My Latest Discovery About Trees: California Coastal Roadtip

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

I am in love! I have always loved the beach, but this weekend on an impromptu road trip, I found that the ocean is fabulous for rejuvenating, recharging and grounding, but nothing beats a forest for filling and feeding your soul. 

On Saturday morning, I woke up with a whisper in my head, "Morrow Bay!" I weighed the value of visiting a new place versus going back to my old favorite, Hendrey's Beach in Santa Barbara. New won. I mapped the fastest route for us, almost four hours versus two-and-a-half. Still, the whisper of Morrow Bay continued to ring in my ears.

I loaded up a change of clothes and booked a motel 6 in Morrow Bay, California for my dogs and me. It was far from a budget weekend, being so close to the ocean, but the destination was a perfect balance between San Louis Obispo and San Simeon and the Hearst Castle. There was plenty to see and do.

The drive through the desert town of Bakersfield and the wine country was uneventful, monotonous even, so different than driving through Valencia, Fillmore and Santa Paula towards SantaBarbara. I drove by dead almond trees, thousands of which had been cut waiting to be ground up for mulch. Eventually, we arrived in Paso Robles wine country with hundreds, of acres of vineyards. I doubled back to stop at an avocado ranch for some huge fresh-piked Haas avocados.

Neil Donaldson photo

We arrived in Morrow Bay after almost four hours of driving. We drove around the bay and headed for a quiet dog-friendly beach. The temperatures on the coast were thirty degrees lower than at home in the Mojave Desert; the cool breeze was welcome.

On our way northward to Hearst Castle, we stopped for pie in the quaint, artsy town of Cambria, at Linn's. The home of the famous olallieberry pie. It was tasty, not too sweet, but the crust was lacking the crispy texture that I prefer. I give their pie a 3 out of 5

because of the crust. Kohnen's Bakery in Tehachapi has the best pie I have ever had from California to Colorado.

We drove northward to the Hearst Castle, arriving right at closing time -  5:00 PM. I wasn't up for the entire tour and didn't want to leave my dogs in the car for two hours anyway. 

Only four miles further north on PCH 1 was a viewing spot for elephant seals. Both dogs were quite intrigued by the huge mammals sunning themselves on the beach. One huge bull tossed flipper after flipper full of sand over his blubbery body. 

San Simeon coastline, California Route 1 

Seeing these basking sea creatures in person is an incredible and exciting sight. We arrived shortly after 5:00 PM. The sun was beginning to set which meant we had gorgeous views of the coastline after our visit with the elephant seals. The timing couldn't have been more perfect if I had planned it, which I didn't. 

After an afternoon at the beach, a bath and a coastline drive, the dogs and I were pooped. After watching the sunset magnificently, we packed it in around 8:00 and headed for our motel. 

Sunday morning was a cool 56 degrees; I had to put on a pair of jeans. The light windbreaker I brought with me wasn't enough for the morning ocean air. We headed south about twenty-five minutes

arriving in San Louis Obispo after watching the sun rise over the mountains on our way down through the passes. On our way back to Morrow Bay we found ourselves at a virtually unknown campground Cerro Alto in San Louis Obispo County just twenty minutes from Morrow Bay.

Entering the floor of the canyon surrounded by mountains on either side, the tree canopy welcomed us. Early in the morning, quiet except for the chattering of Jays, nuthatches, and tapping of woodpeckers the birds were undisturbed by our presence flitting and chattering among the tall branches. A dark brown bunny darted into the thicket on the side of the road as we approached. I had never seen a rabbit so brown in the wild. 

The sunlight streaming through the overhead canopy and heady fragrance of fresh earth, composted leaves, fresh greenery was soothing to my soul. Ferns, poison ivy, and wildflowers dotted the underbrush. Several trees were laden with Spanish moss that I hadn't seen since I left Georgia. 

I had forgotten how much I loved being surrounded by trees. The beach takes second place to being surrounded by a rich green canopy of huge 50-foot trees. I didn't realize how much my soul missed trees. Living in the desert, I have to go to a park to be around trees; they are few and far between. 

The blanket of green enveloping me lifted my spirits. Breathing in the quiet, unplugging from my cell phone, computer and clients was exactly what my soul needed. No one to talk to. No one's problems to hear. Just me and the forest. My love affair is with the earth, one that forever supports me in my health, fulfillment, and connection. The twisted tree limbs overhead were magnificent and powerful. I get high being in nature naturally. 

The undergrowth and poison ivy tinged with pink and red, berries on the ends of limbs laden with food for the birds to overwinter. A muffled snort in the gully below us surprised both dogs. Their ears pricked up, as they stood stock still. I listened again for the rustling of leaves of branches breaking. A large buck snorted again and walked slowly into the thicket. 

Mountain lions frequent the high mountains but visit campgrounds on occasion. We have to stay alert walking in nature, as it is the home of so many wild creatures. Part of the excitement of being in nature is that you never know what you will see or hear. Being awake and alert focused on the moment deepens your experience. 

Photo by Julie Muliere

I lay on a grassy hillside among golden stalks ready to drop their seeds for next year. The dark green leaves overhead in the clear blue sky created a beautiful contrast as the Jays chattered and flitted from one tree to the next. Four woodpeckers flew over me, and I closed my eyes breathing deeply. My lungs expanded in the cool fresh air. I felt so grateful.

I love the beach. Trees bring a fulfillment that the beach cannot. We need a balance of both, water and wood to feed our soul. On this weekend I had the magic of both, and I am so grateful for all that I experienced. I returned home ready to be fully present and compassionate for my clients because I took care of my soul.

Are you ready to find happiness and love? Are you certain that your life can be better, happier and more fulfilling but you don't know how to get out of your way? 

E-mail Jennifer for a private discovery session to find out if her work is a good fit for you. Jennifer works with women to build confidence, healthy boundaries, self-esteem and step into their innate power. 

Find Jennifer's books on Amazon. 

Jennifer is the author of the forthcoming book:
Happy Here, Happy Anywhere
The Guide For Overcoming Anxiety, Depression and Unhappiness Without A Prescription!

Jennifer is both a healer and a love and passion coach. She empowers women to be the strong, powerful confident women they truly are, helping them find joy and love within so that life becomes a moving meditation filled with bliss, fun and happiness.

The Delicate Balance of Motherhood

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

From sexy woman to breastfeeding Madonna, women wear so many hats that they often don't know if they are coming or going. Multi-tasking is a way of life for a mother and is one of the most difficult jobs a woman can perform. Children don't show up with a how-to manual, and we certainly don't get paid for staying up all night with high fevers and croup. 

We walk a delicate balancing act of woman, mother, teacher, Guide, and protector for our family. It's a learn as we go job void of training or workshops to teach us the multitude of skills we require to doctor, love and care for our children. We do our best to moderate our mother's style with our own. We often find ourselves attempting perfection and leaving our men wondering where the sexy mamma went?

Balance in anything is a challenge. Motherhood pushes our limits to extremes. Raising children is often a thankless task that leaves us wondering who we are and what we have become. 

Tough Love

Women today are challenged differently than women in the sixties. Most are breadwinners as well as housekeepers and caregivers. Teenagers take us into a new level of crazy drama-filled days and nights. We lie awake waiting till our chicks have returned to the nest before falling asleep exhausted.

We walk a fine line between enablers and supporters making mistakes along the way. By the time our last child is ready for college, we have morphed multiple times changing from the insecure girl to womanly and wise Goddess. 

Our Biggest Teachers

Our children see us differently than we see ourselves. They often speak truth into our hearts that we can no longer see or feel. Once our offspring become adults, we can see the fruits of our labor or the damage we created by our misguided parenting. Most mothers are far from perfect, but certainly destined for Sainthood. 

Whether your mother was emotionally available, had challenges with her personal trauma, or not, our mothers have done the best they could do with what they were given. Mothers more than fathers teach us about relationships. They love us the best they can. If you haven't done so already, call your mother! If your mother isn't on this plane any longer recall the best of her.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there! I wish you all the joy, beauty, and peace you so deserve. Much love to you.

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How To Be Great At Relationships

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

Yes we all want love. We want to be adored, revered, accepted for who we are. Some people seem to have the market cornered on ease in relationship. This is how they live their lives.

1. Be authentic. When we are totally transparent, true to ourselves, we show up in our relationship as deeply grounded and comfortable in our own skin. We don't have to worry about what we said to whom, because we don't lie, cheat or steal in any way. We are the same with the cashier at the supermarket as we are with our mothers, brothers and lovers. We don't waste energy trying to please others. We are kind, loving and caring. We know who we are and are happy with ourselves.
2. We are not defined by our past. The past was a learning experience and led us to be who we are today. Just because we were wounded or traumatized in childhood, or in past relationships does not mean that we carry jaded feelings about those events into our current life. Each event has been woven beautifully into our tapestry of life. The past was just an event that taught us more about ourselves. 
3. Be Confident alone. When we are self assured, we don't need to be in a relationship to feel good about ourselves. We are happy no matter where we are, no matter whom we are with. We know ourselves and are happy with who we are. This confidence is not an arrogance, but is shown in how we carry ourselves, how we react to life events. Rather than being jealous we are comfortable and confident. Rather than being defensive, we will listen, take in what is said and decide whether we resonate with your comments or not. We are not affected by other's insecurities. We don't try to please to win friends - to feel better about ourselves. We give because we want to. We come to the table already filled, rather than looking for another to fill us up.
4. Be Vulnerable. We are able to allow another to see deeply into the depth of our soul, without fear. This vulnerability is palpable and allows a deep connection and trust. It can't be forced. 
5. Giving Without Expecting Anything in Return. Giving without expectations is a beautiful thing. Feeling confident, giving with an open heart, rather than looking for validation changes the playing field. 
6. Have a Sense of Humor. Being able to make your partner laugh is a great gift. When we are comfortable with ourselves, we are able to laugh about the silly things we do. We are also able to see the humor in every day life. Being able to make your partner laugh is a great gift. 
7. Non-Compete Clause. Instead of being in competition with our partners, we support them and inspire them. We allow our partners to be great in their own right. We don't feel less than because they can do something better than we can. We know what our own strengths are and feel comfortable with you being able to do things better than we can.
8. Don't Keep Score or Hang Onto Anger.  We can let go of the past and not hold a grudge. 
9. Don't Try To Change Their Partner.  You are okay as you are and are accepting of your partner. 

Jennifer Elizabeth Masters is the author of Orgasm For Life. She is a catlystic coach, meaning when you contract to work with her, your healing begins. Without doing anything, your issues surface, you may cry, feel things you have not felt in years or just heal spontaneously. It is different with everyone. Jennifer is the real deal. Authentic, honest, direct and compassionate, Jennifer gets to the root of your issues quickly, saving you years of therapy and healing depression, anxiety and apathy. Whether your issue is sexual dysfunction, trauma from the past or low self esteem, Jennifer has been where you are, healed her issues and knows what works and what doesn't. Book your FREE 30 minute discovery session to find out if you are a good fit for Jennifer's programs. 

E-mail Jennifer now!  Order her books here. Visit her website. 

Will The Truth Set You Free?

By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters

or just really piss you off!

"Even an ugly truth is better than a lie." Cody Goldenelk

Meriam Webster's definition of truth is:

• Conformity to fact or actuality.
• A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
• Sincerity; integrity.
• Fidelity to an original or standard.

Twenty years ago, you could get away with lying to your spouse, or partner and no one would notice. Times have changed. What used to work in relationships is not working today. People's awareness is becoming more acute. Innuendos and subterfuge will be uncovered. There are no secrets in the universe.

The biggest change in relationships is the level of honesty that is required to maintain them. Faking, lying and cheating cannot continue when you live an authentic and honest life. People with strong commitment and character do not lie, cheat or steal.

We have all experienced long-term friendships falling away as we grow and evolve. Sometimes relationships fall apart because they no longer support us. We can try to hang onto these relationships but will find that uncomfortable feelings begin to surface and your heart will lead the way. Instead of continuing to hang on because of the history between you, you will let go of the strings and feel some relief, because you know that it is in your highest and best good.

Anchor or a Sail?

Are your friends anchors or sails in your life? Do the people in your life take advantage of you, or do they support you, helping you achieve what you were put here on this earth to do? Ask yourself, "Does this relationship support me?" or "Does this relationship drag me down and leave me feeling depleted?"

Sadly, I have experienced this happen myself. Looking at the truth in your relationships can save you pain and suffering later. Often our relationships are based on untruths. We haven't been completely honest with our loved ones, leaving important information out. Are you hiding an addiction, co dependence or serious problem? Are you clinging to a fantasy, which does not support you. Sometimes we see what we want to see, rather than the reality of a situation or relationship.

Avoidance Is A Form Of Lying

When we avoid talking to someone about a serious issue, we are lying to them and ourselves. Skirting the truth is a form of lying. We avoid and waste so much energy giving when we should be setting boundaries. We keep quiet about the most serious of matters and disappointments in our relationships because we are afraid of going there. Yet not telling someone is the same as lying. We are lying to ourselves as well when we avoid the issues. 

Recently, I have had two long-term friendships crumble within two months of each other. Each were based on untruths, or imbalances within the relationship. 

After careful consideration of both relationships, I recognized that although I was completely honest in one of them, the fact that I thought I could have a relationship with someone who continued to live in a fantasy world about our relationship was avoidance. I had spent hours correcting the false fantasy, encouraging honesty. I had put my own feelings on the back burner, when I began being true to myself the relationship shifted. When I stopped buying into his story or ignoring it the relationship fell apart. There was nothing left. The foundation was false. 

The second relationship was out of balance. I gave too much. Although there was some reciprocity it did not come close to balancing our relationship. Relationships that involve one person giving and the other taking are crumbling today. The consciousness of the planet has risen. Relationships where the truth is avoided, are imbalanced or with those who drain you psychically will not be able to continue. 

I helped this person, I will call Shelly, out of bind after bind. As the years went on, phone calls came in when I was spending time with my family and I took them anyway, causing irritation in my household. I put this friendship above a lot of other things, because I knew they needed me.

Several times I took phone calls from Shelly and incidents occurred that made me stop and think. Once I locked my keys in my car while on the phone with her. This cost me time and money. I was late picking up my daughter because of it. On another occasion, I took a phone call from Shelley when I was parking my brand new car, and scuffed the side of it while parking. Most recently, I received a text from her and got into an accident while glancing at the phone. The calls were intrusive. They were far too frequent. Her energy was abrasive. I was filling a gap for her because she did not have a lot of friends or family to reach out to. It is not our job to be everything to everybody. 

If your other responsibilities suffer because of what you give, the relationship is out of balance. If the cost of the relationship is too high, the relationship is not serving you.  If you help them with the same situation over and over and they don't learn, you are not helping them. 

I gave money to Shelly when times were tough for her, even when I was struggling. As a channel and a psychic, I did readings and channeling professionally. Almost every time we were on the phone together, Shelly would ask me, "So tell me something good." I felt I was being taken advantage of and put on the spot. It felt like a time in my childhood when my mother would ask me to perform and play the piano for her friends. I felt like a trick pony. It made my energy dip, I felt bad. Even though I mentioned I didn't like having to do these mini readings every time we talked, she kept asking. My boundaries were being crossed with regularity. I was enabling and part of the problem. 

Shelly continued to have difficulties with money, even though she made decent money in her job. She had few expenses (no car, no utilities and no debts) and shopped at REI when she got paid. I didn't shop at REI. She asked me if I could put money on her debit card so she could eat. I did so several times. I gave her hundreds of dollars over the last four years in addition to spending thousands with her on artwork and graphics. 

I created work when I didn't have any, just to give her something to do to earn some money. When I asked for a book cover to be created, she retorted angrily, "Well I can't do it for free!" I found that strange, because I kept my professional requests professional and paid her for the work she did for me. In addition, I "gave" her money in between. I assured her I would pay her for the book cover and commented I was surprised at her angry retort about payment. I paid for the artwork she did for me. I did not ask for her to do work for free. It was strange that she felt she was being taken advantage of.

Shelly tended to think negatively when things in her life did not turn out the way she planned. She often spiraled downward when she could not get what she wanted. I supported her through these spirals and did free clearings for her when she did. I coached her and tried to help her see the patterns that kept repeating in her life. I helped her with one pattern more times than I could count. She was not ready to heal it. She lived in self pity most of the time.

She called me sometimes three times a day. When I had to get off the phone she seemed hurt, and took things personally. She continued to ask me when she was going to meet her partner and what was around the corner. Always asking, "Tell me something good!" when I said I needed to go. I told her briefly most recently, "You are alive!" I was not charging for these mini readings. I knew I needed to set boundaries and stop the mini readings at the end of the phone calls. I was trying to be nice and kind to my friend who was having such a difficult time. Meanwhile, while I was giving to her generously, it took away from other business matters of my own. There was a double standard in our relationship. She wanted it both ways, to get free readings and clearings, to be paid well for her work AND have me donate to her cause regularly and generously. There was imbalance in the relationship.

The recent accident, the keys locked in my car and the scuff as I was parking were all signs that something was amiss. She was my friend, but she was clearly an anchor. I was being shown that this relationship did not support me. I was trying to hang onto a relationship that clearly did not support me.  I continued to put aside the signs until the volume was cranked up so loud I could not any more. 

Recognizing The Signs

The universe gave me an opportunity to see the situation very clearly. Shelly asked me to help her buy a car last week and all the dots were connected for me. She said it was okay if I couldn't contribute, but did not call me again when I did not transfer money.  The truth became very obvious to me. I had to let go.

Friendships and partnerships are crumbling rapidly when one person is being taken advantage of, or if one or both parties are being inauthentic. For example, if you have worked to be positive in your thoughts words and deeds yet continue to have a relationship with someone who calls you to dump their negativity on you repeatedly and you say nothing, you will find that conditions within the relationship make it so uncomfortable that you will not be able to be around this person any longer. 

Do You Complain About Your Partner?

Relationships are based on lies if you are harboring ill feelings, or in a two-faced relationship. Married people who bad-mouth their spouse or partner to friends and family will be caught as new energy has arrived on the planet which will not allow fake to continue to hide. Complaining about your partner to others is not in integrity. Go to the source. Talk to your partner, rather than complain to someone else. You undermine intimacy and create more negativity by complaining. Look within and see why you need this negative attention and pity. It does not serve you.

Suppressing Emotions

When we avoid the truth, we are stuffing emotions. If you contain your truth without voicing it to the other person you may find that your hidden emotions surface in an ugly way. This could leave you feeling guilt-ridden and upset with yourself. Avoidance of the truth hurts you. Protecting another person puts you in second-place. Instead speak your truth with compassion and honesty. Being true to yourself is important for your emotional health and well-being. 

Love Without Attachment

When we hang on, we are not loving without attachment. The universe gives us signs for a reason. We are not paying careful attention to ourselves. Love is a two-way street. If you are dying to yourself and your needs you are not paying attention. You are holding on instead of letting go. If everything I did for my friend did not get her to change, I had to let go. Perhaps I was part of the problem. Perhaps my attachment meant that she would not do her work. She depended on me to make her feel better. This was disempowering to her. Sometimes letting go is all we need to do. I let go with love. 

If you like my writing and teachings, you might be interested in my latest project: ORGASM FOR LIFE. 

I am in the process of publishing my latest book. Orgasm for Life. Women say NO for many reasons. This book will help you understand why we do, and get more YES! YES Yeses and fewer No's! 

Here is the link to the crowdfunding for my book. Even the smallest amount will help. You can contribute $1, $5, $10 or more. http://igg.me/at/Orgasmforlife/x/5470259

This book was written to bridge the gap between men and women. Once we have been married, divorced or through a few break-ups we recognize that although we want the same things, we don't understand much about the opposite sex. Not only do we look different, think differently, we communicate differently.

Orgasm for Life is NOT pornographic. Orgasms have been Scientifically proven to extend life, eliminate pain, eliminate depression, increase cardiovascular health, and bring couples closer together. 80% of women fake orgasm for a reason. Orgasms are a glimpse of enlightenment. They light up over 80 centers of the brain. Nothing else fires 80 centers of the brain like an orgasm. It is special. It is meant to be a part of our lives. Men don't know what to do to get their women to the height of human pleasure with regularity.  Not only do I teach you how, I help you understand why we don't. 

All women are capable of orgasm, yet 20% lay awake at night never achieving one in their lifetime. Help change this statistic. Can you imagine what it would feel like to NEVER have an orgasm? Help make this book not only a reality but a best seller globally. More pleasure, more fulfilling sex lives, happier relationships, happier planet. The endorphins released during orgasm relieve depression and make people happier. Make LOVE, not war! Orgasm for Life. Thank you for your contribution and help getting the word out.

When sex is satisfying for both men AND women, it will happen more frequently.  Orgasms are a God-given gift, meant for us to experience ultimate pleasure and joy. 

http://igg.me/at/Orgasmforlife/x/5470259

Questions? E-mail Jennifer NOW!