Sunday, November 13, 2011

Ach-u-Pie Minneaoplis

I often tell those that know me, I reserve the right to change, change my mind that is.  If I stay stuck in what and how I think things should be, then I could be in for a big surprise, often times a painful one.  If instead, I just send out to the Universe my intention, then let go of any expection of how it should be, It takes care of It's self and I get a surprise gift.  WOW where did that come from?

The simple yet profound answer is that it came from Within.  After allowing for much reflection of what I've been witness to, or perhaps honored to have been Aware of, gifts given each moment if I AM open to receive them.  T.Y.S.  Thank You Spirit!

My dear friend Pat Achenback aka "Ach" has been a long time inspiration to me.  We have worked together and have been of service on many projects over the past several years and continues to teach me the lesson I''ve been searching for all my life.  The lesson of how can I can fill up my G.A.S. tank.  Thank you Pat!

11-11-11 was again another gift Pat and I shared together.  We delivered a Pie to the People's Plaza in downtown Minneapolis.  An Ach-u-Pie to be more percise, named after my friend Pat Achenbach.  Twelve Peace Chairs set together in a circle of peace and  harmony.  Our intention was to share what is possible with others to emulate around the world, Take a Stand in what you believe while sitting in comfort.

I want to take a moment and thank many of those that shared in our Ach -u-pation.  This is only a partial list as I AM unaware of all that aided us in our mission.  You know who you are, and that is the important thing.  You can say "I made a difference because I was their."  I want to also include all those that joined us live on the 'Caution Cam" thanks in part to Jerrime and all those that contributed and supported to make the live Caution Cam possible.  Technology such as this is what helps create a more peaceful experiance.  If you only knew who, what and how you are being watched, you would realize, there is no hidding, there is only taking responsibility in what you help co-create.  What would you like to help co-create?

Thank you Pat, Dianna, charles, Monique, Will, Sean, Osha, April, Antisar, Anthony, Barb, Susan, John, Bill, Sinbad and his son, The Police security force, Big brother watching and listening.  The man with the dark sunglasses. The guy that was gifted the mountain bike, the one that gifted the mountain bike?, anyone missing a Schinn Messa mountain bike?  Check the Plaza!  The Eleven Veterans, all the other veterans that showed up and the Vets that chose not to identify themselves.  The man who speaks to trash cans, or perhaps he was just praying for it's content.  The homeless women with the broken cardboard box unable to retain her worldly goods.  The people looking down for the tall ominous buildings surrounding us.  The bright beautiful Moon.  The birds that flew over head at just the right time to create that knowing that most of all, thank you Spirit for showing up in your natural beautiful way, the winged ones, the trees, the air.  The everything, the nothing!

Friday, November 11, 2011

People's Plaza Minneapolis, Minnesota

It is time to come out of hiding and join the numbers.  I have decided to go to the People's Plaza and offer comfort to the people in the form of what I call an Acc-u-pie.  As I write this, the apple pie Josie and I made this morning is finishing in the oven.  This afternoon I intend on sharing a different kind of pie with the people at the Plaza, an Acc-u-pie.  What is an Acc-u-pie you ask?  It is a peace chair circle used by those that are tired of taking a Stand while standing for what they believe and instead take a seat and Sit for what you believe.  Sit, Be Still and Be the change you wish to see in the world.

I look forward to sharing more stories about what happens in my future and the future of those that chose to Sit with me and take a Stand for what they believe.

I've included the following poem, by Maryanne Williamson , that is also in all my Discovering Peace Within Series books as an example of what you may experience during this time of Acc-u-pie-ing.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Look forward to seeing you soon and sharing a Pie.  Gene, this Pie is for you!

Patrick

Saturday, October 15, 2011

There is no place like home!

Remember, keep following the yellow brick road (your Dream), and keep clicking your heals together(taking action)!

Before I left to go on this journey, I said to Josie, the best part of this journey is going to be my returning home.  Wow, I was right again.  I've found even more to be grateful for.

I want to thank all those that in encountered on my journey.  If I didn't name you by name or even mention the story we created together, then perhaps it is for you to share with others what you experienced in our brief moment together.  After all, it, our past is just a story.  Thank you for sharing.

My intention was to go without any agenda except to share my passions and I believe I accomplished it.  I cached a chair or book here and there.  Gifted a chair or book here and there.  Sold a chair or book here and there.  Shared a story here and there.  And best of all, created a story here and there.

I worked, I played, I suffered, I gave and I received.  It was awesome!  My G.A.S. tank and my car's gas tank were filled many times over.  My tank runith over!

I found that selling my books, especially "Filling Up Your G.A.S. Tank" was most efficient while standing outside of Gas Stations because for one, I needed Gas in my car and two, the people I met where generous and giving.  I did however encounter a very powerful teacher that I'm truly grateful for and here is the story in encountered.

Late one evening in Oregon at a Union 76 gas station I asked the cashier if it would be OK to hang out for awhile and share some stories and ask some questions.  I sold a few books to help buy some gas as my car was nearly empty.  My intention for this journey was to earn my way either by working (what every work I could find) and by selling Peace Chairs and Discovering Peace Within books.

A young lady stopped for gas and I asked her if she would be interested in hearing a story.  She said she didn't have any cash to purchase a book or chair, but could use her credit card to put $10 worth of gas in my car.  I agreed and she did.  She actually ended up putting $17 in my tank.  In the mean time the young gentleman that was with her sat in the Peace Chair I had set up nearby and was very excited about what he had discovered.  He  told the young lady that he wanted the chair and insisted they place it in her car.  He asked how much the chair cost and I told him.  He sudden got very angry and started shouting that I was a liar.  He said that I just told his friend that it cost $10.  I tried to explain that she had offer to put $10 worth of gas in my car without any expectation in return. 

He continued to get more angry and threw my chair over causing more of a scene.  He told the cashier to call the police, that he new a con artist when he saw one.  I told him it wasn't necessary to call the police that I too know a con artist when I see one and didn't see my self that way.  I gave the young man a chair kit and told him he can have it as a gift since he seemed to want one so badly.  He threw the chair kit back at me, jumped in the car and shouted at his female friend to get the hell out of here.

I didn't feel threatened by this young man, although I was concerned what action he might take since he was obviously intoxicated.  I could smell the liquor on his breath and he was acting very irrational.  However, I continued to send him peaceful thoughts and even offered a chair as a gift.

This was one of the very few potentially dangerous encounters I had throughout my entire trip.  For the most part, I encountered very loving, peaceful, generous and kind people.

I look forward to my journey through life and am grateful for all I encounter, good, bad or indifferent.  Why you might ask.  Because I am that, I am.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Fairbanks Alaska

Eric and I caught the ferry boat from Juneau to Haines and spent the night with his friend Joe.  I left my journal at his house so I don't have the details of my travels for this update.  Joe is sending it to me here in Fairbanks so I'll write an update later.

Before departing Haines, we linked up with Carl Hill a guy I met on the Ferry from Bellingham to Juneau.  Carl asked if he could catch a ride with us to Fairbanks.  When we first met on the boat he introduced himself and said he was from Slidell, Louisiana.  Coinsidence?  Slidell is where Josie and I assisted with the Hurricane Katrina disaster clean up.  Thanx Carl for allowing me to witness your inspiring journey.  I hope you find what you are seeking.  Keep shinning your light.

Eric and Lauren are great hosts.  We've gone on hikes, played Frisbee golf, and swum in the local Chena Hot Springs.  Wow, what a beautiful part of the country.

The journey has been awesome.  However, I look forward to G.A.S.ing up and heading back to the lower 48 and back to Orchard Lake.  As Dorthy reminds us, there is no place like home.  I look forward to returning home and reuniting with the love of my life, Josie.

I'll share more details when my journal catches up with me.  For now I thank all those that have helped make this journey a joyous and memorable one.  I thank all those that I have yet to ask the question, "Got G.A.S.?" and ask, how may I serve you?

Peace Be Still...
Pat

Friday, September 16, 2011

Bellingham Rest stop

Met up with a fellow seminarian Meredith Murray of the Beloved community.  She feed me and let me crash on her couch.  Meredith her friend Steve and I went to the Wild Buffalo last  night and enjoyed dancing to a group called Dehli 2 Dublin.  Very high energy group, lots of fun.  Thank you so much Meredith for sharing your heart and home with me.  See you in a couple of weeks.

Met what I will call Park people or homeless at a park in Bellingham, Washington.  Robin thanks for the insights about life.  Zeth I'll keep my thoughts and prayers around your reuniting with your son Hunter.  Bless you both on your journeys.

Special thanks to Sarah at Bolerjack Intaglio Works for your ideas and support.  You have a beautiful gallery and best of luck to you.  You can check out her interesting archival, hand-pulled etchings at http://www.bolerjackworks.com/

Catching the ferry here in Bellingham, Washington to Juneau, Alaska this afternoon.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Unexpected gifts

"High intention sets the Universe in motion."  ~Armand Hammer

From Ely I headed south down Interstate 29 and stopped at the Glacier Lakes Rest area.  There I met a couple of interesting people.  First there was Bev Thoen on her way to a B-day party for her mother.  The other person was Leonard Larson,  a truck driver, father and excited about life.  Leonard purchased a chair kit and a Buckthorn Peace Chair-apy book for his nephew Chris and his bride to be Megan for their wedding gift.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me Leonard, you gave me inspiration.

I spent some time in Tilford, SD at my friends Mark and Cate;s place.  Cate hosted a peace chair building playshop this past spring at Bear Butte, SD and is currently on a Spiritual Road trip of her own.  I was pleased to learn that many people are enjoying the chairs here in the Peidmont area.
While staying at Mark and Cate's place I met their neighbor Danny that has a great organic in his yard.  I purchased some gas (fruits and veggies) for my body.

Spent a night in the Black Hills near a mountain stream.  The sound of the water lulled me to sleep.

My next stop was at Luke and Kaytlin's house in Livingston, Montana.  Luke their son Samuel and I went to the Yellowstone river for the afternoon swimming and fishing.  My intention was not to fish since I didn't have a local fishing licence.  However, I gave into the desire to cast and was caught by the local law enforcement and was fined $135.00.  I tried to give him a sad story and get out of it but he was a real ball buster.  Just another lesson for me that if I'm to live in this world of rules, I either play by them or pay the price.  So last night Luke, Bill and I did a Full Moon Sweat lodge and was able to find forgiveness and understanding in what I create.  I take responsibility for my breaking the law fishing and paid the price with GRATETUDE.

Today I was blessed to share some time with a group of children at the Montessori Island School here in Livingston. The Island School is an incredible place.  They have a pony, a goat and a sheep.  They also have a veggie and flower gardens all integrated into their recess/play area. They also have a Peace Garden.  I envision a Peace chair in their garden.  Planting more peace seeds.  Life doesn't get much better than that!

Kaytlin works part time at the school and invited me to along.  I shared the Peace Chair with the kids and like all kids they loved it.  Kelley Myer is the elementary director and is excited to start a Peace Chair Project within their school and is already talking about sharing the concept with two other local Montessori schools.  I look forward to see how this latest venture comes together.

Looks like I'll be spending another eventing on Outlaw Hill.  Thank you Spirit.

On the road again.

"It does not require many words to speak the truth."  ~ Chief Joseph

The quote above will be the foundation for my blogging.  I will attempt to keep it short, informative and perhaps more important entertaining.  Without humor, life can be very dark and heavy.

The first stop of my trip was Inspiration Point at Blue Heron B&B in Ely, Mn.  It felt good to reconnect with the place that accelarated my awareness.  I had mixed emotions around the condition of the paths that meador throught the woods.  They are not the well worn paths that I used to maintain while working and living at Blue Heron.  Now, trees block the path in many places and the path is getting very overgrown.  I also was aware of how beautiful it is and I am grateful to be witness to its return to its natural state of being.


Jo and Bill at Blue Heron B&B seem to be doing ok despite the slow tourism to the BWCAW.
Jo still has a couple of Peace Chairs out in the front yard near the lake.  The elements destroyed the material from being left outside out all the time so I reskinned the chairs.  I also replaced some of the wood on one of the chairs.  The replacement wood came from the Laurentian Divide.

My first Peace Chair Cache was made at Semers Park.  It is within 30 feet of the shore line and protected by a large pine tree.  That is your clue.  If you want more clues you'll have to ask me.

Thank you Bob and Ruth of Music Outfitters for always being great friends and teachers.  Your store is looking better all the time.  Nice addition with the Disc Golf accesories.

Had coffee and lunch at the Front Porch Coffee Shop and reconnected with my dear friend Nancy Scheibe.  Nancy is getting ready to depart for her last leg of a three part journey paddling the Mississippi River from the head waters to New Orleans.  Good luck Nancy!  You can follow her journey at http://www.ripplesofwisdom.com/

Monday, September 5, 2011

Gratitude

"If I never met you I would have dreamed you into being."  ~Sebasian Chantoix

I recently met a beautiful Spirit by the name of Julianne Druzbacky at the Minnesota State Fair and we immediately made that deep connection we all long for.  Please check out her Dream and Passion at www.peacebeginswithme.org  and share your story at www.facebook.com/peacebeginswithmeproject.  You'll be glad you did!

I'm grateful for soooooo much.  Especially my family and friends.  Thank you all for supporting me as I embrace the unkown.  Bless you all and I love you.

I sat in silence and asked Spirit what direction I'm to travel first. Spirit said go, North young man.  Start your journey where it all began, Ely Minnesota.  In case I don't see the following people on my visit to Ely, I share my deep heart felt gratitude to you all.  To Jo Kovach owner of Blue Heron B&B for being a power loving teacher and for introducing Native American Spirituality to me.  Bob and Ruth of Music outfitters for all the support they gave us.  Wayne and Karen Friedrich for being great friends.  Jim Brandenburg for inspiring me to write my first book, Inspiration Point.  Nancy Scheibe for teaching me about using my intuitive nature.  Mauricio and Habib for Ely Sports Wear for thier joy and enthusiasm for life and for being a God-send when needing one most.

Peace Be Still...
Patrick

Friday, September 2, 2011

Peace Chair Stories

We all have some great stories to share with the world.  I want to create one with you.  Change the world, build a chair!

See you soon.  In the mean time check out the link below for one of my latest moments.

http://www.discoveringpeacewithin.com/meditationchair.html

Peace Be Still...
Patrick

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Got G.A.S.?

This is my first time blogging EVER and my intention is to use this as a means to share stories of people, places and things I encounter on my journey to Alaska to visit our Son Eric. 
I depart Sept 6th.  I look forward to sharing with you and learning from you.

This trip is also intended on helping promote my latest book "Filling up your G.A.S. Tank"  (G.ratitude, A.wareness and S.ervice) in my "Discovering Peace Within Series".  I look forward to assisting you in filling your up G.A.S. tank. In return I'll be able to fill up the gas tank in my car.   
And so I ask, Got G.A.S.?  And so it is!

Thank you Lee and Kris (they work at the Dakota County Library) for assisting me today and for your first time witnessing the new automated system at the library that allows patrons to pay late fees at the book check out station.

Visit www.discoveringpeacewithin.com to learn more about me and what I'm passionate about.

Peace Be Still...
Patrick