I blogged, on Day 52, about my dream of creating a Rivendell like place, based on the Elven house of healing in Lord of the Rings. My version of Rivendell would have whimsical cottages to stay in, walking trails that meandered through wooded acreage, a stable, gardens, and a small lake to play in. The dream was to create a space where people could disconnect from the busyness of their lives and, away from work and the stresses of life, they could reconnect with their hearts and their purposes. The largest possible incarnation of my dream includes a Retreat Center, where classes could be offered, massages given, yoga and tai chi practiced. There would even be a small, wonderfully unique restaurant that offered fresh, wholesome meals. Here in Rivendell there would be peace, beauty, good food, restoration and just plain rest.
I haven’t given up on that dream. However, as I posted previously, I realized two years ago that I AM Rivendell. I don’t have to wait for the acreage and all that I see in my vision. I create the peace and beauty and rest wherever I am. My backyard garden is an expression of my Rivendell desire. Creating the vignettes and the front porch décor and the meditation area and gathering place in the backyard, are all extensions of who I am, and what I want to offer.
I asked my darling niece, Ashley, to create a logo for Rivendell of the Ozarks, using the simple tagline that I came up with earlier in the year. Ashley is, among her other talents, a gifted graphic designer. Examples of her work can be seen by clicking the link at the end of this blog post. I love the design she created for me. It conveys what I want it to convey. And the Celtic knot in the background is a wonderful nod to my Scottish and Irish heritage.
It is time for the logo. I will continue in real estate, until the path clearly leads me elsewhere. And, I am opening myself to doing so much more. More truthfully, I am BEING, and out of that being, I am doing so much more. This has been an exciting year of first things, and shifts and opportunities have appeared during this amazing journey. Rivendell of the Ozarks creates a space from which I can offer all that I want to offer, all that I am being led to offer. I have upcoming opportunities to teach, write, speak and simply be present with others. I am learning and growing, and most importantly, I am staying connected to God and staying in the flow. By remaining exactly where I am supposed to be, in the flow, I will be taken exactly where I am supposed to go. An adventure is unfolding, and I am unfolding with it!
One of my favorite sayings right now is, “I am open to everything, and attached to nothing.” The quote has been attributed to several people, primarily Dr. Wayne Dyer. For me this means I am not limiting what is happening in my life, or saying what HAS to happen, or even trying to make anything happen. I am open, and allowing. Open to receive, open to the flow of life, open to God. By remaining unattached to the outcome, I am allowing things to unfold exactly as they should, and enjoying the journey, without creating expectations about how things should be or how they should come about or when they should. As doors open, I walk through.
Rivendell of the Ozarks. Relax. Reflect. Refresh. There is a natural progression there, and a lightening of the heart and soul. Just reading those words brings me joy and peace.
Check out Ashley’s work at