what do you mean "you don't have a phone?!"

When I was in Austria I managed to lose my hard-drive in transit along with my mobile phone charger who was in bed with him. Then my spare phone charger didn't make it to NYC. I figured this was a message for me to have some time out and face another challenge. Being phone-less.

Its not often I lose 'stuff' but it does happen to travellers occasionally and I found treating the missing items as the Buddhist monks do their mandalas which they spend so much dedicated time and discipline towards creating before destroying and burning in prayer as beautiful way of letting go of the fact that the edited images, videos, books, music, poetry and films collated from a huge part of my travels have gone. I hope I have as much fun starting again :)

I have however found a lack of mobile connection to be a blessing in disguise and a rather interesting social experiment. I have been based in a very progressive city, New York City and whilst reconnecting with old friends here and making new ones I realise not having a phone has presented a number of challenges yet equally massive perks. And of course, like many periods of time I've had abstaining from anything, I find myself a little subjected to social ridicule and "no waaaays". Nothing new for me I suppose.

Here is how, quite simply, I tackle not having a mobile phone in a major city where so many are addicted to their devices.

• Noting down directions, drawing mini maps, using a diary, wearing a watch, a compass would be cool too (no joke!)
• Pocket subway map
• More time reading books and writing 
• Emails/skype instead of texting/calling

After watching the video above, I must admit that I am happy to have surrendered having a mobile for the last month in the USA.  I'm sure I've done my mind some favours and given myself a greater opportunity to connect with the present while probably spending more time working out which way I need to go.

Plus, I do wonder what the impact of mobile phone signals can have on our electromagnetic field and sense of balance... inner granny moment.

lighting it up with thanksgiving hugs in NYC

I wonder whether we all get to hit a wall at some point in life, where one makes a conscious choice between a selfish childlike 'me' and a selfless mature care and respect for another. And so it seemed really apt that the time I reflected on this, was a unique time when the festivals of Hanukah and Thanksgiving were on the same day for the first time in 125 years and I was celebrating it New York City.

My thanksgiving started the night before when I spent the evening with a couch-surf host named Evan and his family for Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights. Evan and I immediately hit it off and had that wonderful kinship of 'brother from another mother' that was so heartwarmingly welcoming.

The evening was magical. We shared stories, chants and moments of awe. Candles were lit and traditional Jewish snacks were had. Its not often I get to share the family experience and when those occasions happen, I feel so grateful. My host's mother was beautiful and we just understood one another. She reminded me of my Mum and I gave her the biggest hug of gratitude in true appreciation for the wonderful mothers out there. My Mum, Eggers, being one of them not to mention my second Mum, Julie and my God mother, Aunty Sarah along with Mother Nature of course, the Super-duper Mum.  I feel incredibly lucky and yet on days of family celebrations, while on the road, I can be a little sentimental because unlike a lot of people, I am rocking it solo and despite it being a conscious choice; I obviously miss my family at times.

Thankfully, as they say, love transcends space and time.

So as a tribute to all the Super Mums, and as a little random act of kindness from a wee traveler, I decided to share some love on the streets of NYC. I stood in the chill, smiled from my heart and with my glittery sign said "Happy Thanksgiving" to people who passed me by. I hugged big people, little people, jews, blacks, pinks, whites and oranges. There was a toothless homeless guy and a fur-coated lady. They all got a hugging. I even accidentally said "Happy Birthday" to one guy but we both kind of appreciated that too. It was a joy to see people's faces light up, to give a real fearless hug and to just say thanks.

Two men proposed to me. One asked for my number. Another lady tried to give me money and a guy offered to buy me a coffee. One girl from Singapore joined me for a while. But having a few people say "Thanks, I really needed that" really made me appreciate how important it is for us to support and love one another and also see how powerful being united truly is.

I hope everyday can be lit up with gratitude as opposed to missing what's not there. 

Big love and hugs to the motherhood... there are some naughty children out there... some mistakenly believe that sex or money equates to love; may they learn the power of a good snuggle!

Boo Bear's Dad just sent me this inspiring quote:

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to pay you back" - John Wooden.

Happy thanksgiving.