by Maria Cook | Mar 17, 2024 | Kayaking, learning, retreats
Danzante Between sun and shade, we dance all day. The breeze so gentle, comes to play. And then the wind, the flapping tent… No sleeping and the poles are bent. The orange sunrise joys the day, Alas my head on pillow stayed. Each morning coffee beckons...
by Maria Cook | May 4, 2023 | empowerment
People come up to me and tell me that they appreciate my happy spirit, my big smile, and my optimistic attitude. Folks follow me on Facebook and say they love hearing about my adventures. Well, my inner life is another story. I am challenged every day to stay on...
by Maria Cook | Apr 10, 2022 | empowerment, Kayaking, learning, retreats, Rituals, Travel
What does it take to create a transformative experience? On our kayak journeys we like to present the opportunity to paddle across Rich Passage and set up camp on Blake Island as a kind of rite of passage, something that will inform us of what we are truly capable...
by Maria Cook | Aug 3, 2021 | empowerment, Kayaking, learning, retreats, workshops
What does it take to create a transformative experience? On our kayak journeys we like to present the opportunity to paddle across Rich Passage and set up camp on Blake Island as a kind of rite of passage, something that will inform us of what we are truly capable...
by Maria Cook | Feb 19, 2020 | empowerment, learning, retreats
The world can appear to be a dangerous place. The new virus is causing a lot of upheaval for travelers. Threats of terrorism make people feel unsafe. The new normal of disrespect and the tolerance for ‘ad hominem’ attacks contributes to the sense of...
by Maria Cook | Dec 2, 2019 | empowerment, Travel
Sustainable travel is a big concern these days as we all face the effects of climate change and overcrowding. Our favorite destinations worldwide are over run. Our individual carbon footprint soars every time we take a flight. We can’t count on our...
by Maria Cook | Nov 14, 2019 | Belize, Curanderos, empowerment, Kayaking, learning, retreats, Rituals, Travel, workshops, Yoga
Why travel? Here are 11 good reasons: •Cultivate more mindfulness as new experiences bring you into the moment, very present and engaged with new things •Enjoy simplicity as you do a lot with just a few things and recognize how little you actually need •Relax deeply...
by Maria Cook | Oct 17, 2019 | Curanderos, empowerment, learning, retreats, Rituals, Travel
A healing journey, Oaxaca, Oct 2019 We purified, released, let go of what didn’t serve, and exposed all the dark places that have kept us down. We opened, allowed, surrendered, and let in the light that filled us with joy and possibilities. Mostly we just had an...
by Maria Cook | Apr 13, 2019 | Belize, empowerment, Kayaking, learning, retreats, Travel
“NO PROBLEM” KAYAK, CAMP AND FABULOUS WOMEN Adventure Travel in My Fabulous Fifties April 5, 2019 by Laureen LOCATION: BELIZE It was convenient, since I was already in Belize. When I heard about this kayak, camp Belize trip I asked Arne if he thought we might...
by Maria Cook | Feb 12, 2019 | empowerment, learning, retreats, Travel
“What are you most proud of?” was the question. The things I feel the best about are the hardest things, when I chose to face my fears, or step up my game, when I did what was right and difficult instead of taking the easy way out. Those are the things that make me...
