“Where the Rubber Meets the Road” is an adage that describes the test of putting a concept, plan or theory into action. I am sure that I am not alone in dealing with doubts, when it comes to implementing abstract notions about making the world a better place. And I admit that the distance between self help ‘how to’ and ‘job well done’ can turn into an abyss. But sometimes it actually does work out!
Over the past many months, we have encountered MANY personal property repairs and community restoration projects which have contributed to a certain kind of fatigue – noise, dust, inconveniences, time drain, communication challenges, congestion, safety awareness, close calls, financial considerations, as well as just plain old UNCERTAINTY. So when our lovely Sedona neighborhood board announced the need for replacing our asphalt roads, we just cheerfully rolled with the punches… until it became evident that our week in Sedona literally conjunct the days the paving contractor would be working on our little street.
Here, I hit an emotional wall, with worry about everything that my imagination could conjure surrounding disruptions in my otherwise lovely April quiet time. After meditating on how to calm myself, I decided to apply a technique coined by Georgia Jean centered around Love and Acceptance and Heart Alignment. I had been using this practice for several years now and it has helped in many areas. So I decided to surrender the part of myself that was in resistance to the fatigue of this noisy world and bring it into my heart.
I had decided to just put my head down and immerse my attention in my own world of writing. Then, I received a phone call from my across-the-street neighbor, saying, “You’re missing all the fun! Come on out!” To my surprise, we had front row view of a symphony of equipment working together like an orchestra- rollers, dump trucks, spreader, sweepers, and all sorts of electronics. We were witnessing artisans, as well as craftsmen, precisely executing their purposes in brilliant choreography. It was incredibly inspiring. I mean, how many of us have the privilege of such first hand up close action?
As I stood in the shade enjoying the show just a few feet away from the shimmering hot street, it suddenly dawned on me that, this remarkable experience was the result of my trusting the process and trusting the process instead of worrying about all the ‘what ifs.’ I had freed my energy to create beautiful experiences and connect with the process. Same project, different personal experience… Wow… now THAT gives new meaning to “Where the Rubber Meets the Road.”
If you are interested in exploring Georgia Jean’s Heart Centering meditations,
visit her website to learn more about her offerings.
L.S. Berthelsen 
Hi. I’m in Budapest (reading your book:))…. Staying in the Buda district…. Going to St Matthias today…. Where else would you/did you go to visit about the Knights Templar? .. In which I am fascinated. Many thanks and best regards Alexandra
Dear Alexandra, It is a pleasure to meet you! Sorry it has taken a bit longer for me to respond to your comments, due to computer glitches.
First of all, wow! What a wonderful opportunity to spend time in Budapest! You can find ‘echos’ of Templar presence in old Buda. Let’s see… The FIsherman Bastion, Castle hill, and Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and Church of Mary Magdalene (Mária Magdolna-templom is now in ruins) date from the time of the Templars.
There is even a medieval Jewish Quarter that was near the Temple district that might have tours available. They are also only an echo of that time. It is easy to imagine how it all fit together! When I was in Budapest, I did not get to visit all of these places, but I am very happy that you are there now.
NOW, I am also thrilled that you are reading my book! If you have any other questions, please feel free to write and ask. I would also be greatly interested in hearing about your experiences in Budapest, as one of the story-lines of my third book is set in Hungary.
Safe travels and happy Templar explorations!
Linda
Hi. Thanks for coming back to me!
I literally found your book, when I was looking at the knights Templar and put in Budapest into a Google search!! I have seen so many references throughout my travels at home in Britain and in Spain, France, the Czech Republic and Croatia…. That i just wondered what I may find here!!
It was partially driven by my interest in my family tree, and having found several parts of my family hailing back to various noble families across Europe from either my mother and father or the various grandparents on mine and my husbands side (which whilst distant, perhaps even wrongly traced) I have been fascinated.
So to Budapest….
You are right, there are so many echoes of their past and present here… At every turn, in every street in O/Buda there are memorials to their names… Shields to their families and the various countries they hailed from. These are also commemorated in the Matthias Temple and St Stephens Basilica.
I found the Matthias Temple, the most astonishing place of all so far. I cannot put into words what I felt in there… I don’t think anywhere, certainly man-made has ever quite ‘brought me to tears’ before in any way shape or form other than ‘nature’!!!
We went to the National Museum today and found everything from tombstones in the basement with knights and shields carved into them from all over the World, other artefacts, such as their weapons armour, and portraits, to religious and royal items I imagine they preserved/fought for, for future generations to enjoy.
I have also found myself wondering that these well educated, noble men (even women? as I have noted that Hungary acknowledges the well educated women in many frescoes I have seen) that they may not just be an elite fighting force, but perhaps musicians, fine artists, sculptors, as well as deeply religious and the ‘right hands of God’ .
I have even found the building for the present day Knights in the city! I wonder if they are now responsible for preserving, and maintaining much of Budapest!… As well as providing’ Faith, Hope & Charity here and probably across the rest of the World!
We have found ourselves, particularly captivated by the Castle area, and have enjoyed the last 2 days exploring all these links across the city, as well as listening to ancient Music by the Fisherman’s Bastion,. There was a gentleman on a ‘Hurdy Gurdy’, which reminded me of the Highlanders. In fact, his whole presence reminded me more of a Scot than a Hungarian. The music was like a mix of bagpiping with the tune overlaid on top. Like ceilidh music I know and love. In fact, he was a little like the Scottish Archers who I think were the protectors of our late Queen Elizabeth… He wore a cap with a tall feather, a cassock type top with the gold ‘frog’ type fastenings with high black black boots 🙂
I have been enjoying your book at the beginning and end of our few days here, and cannot wait to find out more about the Haling and how Adam will become entangled in the ‘plan’ and with the Knights.
I particularly love Aiki the Wyvern, (Dragon type creature) making a magical appearance.
If I wasn’t, so busy running around Budapest, I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to put your book down!
I look forward to chatting with you some more about this amazing city and your books. Please pass me your email (if you are happy to… I don’t know whether you can private message on here) as I would love to discuss all this with you further.
Best regards Alexandra
Dear Alexandra,
I am thrilled that we have made this connection! I am in the process of creating a response to your comment on Budapest, with a lot to share. You have touched on many points in common & I DO believe that we have a lot to discuss! Enjoy the rest of your time in this magical place and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences in Old Buda.
Starry Blessings,
Linda
A teaser or sorts… Hungary will be featured in Book 3 (still in the creation process) and will include Templar historic connections to Scotland and more :~)
Hi. I’m back now from Budapest… And cannot believe how much I saw in this most incredible city… And so inspiring!
I managed to get to all the places you reccomended except for the Jewish quarter… But I’m already planning to go back…. And take my children., do next time I’ll do the bits I missed.
I found more Scottish links for you… Which you may know, but whether they fit your time lines is another matter…. Apparently there are a couple of Scottish lineages from Hungary that cross with Scottish clans….
I tend to just drift about seeing where thoughts take me… I saw King Arpad and wondered after the ‘musical cross over I heard’ , whether there is more of a link between Hungary and Scotland? I searched Arpad and Scottish clan and….
The house of Croy and The Drummond family are said to be descended from Geza and George sons of medieval kings of Hungary!!!!
With regards to reading your book… I’m not far in still (mummy duties call, and I’m just in a start up business right now) but I am thoroughly enjoying it…. It feels a little ‘wierd’ to me, but comforting that the story feels strangely familiar. I definitely feel an affinity to Hannah… Maybe the frustrated female scientist in me… On a mission:)
I have also felt compelled to read more of your blog from the beginning, because what I had read is very much in tune with my way of thinking and looking at the world….. So Ive gone back to your beginning:
Well, I don’t know what to say…. Other than you are just like me, in so many ways ‘it’s untrue’!!!! The only thing that separates us is a little ‘time and space’ :
I am a scientist, a mum, but with a love of history (I wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge, until I went back to my true passion of Biology) , and I studied English even into by degree in Biology. I love languages, I speak a little French and I have a GCSE in Latin which has helped with just about everything:) I also draw and paint (but not as much as I used to), and grow as many plants as I can (I have a large garden and allotment too) .
I’m also married to a brilliant scientist, who is kind and gentle.
I used to sing in church choirs (alto) the youth choir and a band… I played the piano, cello, drums and a few pipes However, I’m quite passionate about singing the ‘old way’ in the church of England service (I insisted the new modern rector who conducted our wedding service do it ‘in rite B’,) Although I don’t go to church regularly as I used to, I still believe, but am fascinated by all religions (I even saw the Pope in Budapest)!!!!
Anyway, I wanted to share a bit about me, as I’m so drawn to your blog and book!
I will be dedicating my spare time to your work, ad I find it do relaxing to read.
Take care and ‘starry blessings’ to you too. Alexandra
Oh Alexandra! How you warm my heart! did you receive my email response to your yahoo account? It was the email listed on this blog.
I just want to make sure further conversations are safe.
Hi. I got notification of your like, but not a message…. Yes, I would prefer to speak more privately! Could you provide yours… Then I reply? Best regards Alexandra
Hello! Sorry for the delays. I sent the email to the yahoo email that you signed on the blog with. My author email is halingauthor@gmail.com Thanks for making the effort to continue our discussions.
Hi. I did a search and didn’t get it….. But on thumbing through I found it! I will reply there later.
Thank you! 🌟