects only the highest quality artists and songs that can stand up next to the superstars."

My first song, "It's Enough" aired a couple of weeks ago and will also be included in the iTunes #1 New & Noteworthy Women of Substance Music Podcast to premiere in episode #240 on 10/21.  It can be found on iTunes or by visiting the website:  www.wosradio.com.

Thank you, Bree Noble and Women of Substance Radio! :-)

As I sit here in our newly acquired vintage trailer, I can pretty much see everything in here. In other words, it really is a "tiny home" :-)  and... I feel completely loved, cared for, and supported in this little sacred space. I truly have everything I need. In some ways, more than I need. Yes, it is a temporary living situation as we build our vision out here in Battleground, but is there really such a thing as "temporary" if you're living fully in the here and now? I am learning to create my life moment by moment, staying present to what resonates authentically (checking my ego as I go), feeling gratitude for it all, and growing THAT.

As I look around this little love shack, I see such beauty. It's amazing that the furnishings and decor collected over the years fit in just perfectly, like puzzle pieces sliding into place. It's like my soul has been preparing... leading the way... even when I haven't been blatantly aware of it. This step, living in these beautiful, tranquil surroundings in this little trailer, is really about freedom. Freedom from the trappings of illusion, freedom from societal expectations, and freedom to create a life we love with our hearts. I feel lucky to be where I am... but I believe you make your own luck. We all get to choose the lens in which we see our lives and expand on that. This hasn't always been the way for me. I used to spend a lot of time dwelling in my head. My family used to call it "The Lauri Zone",  lol. I would literally zone out, losing myself in a sea of worrisome, negative thoughts, creating anxiety and depression. Thank GOD I found a new way to live... to connect into the spirit within me and see with new eyes.

Here's another thing. We get to honor our lives and all that is unique to our journey. And what I mean by that is that we really can't compare our lives and paths to others. We can be influenced and inspired by others if what they have and what they are doing resonates with our core desires, but what's important is knowing who we truly are at a deep level and allowing our lives to take shape around that. When I say I am blessed (and I feel very blessed these days), it is because I choose to see the blessings as they resonate with my soul.

What do you see when you look around you... at your life? Is there resonance and warmth? Are you able to love and honor your path regardless of what others are doing? Are you willing to let things "fall away" (physical/mental/emotional) that might be keeping you small inside? Having a BIG life is an inside job. Always. :-)