Meant to be in Miami….Life is, but a Dream!💫🧚🏻‍♀️🔯

I was not sure if I was going to write about this incredible serendipitous weekend I just experienced, as part of me felt guilty for the over the top indulgence I received. In truth, after being home and reflecting more after, literally smiling from ear to ear for 3 full days straight, I must document this for myself. As to remember that G-d does fully and totally exist and is always the one in full control, not me. To say I was blessed, fortunate, and lucky is an understatement. Feeling extreme gratitude for incredible, kind, generous humans in my circle of friends!!

I was on my way to Mexico for a work trip regarding the cool Meditation dome I have been raving about, The Somadome (check it out www.somadome.com ). In any case as I was sitting at the gate with 30 minutes until boarding, I received a call that the gal I was going to meet woke up with a fever. With the new rules, I have to test negative to come back to the US. I was negative yesterday, but with her being sick she felt it was risky, plus didn’t feel up for the fun-filled weekend planned. She requested I try to get the tix cancelled and keep as a credit to reschedule for another time. Okay, I become bff with customer service tix agent, she is a Capricorn 🙂 I told her I was bummed, as packed and ready to go somewhere. Something inside me was telling me I was still meant to still get on a plane, like that intuition/gut type feeling. I make a few calls- check with friends scattered around the US, anyone want me as a last min visitor. No go?! Hmmmm My horoscope today said I had an entourage of guardian angels watching me today, and I was going to be at the right place at the right time. Seriously 2 different horoscopes made today sound dreamy and magical. I called my mom, I said, I think I’m supposed to go somewhere…..what do you think, am I crazy?! Well if you know my mom, she is my biggest supporter, never tells me Im crazy and always encourages me to go for it! Lucky me to be SO blessed with the worlds greatest mother!!!

I have always dreamed of walking up and down the hallway of gates, seeing where planes were going and choosing one to board. I see 2 options, 1 plane leaving for Maui in an hour, and the other to Miami. Due to covid guidelines, Maui was out- Miami here I come. I get the second to last row on the plane. Grabbed a sandwich from gift shop and quite relaxed with not a plan in sight, (so not me)!!!, I calmly with serious excitement buckled in next to 2 young guys. I was like” where are you guys from? They shared they were headed to South Beach, I thought….hmmm I have never really explored Miami, minus leaving for cruises out of the port. Did I really just board a plane to the opposite coast with no plans SOLO. PINCH ME, Is my name Laurie Sue, I may have truly met my alter ego Dora on this flight, lol ha

It was thrilling, these guys are like, wow we admire people like you who really “live” and experience life. I was like I always admire people that do these crazy things too, and holy moly, its me….am I really headed to Florida alone to figure out my plans and fly by the seat of my pants not knowing anyone. YES, I can boldly say that Gedale Fenster has changed my life. Believing in Emuna is a constant practice, it feels good, and holy moly, did the practice, belief, trusting, surrendering. I fully got out of G-ds way- truly allowing life to happen FOR me. This worked out beyond my wildest dreams! I started searching hotels online, my mom looked, and Marc looked, I had all these wonderful angels helping me while in-flight figure out the area and an affordable place to stay in yet still a safe beach spot. 

I have an old friend who is from Miami, he currently lives in NYC, we always wish each other happy birthday wishes yearly, I had lunch with him last time he visited AZ, but really not in touch regularly. I reached out via email to ask his suggestions for a hotel he may know in a safe area for me to travel solo, without spending a fortune, is South beach the area to visit or did he have any different beach community’s I was unaware of, any and all recommendations welcome? I got him caught up on my life, asked about his, told him this was a random flight due to cancelation at gate etc. Any guidance direction greatly appreciated, and if you cant reply- busy no problem. Hope you and family are great etc. A normal catch up email…….literally within 5 minutes I got a reply back, Prince Jeff has a ridiculous amount of hotel points he never uses as he continues to live at hotels(travels for work) that the 2 million point number keeps growing too fast. The email is a Confirmation to stay 3 nights Ocean View Room at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in South Beach. Did I die and go to heaven……mouth dropped on the plane. Omg!! Really, how can I accept this….I try to say no, think its crazy and too over the top nice. Not my intention at all and feel like it’s not something I know how to say thank you for and accept. His continuous generosity berates me restaurant suggestions, things to see and must do’s. He loves his birth place and is all about me having the best time, safest experience as he says I deserve it- we all live once. I will always hold a place in his heart and don’t owe him anything in return. Really, seriously, is this happening. He tells me to pay it forward one day and do the same for my nieces. Pinch me please! Im a giddy kid in a candy store. Next email says hotel is expecting me at 6 pm, I’m all checked in, just show ID and will be given room keys. He says be sure to use the Spa, I have spa points too. No way……a pillow to lay my head in luxury is enough for this humble frugal girl. Holy Moly!! WOWee….

I email Gedale Fenster at 3-5 different messaging platforms as I am truly trusting in g-d and living the Gedale teachings. I boarded the plane with no plan, with g-d in the lead. Proof for any of you doubters. To me its the stars aligning with the utmost perfection for Laurie Sue, the new constant prayer girl! I am hopeful I can attend a Gedale in person class, all his classes are in Aventura, just outside of Miami. As well I want to visit  my namesake, My Great Aunt Lillian is buried in Miami. We are on a search to find her, only clue is that cemetery is near the airport. We know she died in 1968. My mom calls many cemetery’s on a hunt, no luck! I will try once I am settled in. Still flabbergasted that this is happening and has worked out beyond my wildest dreams from 5am this morning when I was supposed to be heading to Punta Mita. What a difference a few hours make, hope is alive. In more ways then one…..

My room is glorious, balcony with ocean view, pool right down below, king size comfy soft bed, great background music playing in the room, marble black & white bathroom, a bathtub, and the sun is setting. Its dreamy upon arrival. My love affair with Miami has begun. Luggage guy gives me restaurant suggestions and the Prince also recommended many to choose from as well. I walked down to a well known Cuban restaurant Havana 1957 on Lincoln Rd. Everything is walking distance and Covid is non existent in Florida 🙂 I got patio seating, hung out here for 2-3 hours, drinking Coco-Mojitos, Sangria, eating yummy Cuban food. Catching up with a dear old friend on the phone(Emi) we had not talked in forever. While people watching, the serious action of this happening area of SoBe. So many gay people, fancy people dressed up, casual people in bathing suits, the most diverse crowd, all walks of life,, so many different accents, lots of pot smoking smells, fun cuban music. I was in all my glory! The food was delicious! I walked back home after a 3 hr dinner, I am greeted at the door, everyone knows my name, serious 5 star service. I get snuggled into my BIG, cushy bed with my book. I have scheduled a Segway tour for tomorrow(fri) at 4:30pm.

Rise & Shine, walked to Starbucks for breakfast and took out a beach cruiser bike to explore. Omg…..I love Miami! I biked South towards the South Point Pier, while listening to todays Gedale class on my headphones staring into the turquoise blue waters with the breeze on my face. The sun is shining and its a glorious day in heaven. Im truly feeling gratitude exploding from my veins. Im thanking Hashem constantly for my life!! Being present in each moment, as they are all soooo good! Finished my 3.8 mile bike ride and got into my bathing suit. The hotel pool was full, its gonna be a beach day. Cocktails, lobster cobb salad, umbrellas, books, waves crashing, warms water, nice sand, waiter service by the nicest gentleman, talking to other guests, everyone so friendly and happy to be in Miami. What a great day! 

Head back up to shower to meet Miguel, my Segway instructor, who  just moved here 2 years ago from Toms River, NJ. We do the NJ talk, all the places we both know- likes/dislikes etc. I was lucky to have a private tour. We cruised fast on these things and saw so much of the area. I got some real history, and excellent information. A waiter at Joe Stone makes $125K per year, The Art Deco architectural style is so interesting, especially the meanings behind all the different colors and designs. The street we glided down named Meridian was tree lined canopied over us, huge green leaves blowing in the wind, the prettiest st., he was a wealth of knowledge and kept me engaged the whole time. Such another nice human on my path. A cheap Segway tour only $20, I tipped him extra. Long walk home, on a Friday during happy hour on Ocean Ave. action packed craziness, a sight to see. Enjoyed my people watching. Laid by my pool during the sunsetting hours relaxing and chatting on the phone with my mommy. I cant stop being in Awe this is MY life. So grateful!!!

Tonights dinner rez is a pizza place the hotel luggage guy suggested. I should have looked it up first, but you know me and trusting…..all is for the good! I met the nicest men. The only girl solo, seated between 2 solo men there separately, the Italian had a 5 yr old son, who by the way spoke 4 languages. The Russian named Vaugan, literally just off the boat. Spoke very little english. He wanted to practice. It turned into a game, was super entertaining and fun. A few glasses of red wine and yummy pizza with conversations, I was ready for bed. He wanted me to go dancing or karaoke with him. Don’t worry, I am a smart girl with a brain. I waited for him to leave first, so I could walk back alone. I went home…..love being greeted by the staff at my hotel, I could live like Eloise no problem. Lol😉

Saturday started with a Jewish Walking Tour of South Beach, the southern area. I did learn, I like an area called South of 5th, places to live costs 400k- 26 million. Gotta play the lottery more. The jewish history in this area would blow your mind. Howard was the BEST, most kindest little old man. My teacher and friend for the day. Back in the 1960’s, miami was 60% Jewish, 80% in sobe. The median age at the time here was 39. If only I lived here during that time period. It really sounded like a cool place to be. Different times now for sure. He told great stories about waiters/hoteliers from working Summers in the Catskills to winters in Miami, he was so fun. We walked past the oldest hotel in the area. Along with boutique types too. Howard was filled with so many history stories, along with page protected photographs of what this area used to look like. I saw the largest single family home in the area , owned by the Galbut family, its 17k sq ft. So much richness of life in this small area. I did inquire to Howard how to find Aunt Lillian as she seems to be lost🙃by us….I really want to solve the puzzle and pay my respects with a visit. I always think how sad it is when no one in your family is left to visit your resting place, once your generation dies. Aunt Lil never had kids, so my dad was her only nephew- she was his favorite Aunt, go figure that this is my namesake. I have many childhood memories of going to the cemetery in AZ on the weekends with my grandparents, mother, and Jackie to put down our rocks and visit great-grandparents. It is tradition in my book that is very important to keep alive. Only having  visited her here 1 time, I have photos with my dad, Rach, and Sophie. Lillian is long over due a visitor. Howard suggested I check Lakeside. 

I went back to get in the bathing suit and out to the beach. The Frose is SO good, today was a Halibut sandwich. Being Sat, cemetery is closed, I left a voicemail and let it go, what is meant to be will be. Enjoy my ocean dip, jumping in waves, reading, getting darker, talking to a sister group from Chicago, the beach was crowded. It was a beautiful day in paradise.

I had to get ready tonight for the Full Moon Reiki Meditation on the beach from 6-8:30. Rough life I know….lol It was 1.5 mile walk on boardwalk to find my group.

Crazy the contact high you can get outside in this area. I found a meditation group after calling and texting the guy that I was at beach, but could not find them. I keep getting calls from him after I had sit down. Apparently I was at the wrong group. So grateful he called, the group I had found online was so intimate and warm. I met GG, real name Gloribell. She is also a scorpio and did the Landmark Forum. We bonded over SO much, she was so into my story of how I ended up in Miami. The Full Moon was bright and beautiful set over the ocean. With waves crashing, wind blowing, and receiving Reiki from 7 different people, I was once again transported to another realm of life. The session was 1.5 hour, GG is so sweet and totally connected. As soon as it ended, she says how do you feel, what do you feel, tell me about this experience for you? We sit and chat…..start talking about spirituality, alternative medicine, life, her story my story, and she asks me if I want to grab dinner. Omg, I found a friend on my solo adventure :-). We walked to Joes Stone Crab and ate at the Take Away part. Had the best conversation, exchanged information and she drove me home. She has 2 kids in there 20’s, is one of 15 kids from a Catholic family. The nicest person. We have texted since Im home as Im helping her find a biological dentist in Miami. Life is fascinating to me. 

Sunday….. My last day, I want to take advantage of the day the best I can. Headed out to head North on a bike ride. Rode past all the fancy hotels….the legendary Fountainblue, The Eden Roc, The Satai, passing so many yachts, cars etc. Fancy land! The bike ride was glorious, it was a breezy wind blown cloudy morning. Then it was time for this spa experience. Omg, I had an incredible Facial by Marcella who happened to work at The Phoenician for 20 years and just moved to Miami. She was my old neighbor, having lived near Gainey. Crazy small world. I told her about The Somadome and got a full tour after. This Somadome job, may not pay well, but the perks are over the top once you share! I invested in my first Face Serum, I look younger already, lol

I headed down to the pool, packed again, got my name on a list and headed to the beach. People watching, eavesdropping, reading, seashell collecting, sunbathing- another perfect day to stare into the majestic turquoise waters, one last time. The pool attendant called, my chair is available. I got situated in my solo pool lounger, phone rings- a Miami number. Its the Lakeside Cemetery returning my call from yesterday. The soft spoken voice tells me they have my loved one there. I didn’t believe her, as there had been many false hope responses already. I said are you sure its the right Lillian. I asked to text a photo of my stone to compare, before getting excited. She said she died Feb 18, 1968, and was born 1899. This is accurate info, I inquired if they had information regarding who purchased the plot. The gal shared, “It was her sister, Ruth Shelton. I had immediate tears stream my face, was so grateful and in awe the puzzle was complete, we had found her just at the end of my journey. I  got all the information about the exact location, they close at 4:30. No time to go today, I guess Ill just have to plan another trip to Miami 🤗 I must say I do love East Coast Beaches over West. The vibe, beauty, and  design is more my speed. Plus, Im in LOVE with Miami.

Its time to checkout of my heavenly room, got a 3 pm late checkout. Showered, packed, and ready for the last part. I had planned dinner with The Becks, Jennifers parents, my second parents growing up. Mike Beck taught me how to ride a bike and every 4th of July and weekends were spent across the street in their yard. I walked 30 minutes down the Lincoln Rd walking street, a farmers market was happening. Many free samples of coconut water, ice cream, shakes, fresh fruit, trinkets, jewelry, clothing, art, etc. The sun was blaring with the music. I made it to the restaurant for our 4:30 rez. We ate at a Peruvian restaurant. Would not have been my choice, but was very good. The best part was the company and conversations. We had a great time, it had been 6 years since I had seen them. 

They drove me back we hugged good- bye. I jumped in an Uber and headed to the airport. This fantasy of a weekend came to a close. Wowee, As I sat on the plane I was still in awe that the last 3 days occurred with Serious  perfection. Life is Divine when you fully surrender!! This was my takeaway lesson. Praying I can stay in this mindset and continue to practice my trusting way through life! Emunu is real!

Love laurie sue

Truly AKA Dora 😉😘