Tag: Blessed

Boundary Waters Solo Mission Day 1

emyminzel

I will not lie. I was a little nervous as my favorite Guide Lawrence, drove me and the rented solo canoe to Slim Lake. Pulling into the tiny parking lot and setting all the gear down, he said. “The most important thing to remember is to always wear your life vest and take your time. Don’t hurry, that’s when you make mistakes.” I thought this was sound advice, and since I was planning to stay for four days, I was not in any hurry.

When I got all my gear and the canoe to the lake, I had noticed it was windy, and the waves were strong. Luckily the water was flowing north to the direction I had planned on paddling, which is a plus. I loaded my canoe with two portage packs, a soft-sided backpack cooler, and my trusty brown backpack that has accompanied me on all my BWCA adventures. I pushed off and went feeling adventure calling me home.

My heart was racing, but the majestic beauty of the landscape seemed to calm me, reminding me to relax. I knew deep down that I got this. The waves were strong, and it took some effort as I paddled to my intended campsite, I saw that it was already occupied by two women. I asked if they knew if the next site to the north was open and they said they had not seen anyone else all day. Perfect!

I kept going north hoping that the campsite was free; otherwise, I would have to turn around and fight the waves all the way back down to the southern end of the lake where there was another site. Thankfully when I arrived, I saw the site was free, and it looked perfect for me. It was on a point, and I noticed it even had a lovely small sandy beach where I could pull up the canoe. There was a lone butterfly that fluttered around me the whole time I was setting up as if to say. “I am so happy to see you!” I took this as a good omen and continued on.

Welcoming committee!
Private Beach
Picture of Contentment
Solo swim smile!

 

 

Deciding that when I had set up the tent and got situated, I knew this beach is where I would be sitting that evening. By the time I was done, I was warm and needed to cool off. I decided to put my swimming suit on and test out the water to enjoy my own little piece of heaven. The water was warm, and the wind had died down considerably. It was if Slim Lake was giving me a warm, gentle welcoming because the first day was the best weather of my stay.

The campsite was so peaceful I did not once feel scared! I felt secure knowing that experience had taught me enough to stay warm, watch my footing, and like Lawrence said, take my time doing everything! As I sat in my camp chair on the mini beach, eating a peanut butter sandwich, I couldn’t help but feel anything but gratitude for this moment. Appreciation for being in the middle of a postcard picture moment and being brave enough to journey to that spot alone.

As dragonflies zoomed by taking care of the flies that may have bugged me, I felt contentment seep into my body. The peace and calm I felt was the exact reason why I love the BWCA as much as I do. I am telling you, nowhere in the world do I feel as connected and centered to my self and Spirit as I do when I am there. I kept repeating my mantra for my stay, which was simply. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

As the sun sank behind the giant pines and the dusk grew into darkness, I noticed that I was tired, so got ready for bed without having a campfire. I put everything away and tucked my portage packs under the rainfly. I used bungee cords to secure my cooler to a pine tree that was farthest away from my tent. It wasn’t hanging or fancy, but it would help to detour forest critters from food theft. Besides, I figure if a bear wants my food, I’m going to just let them go ahead and have it!

As I lay in the tent alone, the sound of the nocturnal critters coming alive kept me up for a bit. Beavers came to the campsite and chatted so loudly that I thought it was a gang of raccoons! I clapped my hands a few times and said. “Hey, you! That’s mine!” to detour them from my cooler tied to a tree. It seemed to work just fine, and after a bit, they skedaddled. I fell asleep and woke up around midnight to see the moon shining brightly through the screen window of my tent. It was so pretty I tried to take a picture, but of course, you cannot capture the beauty of the moon on a camera.

Moon in the tent

This first day was so enjoyable and fantastic!  Again, I just have to say. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” I felt that I had indeed made the right choice to go out on my solo adventure. That was until the next morning when the tides will change. But I will save that story for tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed the story and pictures of my first alone in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as much as I enjoy sharing my love with you!

Wishing you a beautiful blessed day,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

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I gotta say, it was a good day!

emyminzel

Do you ever have an unexpected change of plans that turn out to produce a really great day? I like to think every day I get, is a blessing, but some of them are better than others. Recently I was planning on spending a Saturday taking clients and working around the house. It was going to be a very regular day with nothing particularly exhilarating about it. That soon changed.

The Friday night before; I got a text from a friend telling me their plans had changed and wanted to know if I could accompany them to a pancake breakfast event on Saturday morning. We had discussed this before, but my friend had plans, so I decided to work. On a whim, I texted my client to see if they could come in at a slightly earlier time, and they said: “Yes, that works great for me!” Yay! It worked out and we made plans to attend the event.

Saturday morning, I woke up early, looking forward to my new plans. I had a Reiki session scheduled and energy work is always a great way to start the day! You simply cannot offer energy healing without feeling healed yourself. It raised my vibes and my spirit which helped set my mood for the day. My friend picked me up and we got to the DFL breakfast event in time to see another candidate friend speaking. I also had the chance to catch up with friends I had not seen in months. I love that!

The food was good, the company was great and, for the first time in a long time, I got in front of a crowd and spoke without shaking in my shoes. I spoke from my heart with confidence about my experience running as a Candidate and if I would run for State Representative again. In all honesty, I disclosed that I was not sure if I wanted too. So, the answer was a firm. “I don’t know. But if I do, I will take what I learned and not hold back one bit. I would do my best to leave it all out on the field.”

Simple as sounds, I felt like I had my full confidence back and it was nice to just be me. Growing faith in myself and my voice was a byproduct of running in an election that was scary and completely out of my comfort zone. Looking back, it was a wonderful life lesson and growing opportunity that was good for me. I am enjoying the feeling of truly believing in myself.

After the brunch, I got home to find my husband had cleaned the house! What a wonderful surprise! We were expecting our good friends Stacy and Marty for a visit that evening, so I was thankful for his help. This left me time to rest a little bit, eat lunch, and do my Nabhi Kriya Kundalini Yoga set before they got here.

When Stacy arrived, I had forgotten that she and Marty had decided to donate their old car to me that afternoon! She pulled up in my ‘new to me’ car and gave me the keys. How exciting! We had been running as a one car family, after I crashed my truck this past winter. I am super thankful for the generosity of my friends. I just needed to put some new tires on it and do some other maintenance. And now I have my freedom back and a way to get my kayak to the water this summer!

The evening continued with yummy dinner and lively conversations with our dear friends. Simply happy days like these do not come around as often as we’d like. Lately it seems that there is always something... so I wanted to write about this experience, to remember and cherish the day. Or maybe I feel moved to remind you to notice the small blessings in our every day regular lives? I feel blessed and thankful for this day of unexpected joyful experiences.

I wish for you to have lots of these ordinary yet extraordinarily great days full of blessings and joy too.

Sending love and luck your way,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

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Who’s in your soul tribe?

emyminzel

 

Isn’t it wonderful when you find the others that make up your soul tribe? These are the people who stay by your side no matter what. These devoted souls are rare and irreplaceable, but in my experience, we don’t really know who they are until we grow up and get older. The length of time and experiences shared, help to prove the bond and loyalty of your relationship. Some of us are lucky and have wonderful relationships with our parents and family, these are usually the first folks to fit the description of dependability.

My Auntie Max told me when I was very young. “In life, you will be lucky if you have 5 friends who you can count on.” she said as she held up her hand. “And most people never are lucky enough to have that many.” The older I get, the more I think it is true. Not everyone, who is your friend, is going to fit the description of completely loyal and dependable. But when we find them, it’s up to us to return the trust and devotion to keep that relationship strong.

I met my best friend in middle school, she is one of the people I can count on. My mom got married when I was thirteen and we moved from northern Minnesota to a Twin Cities suburb the year I was in 7th grade. I started my new school, the first day back from Christmas vacation, smack dab in the middle of the year. I walked into art class as the new kid and I was unsure where I should sit. As I stood there, scoping out the possibilities, I heard; “Hey! Hey new girl! Come sit over here.” My heart swelled with gratitude at the kindness this blue-eyed girl had shown by inviting me to their table.

That girl, who welcomed me with kindness, had also been new to the school at the beginning of that same year. She knew what it felt like to be the new kid and not know anybody so, she offered me her alliance. I asked her name. Meagan was twelve with puffy bangs, spunky and super funny. Little did I know that meeting her that day in the seventh grade was truly a blessing from the Higher Powers. Meagan and I have been best friends going on thirty years now. I consider her my soul sister and part of our family.

We have gone through all sorts of life experiences together; and for it have a wonderful bond that neither of us would ever want to be without. We looked out for each other and we had a blast growing up together. When I became pregnant in high school, Meagan always stood by me. She was my personal cheerleader and helped me get through some very emotional times. After I had my daughter, we lived very different lives and drifted apart for a bit. But, no matter how different our lives looked, Meagan was always there if I needed her.

I knew she was just a phone call and short drive away. She was a teenager with wheels; while I was perfectly content to stay home and do the mommy thing with my beautiful baby. She still would swing by to visit my daughter and I, before she went out at night. She still knows how to make me laugh when I am down. Even though our paths differed a bit, we didn’t let our varying lives change our friendship. Meagan and I know that we are there for each other no matter what. What a blessing to have such a faithful friend!

As we grow older, it becomes easier to pick out the qualities of people who are loyal friends. I like to give others the benefit of the doubt and trust they are who they say they are. I let their actions speak to their reliability. When you can’t physically be there, I’ve learned it is still important to check in and show you care.

During the ups and downs of life, the people you lean on varies with different situations. That’s why it’s important to me to be part of a kind and caring community of friends and family. I am also fortunate to have a family full of allies. When we are lucky enough to find those that show up when life gets real, it’s important to let them know how much you appreciate it. I just thought I’d share this reminder to value those irreplaceable people in our lives. And give thanks to the higher power for sending their support your way.

*Photo taken at our friends wedding reception with other great friends from high school. I have my best friend in a playful squeeze because I just love her so darn much! 😜

Thanks for reading my blog today.

With love,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

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My husband ~ My ordinary everyday hero

emyminzel

Is there divine intervention that happens, to put the people you need in your path, at the time you need them? Is it fate or divine order? I think there has got to be a little of both. I feel like my husband and I were put together at the right time, in the right place and for the right reasons.

Jason and I met at work, I was 28 and he was just turning 30. We dated four years before we got engaged. We were both doing our best to take it slow to make sure we were both happy in this relationship. My daughter was 11 and a huge factor in our relationship, it was imperative and non-negotiable that they got along.

Thankfully, Jason has a great sense of humor and handled it with laughter when Danica tried to frost his bald head with a spatula full of chocolate frosting. One of the first times they had met! They have been jokesters with each other ever since. He was very inclusive of her and their relationship has blossomed. At the age of 16, my daughter asked to change her last name to Jason’s last name, because he was more of a father to her than her own.

My husband had to go through many tests before I knew he was ‘the one’. I was not exactly an easy girlfriend, I was highly independent and had all that I needed; a car, a job, a house and a wonderful little girl. He was going to have to bring something to the table that I did not already have. What I needed was a best friend and companion to be my partner through life. I needed someone who made me laugh and help me do the things I could not. Someone who would stay by my side through the good times and bad.

Previous relationships I had experienced, were not horrible, for the most part. They were just not enough. When Jason and I met we said; “It took me so long to find you, I am not letting you go now.” We both felt that the life we lived before, was not nearly as good as when we finally found each other. So, I want to tell you what he does that makes me feel lucky to have an ordinary everyday hero like my husband.

My husband is always there for me and our daughter, Danica. He checks in morning, noon and night; just to keep in touch. His work has us away from each other quite often. We always let one another know when we get to where we are going. So, the other won’t worry. He also is always ‘there’ for his family and mine. Even if he doesn’t want to, he shows up, because he knows it matters and he loves me. Jason is the kind of husband who grumbles about going to some events but doesn’t let me down.

The first time I thought of him as an everyday hero, was the morning he acted as the best husband in the world. He woke up extra early to drive me to the airport. That morning I wanted to fill up the bird feeder before we left, while still dark. When I did, I stepped in dog poop! Yet, I did not notice until five minutes after we had left and were well on our way!

I was about to lose my cool and have a meltdown. I was horrified at the possibility of being the person on the plane that smells like dog poop! My husband just kept his calm used the random tools he had in his truck and a bottled water; to help clean it off and take care of me in a parking lot at 4:30 am. So, I didn’t have to fret. I’m telling you, at this moment, his help was like an angel sent from heaven just for me.

He takes care of me in other little ways almost every day. This morning he made my coffee. Yesterday he made me an oak bookshelf and one for my mom too.  The day before that, he held me and made me laugh about the week we had endured together; while both inflicted with the stomach flu. Day in and day out my husband is steady and here for me. He works, he comes home, he loves me and our daughter and will do all he can to give us the best life possible.

When I look at my handsome husband’s regular looking life, I see what it looks like to be an ordinary everyday hero.

It’s the men that show up to support you, who keep their word, who don’t leave when times are tough, money is low or tragedy hits that are the real heroes. He is still here, holding me, loving me and taking my crap through it all. My husband is not perfect, and I don’t want him to be. I just need him here with me. Being himself; the loyal, hardworking, handyman that makes my heart pitter patter is all that matters.

Some hero’s rescue you from a burning building. My husband saves me from day’s that feel like this, even if I’m the one who started the fire. (or stepped into some poo!) He is very much my best friend, my confidant, and my hero. I have known him for going on fifteen years, and watching him live with integrity, has earned my devotion and respect. When it comes to what matters, his consistent actions have made me quite certain, I picked the right one.

Thank you, Universe/God for the divine intervention of putting us on the same path. We have been taking turns rescuing each other ever since. I know I am incredibly blessed to have someone who loves me and helps me grow. I am beyond grateful for my husband. My ordinary everyday hero.

I’d love to hear what makes your husband or partner, your hero!

With love,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

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Auntie Em!

emyminzel

There is a boy who reminds me just how great kids really are; we’ll call him G! G is my Cousin’s son, who is going to be five, very soon. I am an only child, so my cousins are the closest thing I have to siblings and I love them all. Ever since the Wizard of Oz, I have wanted to be an ‘Auntie Em’ and I am so thankful my Cousins allow me to be this. I have mostly boy Cousins. We grew up together and spent many nights at our Grandparent’s house, when we were little.

There were four of us that were all around my age but younger. I was the ‘Mother Hen’ of the group. I was also the leader of our little pack and loved that I had my Cousins to hang out with. Ever since I can remember, we have got along very well. I still love my Cousins and hanging out with them as much as I can to this day!

I had my Daughter before my Cousins were even thinking about having children. Today she is twenty-five and my best accomplishment in life. Now that my Daughter is grown, I have discovered a renewed appreciation for other people’s children. When I was younger and in the middle of raising my Daughter, there were days it felt like being a Mom, was a lot of hard work.

I do regret the times I did not see her ‘magical’ qualities as a child. I would sometimes tend to ‘not notice’ because I was just so darn tired from working, cooking, cleaning and doing all the Mom things that needed to be done. I wish I would have been able to spend more time enjoying her childhood, instead of working through it. But this is the world we lived in at the time. I had to do it and that’s that. I cannot turn back time, I can only choose to enjoy her as much as I am able to now.

Now that my Daughter is grown and out of the house, I find that I enjoy my visits to see my Cousin’s family even more than before. Because now, he has two sons, who sincerely make my heart fill with Joy when my Husband and I walk through their door.

Big G says to me; “Auntie Em! I am so happy to see you!” as his face lights up just for me! Oh, heavy sigh of happiness!!!

This, right there, is all it takes to make my heart swell with love for my little friend. Who now has me wrapped around his little finger! Just thinking about it makes me smile.

Since he was born, I have loved to come to visit and hang out with my friend Big G. For some reason, we just have a bond that makes us really enjoy each other’s company. We have easy conversations and we enjoy playing games or just hanging out when I visit. He’s a very outgoing kid and we get along great.

His Parents let me be the one that reads him his bedtime story when I visit. I had forgotten how precious and what a blessing it is to be able to do so. Reading to my Daughter was one of my very favorite memories of spending time with her. It was also something that I very much enjoyed when my Grandmother read to me as a little girl. So I like to share that experience when I can.

I find it interesting, now that I am older, that I have more patience with and enjoy the silliness kids bring. I love how they ask two hundred questions a day. I love that they say exactly what is on their minds. And I love that they know if you love them or not.

My Cousin and his beautiful Wife have two boys. Big G is my buddy and Little G, just so happens, to really like my Husband! What another very cool coincidence that again makes my heart smile. Kid’s pick their people and I am so thankful to be able to have a part in their lives. I enjoy watching them grow into their own personalities and it is a very cool experience to witness.

I am so thankful that my Cousins have allowed me to be a small part of their new growing families. I think it is great that we can keep our connections from childhood into our adulthood and our families tight. We do not have a large family and as I grow older I realize the importance of cherishing my family relationships and doing what I can to keep us close.

Having a role as “Auntie Em” has become one of my very favorite experiences in life and a blessing I did not expect. Don’t get me wrong, I like kids, but I did not have the time to really enjoy them in my younger years. I feel lucky now, that I can at this time in my life.

I grew up with some amazing Aunties and I would like to be the same resource for my little buddies!

What unexpected life experiences make your heart sing with Joy?! I would love to hear from you!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

EmyforHouse.com

@emyminzel

@EmyforHouse15A

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

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