As I’ve travelled, I’ve noticed the subtle and sometimes not-so subtle nuances of a place that either lifts my energy and spirit, or it does not. It has become more and more acutely apparent during this trip of the relationship between our selves, our environment and our surroundings. And, of the importance of being in harmony with all of those elements. Thankfully, my heart tells me when I am and when I am not.

I arrived in Penticton 2 nights ago, intending to stay over for 3 nights. By mid-afternoon after my first day there I decided to leave. I just didn’t like the “feel” or vibe of the town, it just didn’t resonate with me. I wasn’t comfortable and found it difficult to work there. I don’t need to know the reason, I just need to accept the wisdom of my heart.

I awoke at 2:30 in the morning on my second night and talked myself out of hitting the road in the dark. I waited until the morning rain had cleared and decided to head to Vernon and see what it was like. I was feeling in need of a big change. Before I left I hit the Walmart for some snacks and a magazine. I’d been looking for a magazine that featured a picture of Ellen that I could put in my RV but hadn’t yet been able to find one. I caught “O” magazine out of the corner of my eye, which I hadn’t read for a while, so picked up a copy. I had just finished watching her 20^th Anniversary DVD Collection which I loved so was feeling the need for another dose of Oprah.

When I arrived in Vernon, I took a quick look around the town and it didn’t grab my attention. I could almost sense my heart saying to me, “nope Heather, this isn’t it, keep going……”

So I kept on driving to Kamloops, thinking I might just camp over at the Walmart there. I never did find the Walmart and eventually just gave up, not really feeling drawn to staying in Kamloops either. If I have to search too hard for things it doesn’t seem right; I trust my heart to lead me where I need to go instead. Again, “nope Heather, this isn’t it, keep going….”

I continued on Highway 1, the Trans-Canada, stopping to check the map so I’d have a rough idea as to where I was headed. This was the first time on the trip when I didn’t at least have a set destination in mind for the end of my day. I didn’t know where I was going (I know what you’re thinking – sounds like a recurring theme for my trip!) but trusted I’d find a campsite at some point along the way. It was getting on in the afternoon and I wanted to set up camp soon.

As I left the busyness of Kamloops, I could feel my energy shift and change. Once out of the cities and towns, into the hills of the Canadian desert, I began to feel energized again. In a way I hadn’t in days. I immediately sensed that this was where I needed to be, as each corner in the road welcomed me with another stunning view.

When it feels right, for whatever reason, you just know it. You may not know why it’s right at the time, just accept that it is.

The Savona Welcome Sign

As I drove along the highway, I saw a sign that read, “Savona 13 kms”. I thought to myself what a great sounding name for a town, soothing, like “Sedona”. It sounded like a nice play to stay.

While driving along I decided I’d like a campsite along that stretch of highway. It seemed to offer great cycling, lakes, a soulful terrain and peace and quiet. I then saw a sign directing to a provincial park but it would have taken a 24 km drive off the highway to get there. No, that wasn’t it either.

In that moment, I asked the universe “Give me a campsite, right off the highway, with a great view, quiet and affordable.” Two kilometres later I saw the sign for Steelhead Provincial Park, just past the small village of Savona. I turned in and found exactly what I’d just asked for. For $19/night, it was the cheapest and nicest campsite I’d enjoyed all summer. As I gazed around at the view, savouring my surroundings, I knew I’d found my place.

Savona is located in the heart of the Canadian desert. Truthfully, I didn’t realize that such a landscape existed here in

Stunning view about 15 kms from Savona. The sign refers to the gold-seekers who came to the area in the mid-1800s.

Canada. In breathtaking fashion, it somehow struck a chord of music within my soul.  I felt completely drawn to its almost mystical landscape.

I’d had a dream the night before about being on a search for gold. Only days ago, I’d just finished re-reading my favourite book, The Alchemist, the story of Santiago who is also on a journey of the heart, across the desert, where he meets up with the noted character, the Alchemist, a man who can turn lead into gold. When I arrived in Savona I quickly read up on a bit of the local history and discovered that many years back this area had once lured people for its gold. I began to wonder what “gold” I would find in Savona, this intriguing desert land that my own quest had brought me to.

I can’t fully explain how life works at times but I have to marvel at its brilliance after days such as today.

My campsite view

I awoke early, feeling invigorated in a way that I hadn’t felt in days. I spent the morning working, drafting an email to send to the Ellen Show, deciding to venture out for some cycling in the afternoon. When I returned, I threw dinner on the bbq and decided to sit at the picnic table and start to read “O”. Later, I figured I work on my blog and have another look at the email I’d drafted for the Ellen Show. I liked it, felt excited about it, it just needed “something” else before I hit the “send’ button.

Oprah gave me that “something”.

I always like to start at the back of “O”, her “What I Know for Sure” column. I always appreciate her insights and wisdoms, even if they don’t completely relate to my life experience. This month’s message gave me goosebumps, it was if it was made for me and where I am in the moment. It’s about life purpose, alignment with our purpose and the real source of our power, our spiritual power.

She writes: “When we align our thoughts, emotions and actions with the highest parts of ourselves, we are filled with enthusiasm, purpose and meaning…….The secret is alignment: when you know for sure that you’re on course and doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing, fulfilling your soul’s intention, your heart’s desire, or whatever you choose to call it (they’re all the same thing). When your life is on course with its purpose, you are your most powerful. And you may stumble, but you will not fall.”

That was the “something” that I needed.  Just a bit of a reminder that when I’m feeling filled with such enthusiasm and excitement about something, listening to my heart’s desire, I’m on course and doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. It may not make “sense” in a logical way and my life may not appear as a pretty package all tied up in a bow. I am, after all, living with no fixed address, following my heart across the country in a Daisymobile, aiming to get on the Ellen Show, amongst other life goals and big dreams. And, I’d love to be on Oprah too.  But it all just feels right. There is no other way to explain. And I trust Oprah’s wisdom. My heart is dancing with enthusiasm as I venture forward. I’m on course. I know I may stumble but I will not fall.

The divas of daytime tv aboard Miss Daisy

As I began to flip through the pages of “O”, from the front now, I laughed out loud at what greeted me on one of the early pages of the magazine – a full-page smiling photo of Ellen. Perfect. Just what I’d been looking for.

I cut out the picture of Ellen and one of Oprah too and am now travelling with the divas of daytime television on board of Miss Daisy. They’re both riding shotgun, in the front passenger seat. The dream is already getting closer! Ack!! What will they want for breakfast!!!???

Savona, thank you, there is indeed still gold to be found here.

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