I remember so well the movie The Bucket List. I was so moved by the broad spectrum of humanity and the heart of the individuals of the entire cast. In the movie, a man with more money than he could ever spend was in the same hospital room with a man who had worked hard and had spent every penny he had earned to raise a family and live. They both got a diagnosis and short term life expectancy notice at the same time. They agreed to go out into life and do what they had always dreamed of doing. This required one of them to turn away from his family for a period of time to do this, which was unheard of for him and his family. The other had no contact with family and had all the funds to cover the costs of the adventures.

I was so inspired by watching this movie, that I reviewed my own life's bucket list. I've actually had a "bucket list" since my earliest memories. I didn't call it that until I saw the movie.

I've believed since a very young age that I would:

• Sail around South America * 
• Visit Bali, Fiji, and Machu Picchu
• Take a "non-camping" African Safari
• Visit the world's most appreciated places
• Keep myself financially clear, regardless of what it took
• Never have children
• Minister to the world. "Minister" as a verb -- not a noun
• Give away as much money as I save
• Develop my consciousness so that people are healed in my presence.

Of course, I didn't have the foggiest notion of how I was going to do any of this. A young girl from Bugtussle, Kentucky born into a family in poverty for many generations.

✔︎ I got my first chance to fly on plane when I was 18 years old and won an accounting competition for the region and state of Kentucky. I had saved money that I earned by cleaning houses, working in a sewing factory, ironing shirts, babysitting, cutting tobacco, and other jobs that I could use for the trip. That savings, along with the money we raised through our school's fundraising efforts provided what it took to go. I got to fly on a large plane to San Francisco, California and compete in the national accounting competition, then proceed to do all the tourist sites of San Francisco. It was beyond a highlight and it set in motion my heart's desire to continue traveling to all parts of the world. 

I visited Bali in 2000 on a grand tour with a group of 30 people from all around the U.S., traveling with Neale Donald Walsh, author of Conversations with God. The people in Bali were the most present, awakened people I had ever experienced.

I got enlightened to the reality of what a student I should be to the wise teachers of Bali. Young and old, many live on less than $1 a day, eat only one daily meal of a single fish, sweet potato or ear of corn. They share all they have. They smile quickly and easily and seem to be more at peace in all circumstances. I had much to learn.

✔︎ I loved Bali so much that it was the first place in the world that I scheduled myself to visit when I retired from church ministry in 2004. So, two trips to Bali.

I have booked annual cruises since the year 2000 when I turned 40. Those vacations were highlights of the year for me and many who traveled with me. I get to witness other folks who are less able or apt to travel, live out their bucket lists too.

✔︎ A close dear friend invited me to be part of the 50th birthday celebration a couple of years ago. GUESS where they are having their party? Yes, Fiji. Funnier story about Fiji is when I took a South Pacific Cruise several years ago, I was believing that it included Fiji. Didn't think much about it, made assumption and proceeded believing what I had assumed. Close to the time to the trip, it became apparent that Fiji was NOT on that cruise. So, I somewhat, not totally, believed that Fiji was NOT truly on my bucket list. Then, boom, here's an invite to Fiji. Amazing Gifts, Blessed Life.

✔︎ I was blessed to visit Machu Picchu in November with a small group of enlightened women who were as joyous, grateful, and open to the adventures of travel as anybody I've ever met. We enjoyed daily spiritual reflections, a shaman ceremony and rituals, and advanced teachings from traditional Incan masters. The people there were hardworking, creative, and very resourceful. They reminded me of how the elder women were in my family. Planting. Growing. Harvesting. Sowing. Sharing and Easy to Smile. BONUS of the trip, I didn't have to plan any part of it. What a gift.

✔︎ When I turned 50 years old, I started taking two cruises a year. I have taken two 28-day cruises, instead of two separate cruises. I have a third one scheduled for October 2020 that is a 28 day trip "ROUND AUSTRALIA".

✔︎ ✔︎ ✔︎ Since I'm turning 60 next year, I have scheduled another bucket list trip that includes an African Safari during the week of my birthday. This is very extravagant and includes the most favorable place for a safari in Africa. I also don't have to plan any part of the trip, except my flight to Africa. In addition, it includes a National Geographic photographer guiding us on the safari. 

✔︎ To date, I haven't had children, although I have mothered many children and their mothers and fathers.

✔︎ I don't have any debt and haven't for over 25 years. 

½ ✔︎  I have given away more money than I have saved; therefore, I am working very hard and more intentionally for the last few years to get into integrity with this goal.

INFINITE  ✔︎ I continue to work on my consciousness, in word, deed, actions, and embodiment. It appears that people are healed through my ministering to and for them through facilitation, workshops, retreats, connections, relationships, prayer, dreaming, writing, visioning, and doing. I am healing for sure.

My new bucket list has one primary GOAL: I am most inspired to complete other people's bucket lists. WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST?

As I write this August Newsletter, I am prepared to leave on an 18 day cruise to Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, including a weekend of adventure in London. This trip and many are shared with close friends' intent on living out their bucket lists too. My planning and organizing my life to accommodate these goals remain at the forefront of the miracle making.

On October 14-24, I will accompany about 20 friends on a cruise from New York City up through the Eastern coast's fall foliage, four stops throughout Canada, ending in Quebec City. It's a retirement celebration for three of them; a 90th birthday party for the most feisty young lady I've ever met; a celebration of being alive from an advanced stage of cancer for another one of them; and a chance for me to visit grand places of the world, build and expand important relationships and minister to the world.

I'm blessed to be able to continue doing this. The words of my Mary Kay Director from years ago come to mind. People would often say "Martha is so lucky". Vada would say, "Martha is so lucky because she W-O-R-K-S". Seems to me both are true.

A stop in Louisville is included in August. This delights me to see some of my closest peeps. Please come out and see me, there or anywhere.

Greatest of love,

P.S. There is another new book out, and it's called Visions of Beauty. Please order one or ten and use as birthday gifts. I pray the photo images spark your own desires and allow you to travel without having to leave your chair (click on any of the images below to order). 

To view all events in 2019, click here.

For a complete list of Martha's events, please visit 

www.marthacreek.com.