Chapter 2. The continuing saga. Still Thursday 18 June 2009, now 1:44 pm local time, YVR
I have found a bathroom that allows me to bring all my lime green luggage in with me ….. you know how that is for women … . I am frequenting the lovely room and they keep it pretty clean here. I have had a wee bit of lunch, Canadian style “greek”cuisine of salmon and greek salad, diet coke. Who knows when I will get to eat what I can actually read on the menu again!! Travels and eating for gluten free diet is always a challenge even in my own country – can’t imagine in Europe. I am thinking maybe I will find a good weight loss strategy after all … except chocolate is probably just as wonderful no matter where I find it!
People watching is interesting here – people coming and going, here and there, up and down, sit and walk, looking – always looking. I wonder if all people are searching for the same thing in airports? Is it something to grab their interest? Is it a bathroom? Is it a familiar face? Is it the dreaded security section or perhaps more exotic interests like duty – free shopping? I have not yet gone through security and the office for KLM does not even open for another hour. I did ask for clarification at the ever-so-helpful information desk. I like the well placed and highly sought after info desk …. makes travels more friendly and less “I am all alone and lost” kind of feeling.
I wonder the route my airplane will take as it heads to Amsterdam?? Let’s not get too ahead of myself just yet. Remember to stay in the present .. take it all in. A constant reminder in my head. Breathe, don’t forget to breathe. It will be as it will be, the task this trip is to notice.
I am seeing some familiar faces as I sit at this counter looking out into the foyer, I wonder if they are lost or just spending time like me …. round and round we go …together … turning with the earth in preparation for air travel to another place.
Some with matching luggage, holding hands. Some barely acknowledging each others existence, some bubbling over with excitement, some looking a bit bored and lonely. What an intriguing place to share space with humanity.
There is a very large screen just off to my right, up high on the wall with scenes of Canada I presume and the odd add for Olympics to come. Fireplace, food preparation, no sound – just the visual. I wonder who has that job?? to decide what is or might be a pleasure for folks as they walk around in circles? There is that same couple again ….. see how much I can notice when I just watch.
I think I might do the same in a while … stroll around in circles …. <grin> maybe they know something that I don’t …..
It will be late tomorrow night local time in Germany when I land. I wonder how long I will travel. That whole time zone thing is very trippy (pun intended) and kind of interesting. Do we age differently if we change time zones?? how is it with the body to go across the date line? Will I notice? Feel refreshed or feel like I have lost a day sleep? Maybe there is nothing to notice … just to sit with what is and
**** a person just stopped and started talking to me …. about travel and places, german and french, difference and the same. He asked if I was working … that is how it started. I said “no, writing to my home” was what my unexpected voice responded. He is a security person here – from Africa, lives in Tsawwassen.
I guess in a manner of speaking, I am working. I am learning, I am traveling and learning. I am on my familiarization cruise tour compliments of my new part time job. Yes, I am working. Yes I am learning. Yes, this is my life. How unexpectedly sweet my life is …. all parts
Sending these notes to friends and family – keeping them for my own record of my travels for when I am old-er I may want to re-read and re-experience the moments I carefully am saving in my mind.
Like making a movie – to be watched and re-watched. Everyone will have a different version of the story and I will have made it, written it in my own world as it came to me. As I sit and watch. I am the main character but all have a part of importance.
Watching shoes, people, time, faces, energy, direction, expressions, eyes, the screen, the food, the foyer, the stores, the info booth, young people and not-so-young people. It is all here at YVR any time for anyone – make that everyone to enjoy. What a glorious place and a wondrous life
I am busting with gratitude, filled with awe, many questions … many moments to capture.
Thank you thank you – for all that has lead me to this space and this time – for coming with me and for guiding me with your light.
ENTRY 3
It is my third entry and second day of travel, and as yet I am still without more than moments of stolen sleep. I have been most of this day in the Amsterdam airport, following an all night flight from Vancouver…. and waiting for my last flight to Nuremburg.
Last night – the flight was long, the plane was nice and the service was amazing. KLM was the company and although they had no prior knowledge of my food allergies, tried to accommodate as best they could. Wine was free!! Amazing what free wine can do to make the weary traveler feel just a wee bit more cared for! Good for them! And a special decaf coffee with Bailies, complimentary of course!
They gave me yogurt and salad and then some to take with me this morning as well. It was a huge plane and filled every seat. Mostly families traveling, I sat in the middle section, back of the plane, on an aisle (there was no real options, the aisle was my choosing) with almost no leg room. It was challenging. Movies were fun, and somehow in that very very small space I lost my Westjet headset that I had carefully packed for use with the lap top. I guess it was absorbed by the larger European plane …. I now have a two pronged one compliments of KLM however, won;t work on the lap top. It is a mystery to me how the Westjet one got lost …. it is not like I was walking around or anything … sat still for 8 and ½ hours …. maybe it got lost in the time zone change??? over the dateline?? It seemed we just left, headed north over Edmonton, and very cold temperatures outside according to the plane information provided … maybe over Norway?? I had to move my watch time 2 hours back when we arrived …. 10 hours later here ….. and there was almost no darkness last night outside the windows!! Magical night for sure.
And now in Amsterdam, the Netherlands –
I found a comfy lounge chair to sit in all day and read. I watched the weather and planes outside, listened to announcements in foreign accents and generally had peace around me. Not being adventurous on my own, I did not step out and wander much …. just a few moments ago I found a sign that said there is a meditation center here and wireless connection. I have decided to write an entry, and maybe go find a few minutes of meditation in this large spacious airport – before I seek out my next terminal. There are duty free shops everywhere – lots of cities being announced, peoples names called out who are late for their flights …. with notice their bags will be taken off the plane. That would just be nasty!!!
Places include, Milan, Rome, Paris — oh the places people are going!!! Lots of English spoken here – and of course, Dutch. Memories as I wander …. wooden shoes, tulips, gouda cheese … all and more being sold in this airport. Memories from a time long long ago, and not so far away .. Germany and Holland in 1967 with my family. Familiar sites nevertheless. Chocolates, of course are international!! the packaging might be different but the contents I certainly recognize. The duty free shops offer perfumes and make up in familiar names, even crocs (shoes) are sold here in many colors!! I look for a suitable bag to drag home as a new addition to my luggage, but nothing jumps right out at me. Hard to sort out prices as well… I keep trying to recall 1.6 Euro …. so it means doing the math and takes the quick mindless purchases to a minimum (lucky me!!). Perhaps shopping in Europe will be much less painful than I had first predicted!
I see Guerlain products and recall becoming a fan many years ago with my friend Verona …. then I found them at Walt Disneyworld at Epcot center in the France pavilian … and now … in Amsterdam airport in the duty free shops. I love the flood of memories of previous stories.
OOOOOPs, someone who is late for feparture to Prague, and another one for Lisbon … “or we will proceed to off load your baggage” ….. the kind announcers say over the loud speaker for all the folks to hear.
Well, I must go find that meditation space just to say I did it … maybe have a moment there. Then on to find my departure gate …. I would not want them to off load my lime green baggage!! I guess at least then I would know if for sure it is really and truly following me around the world and will be at my final destination when I need it the most.
The end of another page. A time zone of 10 hours ahead of all of you … who says tomorrow never comes!!! it did for me last night ….. <grin> And I am living my tomorrow today!!
Author Archives: PamelaTravelBlog
My EVERY DAY blog
My EVERYDAY blog
Welcome and good morning. How do I do it? Here are a few simple reminders for me and duplicate-able steps for anyone.
- My future has nothing to do with my past: and every thing to do with what I do today.
- My self talk is the most important voice in my day.
- I take a step. I take a small step, ever onward, toward my climb to success.
- My attitude is my sail and determines my destination, as well as my journey.
- I face the opportunities and see the progress.
- I forgive all and offer generosity. I smile. I practice gratitude, optimism and positivity.
- I look for mentors who have what I am looking to achieve. I follow what they say and do.
- I dream big; I dream often. I live my dream.
- I meditate, journal, read and listen. I connect to others and listen to their story.
- I matter and make a significant contribution to as many lives as I touch in a day.

A long weekend and a Life Long Love : Grammieblog
A weekend of love for Grammie
On one of the busiest weekends of the year, August long weekend, I loaded my car with treasures on the Thursday night. Large stuffed sea otter from Alaska cruise; check. One quarter of my treasured 100% cotton quilt fabric in large white garbage bags; check. Serger machine in box; check. A large bag of small stuffed animals, birds, bears and more of the same; check.
Carefully selected for the recipients. My eldest daughter is self sufficient and successful beyond her years. She and her husband are building their second home and she wants to make stuff out of quilt fabric. She wants to use the serger. The grand boys will want to open treasures too – hence the abundance of stuffies!
The most important reason for this last minute trip: to see and hold and hug and love those grandbabies. My heart skips a beat as I prepare. Will Luke remember me? Why do I have this fear? Say the mantra and let it go. “I love you; I am sorry; please forgive me; thank you”. Releasing the voices of my memories and self doubts that may have started in many generations past. Poof, in the moment, they are gone. Leaving me with my excitement and anticipation of a wonderful adventure that I surely will remember in my heart the remainder of my days.
I leave from Victoria and start driving. Some 8 hours later I arrive at their home and am ushered in to the room at the resort where we stay while the house is being built. All are sleeping. My excitement will stay with me till morning.
Early I am woken by the sound of the phone, my daughter says “we are up, come on over”. I say the mantra to clear the doubts and space and leave only inspiration.
I rush. As I walk toward their place there he is -in the hallway and he begins to run. Arms outstretched, knowing his grammie is there. A bit of shyness as he searches the recesses of memory from several months ago and finds me. He hugs me. My day is complete. Should no other wonderful moment happen this day, I have found the pinnacle of my success. I have felt the dream come true. I explode in love for this little boy. His mom watches on and I feel such love for the little girl that I raised and the mom she has become.
Fast forward a few days and I am now heading home. Back to Victoria. I shed tears as I left and hoped he would not see. I don’t want him to have one sad moment from our visit. Savor only the precious hugs, books we read and songs we sang. Ice cream we ate, animals we saw at the farm, muffins we made in the heat of the day, juice we drank, jammies we put on, baths he had, meals we ate, kisses we shared. Goldfish kisses, he is starting to learn. Buckets of kisses from grammie … as we read from one of the books about how to fill up the buckets of your loved ones. “When the moon hit’s the sky, like a big pizza pie, that’s amore, la la la la la la.” He learns new words, Pinnochio, electricity, cinnamon, zucchini.
I cried for a while, feeling nothing but love and a tightness in my heart for this relationship.
Till next time, little one. And for Jack as he also grows old enough to remember his Grammie. I send hugs and love bigger than I can describe.
What is so great about Love Notes?
Who loves to hear from family and friends and new acquaintances that they brought joy into another person’s life?
I am guessing the answer is “everyone”! In my work, my day job, I work with people who seldom hear good words, kind words and words of encouragement. One could imagine that is how they came to work with me. I am a Probation Officer and I love my career.
In my 30 years in the business of helping others I have learned a few simple strategies.
- Find a quality you like and notice it in others, and tell them about it.
- Be genuine in your approach and always be in service to the other person.
- Never give up and never give in to discouragement.
- Be to the other, as you want the other to be to you.
- Be the best daughter, mother, partner, authority, employee and friend that you know how.
- Apologize when you have done something wrong.
- Keep in touch, keep the door open and let people know they matter.
- Hang out with people you want to be like. Offer them your service.
- Join a business where you get compensated for personal development growth.
- Send love notes to everyone, as often as you can and try to do it every day.
I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
Duplication of Success
You see, it is all about DUPLICATION. There are steps to understand and follow. A system is in place from the combined experience and training of many, many people years.
The first step is to invite. To be a role model of authenticity in all that we are. I show up in the belief that I am successful. I am a product of the product and feel my super powers from my experience. I have seen the business model and tried it on. I know many who have found brilliant life changing success and they are my mentors. I learn from them. I have a strong compelling vision and reason for doing what I do. I want to make a significant contribution in my family, with my friends and in the world. I stand strong in my vision and my “why”.
I study the science from a beginners mind. I suspend my previous history and listen for the brilliance of new science; new discoveries and new exploration in a world and practice that has never been my strength. I recognize the skills in others and I am curious and want to learn from them.
I wonder who will see what I see? And more important, can they and will they be able to see through their own lens? Can they be open to the possibility of life altering science? Can they see the miracle of the human body and what helpful plants can do to assist the body to heal itself; to be exposed to new research and new possibility of how life, aging and caring for others can be different? Can I be patient with those who take a little longer to see the message? Invite and assist them to see the possibility and opportunity. Pick them up, make it easy. Show up in their lives and accompany them to see what you see.
And for those who see the science and brilliance of this company, who can see how sharing it with others is simply the practice of duplicating this system; of asking questions to others and wondering who else wants to have a life altering experience? Who else wants to know that there are preventative ways of living and aging gracefully? Who else wants to make slight alterations in what they do to witness the human body in its full glory? Who else wants a weight management system that produces visible results and that is holistic and healthy? Who else wants to slow down the impact of aging on their body? Who else wants what I am having?
Enroll. Take action. Take the steps necessary, either as a customer or as a business associate to fully take advantage of a no risk system for 90 days. Experience renewal from the products, or get your money back. What? No risk, only possibility? If I don’t see and feel a difference within myself, I can get my money back? What is this company? What is the brilliance of this offer? Keep asking questions and being open to see how the body transforms and how the business model of sharing and duplication can be an opportunity.
Who do you know who is looking for something? With key questions, most people will tell you the changes they are looking for in their lives. Lots of people are not even aware this opportunity exists. Most people do not know about the science and the opportunities. Is there a list of loved ones who could really benefit from what you know? If you saw the best movie or read the most life changing book, would you hesitate to share it with the people you care most about? That is the process. Don’t tell them the punch line of the book or the movie; encourage them to read and experience it for themselves to get the full impact, without your lens. The same is true for introducing Univera.
Training is a vital part of any new venture. Wouldn’t you agree? Do you remember your first job? Did you need training? Did you need to learn new techniques and skills for any new thing you have tried; hobbies, employment, leadership, reading and to walk? This business is no different; we all need training to be successful. Be open and attend all events so that you can learn from others, to meet successful people doing what you want to do. Be available to make this part of your business a success. Training is not hard, it is urgent and it is important if you want to experience success along with your enthusiasm.
Reality check; some people are not ready. Some people want to hold on tight to their lifestyle and limitations. Is that OK? Of course it is. We don’t take it personally. We keep the offer open. If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you have always got. The same is true of others. And one day, the light may shine in and they will see what you are doing. The stronger you show up as a leader and living your authentic self, the more light you shine for others.
Find this community, be open to the possibility, be a product of the product, experience health and vitality like never before, improve your financial situation at the pace you want, take advantage of the training, feel the success of duplication and hold on for the ride of your life!!
http://www.PamelaMacDonald.myunivera.com
Vision Statement: a work in progress
I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
I am incredibly grateful and happy to be living on purpose, joyfully and with ease. I am deeply appreciated and loved. Every day something wonderful happens.
By showing up and playing full out in my extraordinary life of service and passion filled fun adventures; I create a movement. I inspire dream vacations of a lifetime with my family, friends, soul sisters and with women holding hands around the world. I walk where women have walked before me; I am a leader in this community; I truly make a difference. HerWayTravel is respected and shared globally. The best for women is the best for all.
I am blown away by my financial abundance having attracted a rapidly growing network of capable, committed, creative, visionary and super successful business partners who share Blue Diamond affluence, vibrant health and vitality, and global purpose through relationship in Univera.
Contributing in a meaningful way to world peace, I consciously practice caring communication including mindfulness, generosity, loving-kindness, visualization, journaling and Ho’oponopono.
Embracing change, I take profound focused action each day in the direction of my dreams by celebrating my insights, breaking through to my authenticity and standing strong and bold in my confidence and brilliant self image.
I greet each moment with open curiosity, courage, compassion, optimism, enthusiasm, excitement and expectancy.
I am living my dream by connecting to yours: world travel, financial ease, vital energy and deepening relationships.
I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
Top Ten TIPS for living the Life of your DREAMS
- VISION: Dream big, set goals and take steps every day in the direction of your dreams. Plan your success and when off course, re-focus and get back on track. Make your dreams visual and exciting. See, feel, hear, taste and touch your dreams, as if you are already living that life. Strong emotion is included in your vision in order for it to be powerful. Look at where you are going every day. Don’t quit.
- CONSCIOUSNESS: meditation, listen to inspiration, gratitude practice, journal, blog, read. Be present to your life. Eat and do routine tasks in a mindful way. Notice your world.
- GROWTH: Be inspired, hang out with people who are doing what you admire, read books, attend seminars and workshops, invest in personal development, try something new.
- MAKE DECISIONS: I read this recently, if it is not “HELL YES!” then it is “NO”: Make decisions and stick with it. Don’t quit. Don’t worry about what other people think.
- BE HEALTHY: Commit to consuming healthy products and foods, drink more water, take supplements that work (www.PamelaMacDonald.myunivera.com). Eat veggies, lots of them. Check out what is current in science. Stay away from sugars, starches and unhealthy fats as much as possible. Lean proteins, healthy omega fats daily. Exercise daily, including walking. Eat less food, drink more water (it is worth repeating!).
- ATTITUDE: Practice happiness, gratitude, kindness, smiling, generosity, forgiveness and self love every day, everywhere and with everyone! Explore and find your inner gifts and let go of old negative messages you carry around. Develop a spiritual practice and feel as one with all humanity. Develop a strong positive self image and see how the world changes in your eyes.
- FAMILY and FRIENDS: If you had 30 days to live, who would you spend it with? Make them a priority. Honor and show up for special events. Be the one who brings people together. Enjoy.
- TRAVEL: See the world. Walk where people have changed the world before you. Learn about other cultures, without judgment. See the beauty of other people and places. Learn other languages. Be a global citizen. Join me with “WomenHoldingHandsAroundTheWorld”. Check out my website: www.PamelaMacDonald.cruiseshipcenters.com
- SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Believe and have faith.
- TIME: No one has more time than you do, every day. How do you spend it? Select wise time management strategies to get it all done. Get up earlier in the morning and spend time on personal development. I read it takes 10,000 hours to develop a skill, truly. What are you investing your time doing? “If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you have always got.”
How to set and achieve your VISION
VISION: compelling, words, pictures, thoughts, feelings for your future. Who do you want to be and what do you want to be doing? With whom? How does it feel to be there? (think of athlete preparing for Olympics) EVERYTHING starts with a fantasy or dream …. What is yours? You can keep building.
GOALS: Simple, measurable, achievable, time limited. Use numbers, have from 3 to 5 in total. All fit in with your vision. If you can’t think of a number, then try using a range from 1-10, measure now and where you want to be in what time period. You can use amount of money you wish to have, number of countries you want to visit, number of weeks in foreign country, how many friends you want to travel with, number of $ invested, date you want to retire and with what income, etc.
ACTIVITIES or STRATEGIES: you will use to reach each goal. No more than 2 or 3 strategies for each goal. Multiple streams of income, start a home based business, invest in real estate market, consult a financial planner, investigate network marketing companies, research travel opportunities, start a meetup group to exchange ideas with others and expand social network, etc. Consider efficiency, several goals can have the same activity!
MASTERMIND: Who you hang out with determines to a large part how you see yourself and how supported you are to reach your highest and best. Select wisely, identify, invite and consult with 5 or more key successful people (alive or not) that you want to live life like. Write them down, what are the key features of each, what do you want to learn from them. Do what you need to do based on their advice.
TAKE ACTION: Daily reminders to take action steps, start with very small steps always toward the goal and in alignment with the vision. 20 seconds of Courage, 10,000 hours to be competent at a new skill (play piano, skilled in a sport, writing, painting, course of study, etc)
EVALUATION and REFOCUS: When and how often to review the vision, goals and strategies. Ask yourself “Is this working?” “How do I know if this is effective?”, if not effective toward your goals, then let it go. “What else can I do that will lead me to the desired end?”. Ask others to assist by stating 5 words that describe you. Consider not only how you are seeing yourself and also how others (MM) view you. Always check your numbers. Never quit. Refocus and align. Do not try to head in different directions at the same time. Create a visual map, mark your progress and celebrate successes! ReAlign!
Why should I talk to a travel consultant?
Thanks to Jeremy McLeod for these Top 10 Reasons to consult with a Travel Professional:
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1. Travel consultants have been proven in studies to consistently provide their clients with the best value-for-money in their travel spending. |
Top 10 Tips for Maintaining Control of your Weight
TOP 10 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING AND STAYING IN CONTROL OF YOUR WEIGHT
- Weigh your self every morning, naked and before you eat or drink. You will keep track of your progress and slippage and therefore take corrective action before it gets out of control. This is not an aid to “guilt”, but rather immediate information for you and confidence building. With a goal that the scale never goes up. Slow steady progress and plateaus are the goal.
- Supplementation is key for successful and healthy weight loss. Liquid calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, antioxidants are just a few that help your body keep up with activities of the day. If you can’t feel the difference, then try another brand. I use Univera products because I can feel the difference they make. Additionally, I take a multivitamin, Omega, and a high quality low carb greens. As a reminder, take vitamins and supplements when you brush your teeth (keep them near your toothbrush in bathroom so you don’t forget). Don’t forget to take them with you when traveling. Check out and compare: www.PamelaMacDonald.myunivera.com .
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water each and every day. Try drinking one before you eat and one after. It helps you feel full and will aid digestion. Water also helps flush out toxins.
- Eat at least 4 smaller meals every day. Start with the largest meal of the day at breakfast and get smaller as the day progresses. Most meals consist of a lean protein and lots of veggies.
- Before you go to bed, between 8 pm and 10 pm, eat a very easy to digest protein food. Such as a shake or drink made from lean low carb (no sugar) low fat protein powder such as whey isolate or soy protein.
- Eat veggies. LOTS of them. Above ground veggies such as green peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, celery … all good choices. (corn and beans not on the list). Make veggies your friends!
- Get a little kitchen scale. Purchase and prepare your veggies every week in advance. Weigh out two times 8 oz (by weight) veggies for each day of the week. Use them in soups, stir fries, salads and in omelets. Eat them for snacks. When you eat this many veggies you will be full enough.
- Find a veggie you love (for me it is cucumber) and always have some with you. When you are driving, commuting, working late. When you travel search out a store and buy cucumber or fennel or ??? to eat as you go. Top with black pepper and pink sea salt for a change.
- Release your urge and habit to eat foods high in carbs (such as sugar and flour, potatoes, pasta and rice). READ INGREDIENTS. If you want to salt your food, use pink sea salt if you can find it. Use spices that you love and stay away from spices with sugar and extra ingredients that you don’t want or need.
- When you “treat”, get right back on the program. It will become a lifestyle habit and you will feel more energy and be pleased with the results. Let go of any guilt …. Love your sweet self exactly as you are. Daily viewing in all your nakedness will help you stay in love and on the program. ***********BONUS:***** One pound of butter is a great visual. When next in the grocery store, take a look at the butter section and see how many pounds you have released of that fat. One glass bottle of Perrier is 3 pounds, when full. I walked around the grocery store holding 4 of them in my hands when I released 12 pounds. Eventually as I released 75 pounds, I put Perrier bottles (refilled with tap water) on a tray and I was unable to lift the tray!!! I was dragging that excess fat around with me for years. Feel the freedom to be yourself!
