Last I wrote, it was July 10th, and I was just pulling in to Santa Fe, NM.  I had fallen in love with Taos, and wasn’t sure I could love Santa Fe as much as I did the last few stops, because I just didn’t feel ready to be in a big city.  The major highway and off ramps were already stressing me the minute I arrived, but thankfully, my awesome Priceline score – Santa Fe Suites was there to make it all better.   What a great little place this was!  It was south of town, and a great place to call home for 2 days.  A nice kitchen, cable, internet, and I was right at home!

The minute I pulled into downtown Santa Fe, I fell in love – again.  What a great place it was.  I had so much fun photographing the locals.  I spent the entire day on the 11th, cruising the town, browsing the shops, sitting on the Plaza, and even went to see some of the local churches.

I found myself really missing the kids today, as there would have been so much there for us to share, and enjoy, but, I still managed to have my own share of FUN.  I spent most of the afternoon looking for the perfect spot for lunch, but it was Sunday, and many places were closed.  (Isn’t this a tourist town??)  So, I grabbed a quick bite, and decided to save my gastronomic pleasure on dinner.

That night, I found a cute little place with a balcony, overlooking the Plaza on San Francisco street.  The chips and wine were great – dinner was ok, but I met a really sweet family and talked most of the evening with them.  They were taking almost the same trip I was, only backwards, so they had lots to share about Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Bryce/Zion, so I was really excited to get some inside info.

The next day, I got up at sunrise, and went out and hiked the Aspen Vista trail, a nice 6 mile round trip hike.  It was a chilly morning, and a beautiful view at the top.  I can’t get over how quiet it is in all of the places I’ve seen so far.  I mean, really quiet, and it’s so peaceful and beautiful.  I just don’t know how I’m going to come home and get accustomed to the noise and the pace again!

I just had to go back and say good bye to the Plaza in person.  I took the opportunity to eat lunch at the Shed, one of the restaurants I wanted to hit yesterday, and had a great lunch in the outdoor patio.  Now, I was done, and time to move on – to Sedona!  The land of the red rocks!

See ya there!

Deb

Oh yeah – I had just gotten back from a 3 hour round trip drive to Aspen, and marveling at how different it is to drive in the mountains!

Well, Day 2 of rafting was one of my all time travel highlights, thanks to The Adventure Company, in Buena Vista.  These guys not only know how to raft, but they know the definition of customer service and satisfaction, and they go all out to make sure you leave a VERY happy “camper”!  This day, we rafted 2 runs – First, the big advanced run – Pine Creek, followed by “Numbers”.  It was another full day rafting trip, but this one took every bit of energy out of me!  Once again, they served us an amazing fajita lunch, so we had plenty of energy to work our way down the river!

Sadly, when we returned from rafting, it was time to move on, and I was truly sad to leave my new friends, and awesome b&b at Buena Vista.  I booked my room in Taos, at The Inn at Sagebrush, and arrived there 2 hours later.  Taos is an adorable town, and I’m so happy I stopped here, instead of heading straight to Santa Fe.  The Inn was an authentic Southwestern in, and helped me continue my good luck in “upgrades”, as they upgraded me to an Executive Suite upon arrival.  I wish I had more time here, because the room was amazing.  It had a full living room, complete with a Kiva fireplace, 2 bathrooms with skylights, so the suite was full of natural light.  There was a hot tub/jacuzzi on my floor, overlooking the mountains, and best of all – it included free full breakfast the next morning.  I went out to take some photos, and spent the day browsing the amazing shops, and came across a tiny hole in the wall for lunch, that is now my fave restaurant of all times.  I swear, the guacamole was the best ever (and of course I’m in love with “Christmas” salsa (both green and red mixed together).  I ordered the chipotle shrimp tacos – YUMMMM!

But, after lunch, it was time to head out of Taos, and again, I was so sad to leave.  Next time – I will leave myself a LOT more time here.  But, to make up for my sadness, I headed west, to the amazing little spot of “Ojo Caliente” Mineral Springs.  But first – I had to brave the drive – literally across the mountain, and came across a one lane bridge that led to a gravel road, on a cliff overhang – and I wasn’t sure I was gonna make it!  But – a few miles up the gravel road, I hit paved road again, and I was on my way to heaven!

Oh my goodness – what a treat!  Ojo Caliente is a little spa, buried in the mountains, and has 4 natural springs, 2 cliffside springs, 1 soda spring, and 1 iron spring – all non-sulphur/lithium springs.  To boot – I booked myself a beautiful spa massage, and just soaked and relaxed in the mountain air, and had the most amazing day.

Now, I was really sad to move on – but – helllloooooo Santa Fe!  I wasn’t sure I was ready for big city, but that brings me to today, to a city  full of vibrant life and culture, and I’m so excited to take in as much as I possibly can – but will save the details for next day’s entry.  I have to say – I love traveling alone, but, it does get a teeny bit lonely, so everyone’s facebook comments and messages are really keeping me company!  Feel free to drop a line, cuz I really appreciate hearing from everyone!

More tomorrow…

Deb

Check in time for the trip was 9am, and there I met my rafting partners, a family of 4 – The Dentons. I told them that I was going to be part of their family for the day, and we all hit it off beautifully! We had such a wonderful time rafting down Brown’s Canyon, although, it really is a run for the completely inexperienced. I rafted with The Adventure Company, and highly recommend them – and my tour guide, “Tuna”. They serve an amazing fajita lunch, fresh salad, fruit, and brownies for dessert. The rapids were fun, and we were lucky with weather most of the trip – but the minute we pulled out of the river, it began to pour. We heard the late afternoon trip got hailed on! Thank you – sun Gods!

After I got back to the b&b, and relaxed a bit, I didn’t want to sit around, so I got in the car, and drove the 65 miles to Aspen, only, nobody told me that the drive would be as thrilling as Shikra, the roller coaster at Busch Gardens. Seriously, this was a white-knuckle ride, and no sooner did I arrive in Aspen and grabbed a bite for dinner, I turned around and came home. My heart is still racing!

Back at the b&b, and ready for day 2 on the Ark. Tomorrow, I’m rafting Numbers, the advanced run of the Ark. It’s about 14 miles north of Buena Vista, and I saw the put-in on the way to Aspen. Can’t wait!
So – stay tuned…Tomorrow, after the run, I’m stopping by the Hot Springs in Cottonwood, and then down to Great Sand Dunes National Park, where I’ll be on Saturday. Then, on to Santa Fe for 2 nights. I could really get used to this!

Aly picked me up in Denver, and we went to pick up the rental car. My 2nd Kudos goes to Enterprise Rental, because not only did they upgrade me from my Intermediatereservation, but they gave me a Chrysler Sebring Convertible! (Brand new!!) What a way to travel 1000 miles!

Aly and I went to Cherry Creek for lunch, and then went back to her condo, to wait for Brooks to come home. We hung out and caught up on things, and went out for a beautiful dinner at Creek Canyon Grill. AMAZING dinner!

This morning – Aly and Brooks equipped me with tent, pad, sleeping bag, and headlamp, and off I went into Colorado Springs. I stopped first at Garden of the Gods (eh, nothing exciting here, for sure). Then, I continued west on Rt. 24, where I took Pikes Highway up to the top – 14,000 feet! It was a nerve wracking drive, but beautiful, with a little bit of snow left in patches at the peaks. Of course, I went in to the shop at the top, and bought some doughnuts (their specialty) and tried to take some photos. It wasn’t working well, because I was sooooo dizzy, and couldn’t breathe, so I knew I needed to reduce the altitude, and fast!

I felt much better at 11,000 feet, and continued down the mountain, and decided to head to Buena Vista, where my trip will leave tomorrow on the Arkansas River. Grabbed a quick dinner at Coyote Canyon Cafe, and tried to go take some sunset pics, but the rain and clouds are a little overbearing tonight. Decided to get a good night sleep so I have energy for the morning! I’m praying for sun, and every bit of heat I can get on this river trip!

So – off to sleep! Such a great first day, but tomorrow will really be super fun!
See ya!
Deb

This year, after a whirlwind year of weddings, B’Nai Mitzvah, awesome travel experiences, and business development far beyond my wildest expectations, I knew I needed a vacation.  But I also knew that heading back to my comfortable spot in Elkmont, in the Smokies, was not going to cut it.  I needed adventure, I had a bucket list, and the mountains and adventure of the midwest were calling my name, louder and louder, and I could not deny that I needed to see Colorado, and go somewhere I had never been before.  I wanted to sit on mountains, pray, explore, plan, reflect, and experience life.  Yeah, I know, I sound like that book – but while I just might write one of out of this experience, this is just coming from a place inside of me – telling me I need to go.

I never in a million years thought it would happen.  I boldly decided that in order to do this trip right, I needed 3+ weeks, and so I looked at the calendar, and blocked the time, and set my intention for what this trip might become.  Airfares were high, but Southwest came along with an email to my inbox (I don’t know how – I’m not even a Southwest frequent flier) but it was advertising fares at their lowest to Denver.  I checked my intended itinerary, found an amazing fare (with ** 2 bags free **) and booked it on the spot!  OMG!  Not only did I set the intention, but I took the first step in making it come true.

I never thought this day would arrive, but here I am at FLL, waiting for Southwest flight 173 to Denver.  I may know where I’m going the minute I get there, and I know a general itinerary, with a few commitments along the way, but otherwise – I am completely “flying by the seat of my pants”.  I have decided to allow the universe to take me where it wants to lead me, and I’m surprisingly fine with that – although, my heart is pounding out of my chest as I write.

Last night, I stayed at Casa Spiegel (Mom and Dad’s) and had a wonderful dinner with them, and Michael and Marsha (friends).  In the afternoon, I got to spend time with Nancy, Lexi, and Mike (Sister, niece, b.i.l.) and Lexi even came over to play and help me finish packing.  It was a great way to spend the anxious jittery time, with the people I love most in life, and that brings me to here, and now.

I’m so excited that when I get to Denver, I’m going to spend my first night with Brooks and Aly, my very special bride and groom from Playa del Carmen, this past April.  Aly has so generously offered to supply me with camping gear, take me to my rental car, and send me off on my adventure tomorrow morning.  More good times.

Ahead of me – I have booked 2 white water rafting trips, 3 nights of camping in Grand Canyon, and the most amazing itinerary ever along the way.  Me, and a rental car, a plan that will get carved out as I go, and yes Lauren – bear and people mace.  I’m ready to go.

I’m so thankful for the year that brought me here.  I’m so excited for what will be.  I’m so proud of myself, for making it happen.  And right now, life just couldn’t get any better.  (Well, it might be a little better if my ipad had arrived before my departure, but…)

I can’t wait to share this trip with all of you.  I hope this blog and my experience encourages anyone who wants to create change in their lives, to set their intention, and do one thing at a time to make it happen.  I hope it shows just one person that you can do whatever you dream – if you just dream it hard enough and believe in it enough.  I have the best life.  And it’s about to get even better….

It was a day that for whatever reason remained open in my calendar.  A Saturday?  Not a single event, from morning to night.  Sure, I had something on Sunday, but I kept wondering to myself, for months why that particular Saturday was just sitting there…alone and empty.  But now I know, it was meant to be that way.

At 7 am last Saturday, I was just waking up, figuring I would take advantage of the down time and do some office work, some blog writing, maybe even writing some music.  Before I finished my first cup of coffee, the phone rang.  WHO would be calling me this early, I wondered?  It was a Boca area code, but I didn’t recognize the number.  The gentleman on the other end of the phone said “Cantor Debbi, I found you online, and at the same time you were recommended to us by another source so I’m hoping you can help my friend”….He continued on saying…”They are getting married TONIGHT in Naples, Florida, and at 10:30 last night, they found out their Rabbi had been hospitalized, and was unable to perform the ceremony!”

OMG, I thought – what a horrible thing to happen!  He asked me if there was any way I could help and immediately the answer came to me, the reason all along this date was sitting open – it was just waiting for this phone call to happen, I suppose.  “Yes”, I replied, “In fact, I happen to be available all day and night, and can be in Naples in less than 2 hours.  How can I help?”

He told me that in just a moment, Brett, the groom would call me, and he did, and we chatted briefly, and in less than 20 minutes. we walked through a ceremony, planned how all this would play out, and I assured him I would be there a few hours before the ceremony began.  We planned a Ketubah signing, the whole ceremony from beginning to end, and we were on our way.  Within a couple of hours, I was in my car headed west, to The Naples Beach and Golf Resort, a magnificent location for a wedding, (and strangely enough, one of the first places my husband and I spent the weekend at together, almost 25 years ago!)

As a side note – it struck me that amid some of the worst winter weather we had been having, as I was driving across Alligator Alley, I was amazed at what a beautiful day it was, cool, crisp, and incredibly sunny.  I was certain there was something divine going on here, but just not quite sure what.

Sure enough, I arrived at the resort, found the coordinator, checked in, made sure everything was in order, and before I knew it – it was time for the Ketubah signing.  I met both Brett and Andrea just before, and they were one of the cutest, sweetest couples I had ever met.  Their friends in the bridal party were so excited that I was there, and so grateful that I had arrived, and I just knew that I was right where I was supposed to be.

The setting for their wedding was amazing, the weather was perfect, and the family was ecstatic.  And there I stood, waiting for Brett and Andrea to arrive at the chuppah, and took a moment and looked up at the sky, and offered a special moment of thanks, for leaving this day open, for leading me here, and for being able to make a very special couple’s wedding dream come true.

We don’t always know why things happen, and we don’t always know what is in store, but I learn more and more, that every day, we are exactly where we are meant to be.

I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to marry Brett and Andrea, for meeting their parents, who were also so grateful for the ceremony and for the way things worked out, and for the new friends I have made as a result of it all.  I’m so grateful to G-d, for allowing me to be right where He wanted me to be.

Jennifer & Mickey's Interfaith wedding location at Hemingway House in Key West

Chuppah at The Hemingway House, Mickey & Jennifer's Interfaith wedding

Mickey and Jennifer are the sweetest couple, incredibly kind, loving, and so wonderful to work with!  Mickey is Jewish, and Jennifer is Chinese, and together we created a beautifully blended ceremony, including a chuppah, breaking of the glass, and ending in a beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony, where both Mickey and Jennifer honored their parents.

Tea Cups for Chinese Tea Ceremony

Mickey and Jennifer honor Jennifer's parents in the Chinese Tea Ceremony

Mickey and Jennifer’s families were wonderful, and so much fun to celebrate with!  (Especially Mickey’s sister!)

I co-officiated the ceremony with Pastor Dave from The Hemingway House, and the setting, the food, and the whole party experience was incredible!

Best of luck to you, Mickey and Jennifer!  Wishing you all the love in the world!

B’Shalom!

As soon as I arrived yesterday, we went to Mike & Sharon’s house, and Matthew and I prepared the Torah and practiced our singing together.  I love that Matthew is a performing pro, so there is NO tension about him getting up in front of 200 people today and chanting Torah!  Before we left for the hotel, Mike and Sharon treated me to the perfect Chicago lunch at Stadium Dogs, and we had the BEST Chicago hot dogs EVER!  (Well, they’re the only ones I’ve ever had – in Chicago, so who am I to boast?)

Just arrived in Chicago - Time for a Hot Dog!

Last night, Sharon’s dad had all the family (lots of them) over to their magnificent home for dinner.  It was such a wonderful evening.  Matthew and I sang lots of Shabbat songs, and all the kids helped lead the Shabbat blessings.  There are 4 children under 1 year old, so it was an amazing evening!  Elana, Jacey’s daughter, covered her eyes during the lighting of the candles, and is only SO excited that her Aunt Leiba brought her a Havdalah set and we are going to have Havdalah tonight – after a swim in the water park.

Singing Shabbat Songs on Friday night

Indoor Water Park at Key Lime Cove, the Bar Mitzvah location

Yes, life is colorful, and full adventure.  But this weekend, it is also full of love.  I’m so happy to be here.

Go Matthew!  Bring it on!

B’Shalom!

Greg and Serin were married last weekend, on Clearwater Beach, FL.  A beautiful west coast sunset, and beautiful cool weather were on hand for a magnificent wedding ceremony and family gathering.  I really enjoyed working with The Hilton hotel, and Joanie, the Wedding coordinator was amazingly helpful!  The coming together of Greg and Serin’s families were so interesting, as Greg’s heritage is of Moroccan descent, Sephardic Jews, and Serin’s family is Presbyterian, but they do such an amazing job blending their lives, and their relationship is so pure, that the differences between them are simple reminders of what they appreciate in each other.

Greg’s father recited the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) in Hebrew, while I read the English Humanistic version of the blessings.  As the sun was setting, and I was singing the Priestly Blessing, and I saw the joy in Greg and Serin’s face, I was once again reminded that G0d was certainly present at their wedding, and would be with them through every step of their married lives together.

Best of luck, Greg & Serin!

B’Shalom

So, I’m about to begin another Jewish year.  Not only do I know I have tons of work to do in getting ready for HH ‘09, but, I have lots of work to do looking back.  I couldn’t begin looking forward until I spent some time catching up on where I’ve been over the last few months.

Last I wrote, I had just gotten back from St. John, where I performed the wedding for Jen & Ilan, and their 2 little girls.  It was so amazing!  Then, I was in San Juan for Meredith & Vincent’s wedding – that I still need to blog about.  It was at the Fort, and it was a beautiful day!  Right after the wedding, I was rushed back to the airport, to perform Susi & Joe’s wedding in Key Biscayne the next morning, so needless to say – it took a while to recover!

Of course, there was Reid’s Bar Mitzvah, the following week, which was such a great experience.  Kudos to Richard & Jayne,  who defied social tradition, and had a lovely,  small, private, intimate service right in their home.  Reid did a great job, and I was so proud of him!

THEN – the highlight of my month – I took off to the NC Smoky Mountains, where I go camping, hiking, and white water rafting for 10 amazing days!  Just wait till I post pictures of my TENT – and the bear we came across while hiking!  We got lots of rain towards the end of the week, so we headed off to my friend Kerin’s cabin in Boone, and spent the rest of vacation in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest.

I thought August would be quiet, but today is the 27th, and I don’t know where the month went.  I performed a Bar Mitzvah for Makhail, where everyone came in “Jedi” costumes, and a very sad funeral, for the loss of my friend’s mother, a beautiful woman who was taken far too early.  Then, it was time to take Trevor to Gainesville, and Lauren to Jacksonville, and that brings me to today- where I just returned home, ready to go!

I am, however, going to take a few hours to hit the beach, and go for a walk, enjoying the beautiful Florida outdoors.  I have missed sun, and relaxation, but I just couldn’t hit the sand and surf without taking a few minutes to write.  I want to write about all of these things that I have done this summer, but I also have many new and exciting things to cover coming up.

Oh wait – did I mention I got certified to scuba dive, and will now be performing underwater weddings with ProDiveUSA?  Yeah, so much to tell…

Stay tuned, I’ll be back – but for now, going to get a dose of vitamin D!

LOVE YA!