shroud

The patadyong is more than just fabric - it is a woven story of resilience, tradition, and artistry. As we continue to support and celebrate this heritage textile, we honor the craftsmanship of Filipino artisans and ensure that this cultural legacy enchants countless generations. 

I have collected patadyongs since I had the consciousness to pick out my own clothes. In our coastal island home - they were the perfect piece to throw over myself. 

Panubók Embroidery

As I hid from the sun on a blisteringly hot day. As I stepped out of the water - by the pool, on the beach, or off a boat. As I was caught in a flash by a passing thunderstorm or grew chill up among the clouds on the towering slopes of Kanlaon volcano. 

When I left for university in the big bad city - I had a difficult time selecting a mere half dozen that would come along with me. To comfort and cocoon me far away from home, as I was leaving for the first time. 

Through graduation, several boyfriends, and decades later - my all time favorite, a bright splash of acid colored psychedelic swirls - made it all the way to another life all across the world to the US of A. 

sarongs, malongs, patadyongs

It had served as sleepwear, towel, bedspread, curtain, tablecloth, picnic blanket, full skirt, and off the shoulder stunner - among its many incarnations. I had it before Mahala and I have it still - both such truly beloved, lovable companions. 

It remains vibrant and vivid to this day. It has served me well in life. I am saving it for one last service as my cremation shroud. 

*Now available on Medium and Substack as well.

some patadyongs of my own

celestial wonders

Beltane already? ! ? This is what happens when time becomes fluid and elastic. Speeding ahead or slowing down - shape shifting alchemy. 

Lunar Beltane comes early this year and is a super moon as well. A continuation of accelerated growth many have been experiencing so far this year. Beltane is a celebration of the first bounty of blossoms and fruits of the harvest year - a soul experience.

Kundalini Goddess Rising by Cosmic Collage

being one with nature

"Be still and the earth will speak to you." ~ Navajo Wisdom

Headed Home - Carl Moon, [American, 1878-1948]

Our life is intimately interwoven with ancestors of the past, the present and the future. Our ancestors are anyone and anything that contributes to our life.

Aligning with our ancestors leads to healing when we are in alignment and collaborate as allies - even when either of us disagree or lack understanding.

This begins with learning to make peace with all elements of our life and opening up - getting up close and personal with our ancestors to allow healing possibilities to happen.

It's about time we start conversations that explore the centrality of ancestor work to the collective liberation of humanity.

The social, political, cultural and environmental crises of these times calls us to reckon with the legacy of colonization, genocide, slavery and the continued violence against oppressed peoples.

Our healing requires that we transform intergenerational trauma using the wisdom, perseverance and resilience of our most honorable ancestors.

Once we trust that all that we need is here for us healing can begin. Our ancestors need to be recognized, honored, acknowledged and appreciated for their contributions.

Our ancestral blessing is the knowledge that life is here for us - supporting, loving, co-creating with and rooting for us - that's tremendous support available always.

How we relate in our life are how we are in relation with our ancestors. All our relations indeed.

vessels of consciousness

All along the eastern seaboard we just had our first major snow storm of the season. Although it's bright and sunny today, it still has not stopped snowing and the sixteen inches of snow is barely melted. 

Let's not forget that it's still officially fall and not yet winter, making this sting even more. This first snow is magical and magnificent, even as we shovel white fluff off our sidewalks and driveways into high mounds at inconvenient corners. 

Nature in all her glory, her pristine and crystalline brilliance blinding in today's bright sunshine, lords it over all. 

Sahasrara, crown chakra

Just like much of 2020, we're not sure how to do this, how long it will take, or what lies beyond this change. For those who have the realization, all we know is we can no longer stay where we were. It feels that the amount of people who are hearing their soul calling has occurred at a much higher number in this pandemic.