I’ve been manifesting for years—my last book was all about cultivating daily miracles—yet I’m always startled when these messages come through so loud and clear. Obviously, it’s not telling me anything specific, but I believe I’m being heard. If I’m patient, his message will eventually emerge.
I turn the corner onto the road leading to the marina and look longingly at the van as it drives on, as if it will offer some additional message to clear up any confusion or doubt.
Of course, it doesn’t.
But when I return my gaze to the road in front of me, a crystal hanging from my rearview mirror catches the sun and casts sparkling pink light across the dashboard. Pinks in every hue between purple and peach dance through the interior as the crystal bounces.
A laugh bubbles out of me, then my logical brain kicks in. I can’t be seeing what I think I’m seeing. Crystals reflect a rainbow of light, not just one color. I look away, then back and the interior is still twinkling with ten shades of pink.
“Okay, Chamuel,” I say as I turn into the marina’s lot. “You’ve got my attention.”
I’m surprised to find the lot full. It appears some of the participants who signed up to come early have already arrived. There’s a line out the door of the market, where registration and boat assignments are made.
Excitement bubbles up inside me as I pull into my parking space. When I stand from the car, I feel lighter, and a beautiful breeze sweeps past, caressing my skin. I think of the three hundred people who will be attending the conference starting tomorrow, and I can’t wait. Some are coming in from the area, some have rented our houseboats, and some are staying in nearby hotels.
I’ve never been surer of my life’s purpose, and I head to my houseboat with renewed energy to tackle all that still needs to be done.
3
Chloe
By 7:00 p.m., Laiyla and I finish filling the welcome totes with swag from the marina and a copy of my bestselling book. There should also be a book from the retreat’s leader, Shannon Duncan—an unusual name for a man—but they haven’t arrived yet.
I’ve never met Shannon, He's a fresh face on the spiritual scene, and since I’ve been in Wildfire for the last year, away from the movers and shakers of the industry, I don’t know anything about him. But after checking out his corporation’s website and reading a little about his background, I’m looking forward to meeting him.
Laiyla’s phone pings with a message.
“It’s Levi,” she says, referencing her fiancé. “He says the books were just dropped off.”
“Oh, great. I’d like to finish these bags tonight.”
I was also hoping to start the book before I met Shannon. He and I will be doing a joint book signing after one of the dinners. The retreat coordinator also reserved my meditation and yoga services for every morning and evening of the retreat, and I plan to sit in on all the lectures and workshops.
“Levi’s going to bring them over.” Laiyla fusses with the tissue in the last bag, then stares at it a long minute, lost in thought. “Is that it? Are we done? My mind is shorting out.”
“Before you know it, this will all be second nature.”
She heaves a sigh and looks at me, brow furrowed. “Is that why you’re so damned calm?”
“Probably. I’ve lost count of the conferences I’ve given or participated in. Plus, I’m not presenting. Handling the fluff is something I could do in my sleep. This is good prep for your wedding. I think changing it to August was a great decision.”
“Me too. Now I can really enjoy both the opening of the marina and my wedding.”
“Everyone in town is abuzz about being invited.”
“Levi is their favorite son, for sure.” She puts a hand against her forehead and laughs. “I still can’t believe he invited every single resident.”
“It’s definitely going to be one for the memory books.”
She sighs and starts cleaning up the chaos of tissue and ribbon.
I shoo her away. “Stop. Go out there and save Levi from the guests.”
“It’s just so important, you know? The first conference, and it’s so big. We have so much invested in
this. I really want it to go off without a hitch and be something everyone talks about. It would kick off a great reputation for conferences here.”
“It’s going to be amazing. Trust me.” I move toward her and give her a hug, then push her back by the arms. “Now go grab a glass of wine and relax.”