Retrograde

Mercury in Retrograde…I hate that I remember it’s return. It’s honestly not a bad time but I just dread it because everything slows down to snail pace and my impatient ass just can’t handle it.

What is Mercury Retrograde? Well…this tri-annual event occurs when Mercury speeds Lightning McQueen fast around the Earth. So fast that it appears it’s moving backwards. Pretty cool…

How does Mercury Retrograde affect us? Well all depending on which planet is in retrograde it could affect the way communication, electronic devices, finances, relationships, decision making, etc. I think it’s pretty neat. But I’m a nerd so…

However, with the way my life has been as of late, I welcome Mercury in Retrograde. I’ve been trying to learn my new self and it’s been a little tough. So I welcome this pause.

To start this Retrograde, I felt I needed to get grounded and be in nature. The beach was the kids and I first choice but it was raining the whole day, so we made our way to the mountains! They packed snacks and toys and were ready to go.

We started off our trip with gem mining. I wanted some new crystals anyways so why not mine…it’ll be fun right??? The kids enjoyed it. Doc’s Gem Mine was quite pleasant. The kids were more into than I thought they would be. I had a moment with my daughter and explained worry stones to her. She ended up picking a couple and we discussed her using them when she feels anxious or overwhelmed. This was cool.

We made our way to a couple other gem mines, stopped at Tweetsie’s Railroad and Mystery Hill but decided we’d do them another time. The Blowing Rock was calling our name. Well maybe more mine than theirs but I made it fun for them too lol.

We find a park in the right little parking lot and walk to the entrance. There’s a line. We are of the few people wearing a mask. Smh. Lift a ban and the people go mad.

THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT…WE ARE STILL ADMID A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC THAT HAS TAKEN THE LIVES OF MANY. EVEN VACCINATED YOU STILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO TRANSMIT AND CONTRACT THE VIRUS! THE VACCINE DID NOT MAKE YOU SUPER HUMAN OR IMMUNE! PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK…OR STAY AWAY FROM OTHERS!

Ok I’m off my soapbox…

We get our tickets, hiked the wrong way several times, laughed, rested and raced. I’d like to think we each conquered some type of fear either on the way up or down the trail. We took pictures for couples and families. We had someone take pictures of us. We helped an elderly lady down the stairs of the trail and walked with her to the end to meet her daughter. We had a conversation with a random stranger about conquering your fears. I almost touched a snake and yelled in the gift shop lol. My kids laughed hysterically at me. The wind almost blew me off a boulder that I shouldn’t have been on and I briefly experienced my soul leaving my body. I just knew I was toppling over the side of the mountain…but in actuality I was ok. I quickly hopped off the boulder and ceased all Dora the Explorer like adventures for the day. I think that may have left a mark on the kids brain for quite a while. And now that I think about it, I was pretty calm to be thinking I was falling to my death.

After hiking up, down and around…we were hungry. Maybe borderline hangry because we were starting to fuss with one another lol. Only me and my kids. We head to Chili’s…the oldest one commences to speak about my new lifestyle change of becoming Vegetarian. It tickles her fancy these days to tell people or say that her Mom doesn’t eat meat lol. She’s so silly.

After we ate we were pooped and ready to rest.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the first day of Mercury in Retrograde!

Today I really learned to go with the flow…to pause and just live in the moment. Often times I’m in hurry up and go mode. And today I was able to see and enjoy all things when I take a moment to slow down and go with the flow.

I made no plans. I woke up and let the day flow. I drove for 4.5 hours to go somewhere I felt like I needed to be in this moment.

I think to myself…”If only this could be everyday”. And it soon shall be…I believe it with all my mind, body and soul.

Happy Retrograde…roll with it…don’t let it roll you 😌