Naked Without a Hat

By Robin Clark

My girlfriend bluntly said, “You want to change your life, you first have to figure out where you belong. Not every city or country on this planet welcomes you or supports you. Most places will fight your energy. I’m telling you, if you want your life to get better, you must see an Astrocartographer."

Astrocartography, commonly known as Relocation Astrology, maps out the positive and negative places on the planet that your energies united with at the moment of your birth. These places will determine success and happiness, or failure and anxiety. Needing a change, I took my friend’s advice. What I found was so much more than happiness. The connections I made, and the synchronicities experienced, were effortless. There are two books within this book; a story of courage and trust, and a love story that reaches through time. If you’re at all skeptical, I welcome you into the world of Astrocartography. If you are brave enough, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and find your magic in a place where you truly belong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Clark
• Release date: Sep 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005608132

Robin Clark

Robin Clark is a retired, accomplished Cardiac Nurse who has been published in several medical journals. She recently published Battling Adult Philadelphia Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Real Fight for Those with Ph+ALL, a caregiver’s guide. This book chronicles her and her husband’s life during a clinical study for a rare leukemia and bone marrow transplant. She shares many tools and ideas to help others with this same diagnosis. She also self-published Shhhh Breathe, a brutally honest behind-the-scenes memoir of real life at home while living on a university hospital cancer unit. Robin has self-patented a female supplement, Fem-Ease, for the disorder and symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis, patent # US6143300A - Sept 2000. In 2003 she owned and operated two successful restaurants in Oregon, and owned a 216-acre waterfront parcel which she rezoned to be developed into a high-end, multi-unit RV resort on the mouth of the Coos River. In 2009, she received her PhD in Metaphysics and Master’s in Divinity.Her latest book, Naked Without a Hat: An Extraordinary Adventure Through Relocation Astrology is her break-out moment. After four years of being a widow, she has changed her status to single and is sharing her fantastical self-discovery journey to Greece after meeting with an Astrocartographer. She is the mother of two wonderful children, one the recipient of two Purple Hearts from Iraq, and one a practicing Esthetician, as well as two beautiful grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she enjoys oil painting, beading, gardening and long walks on the beach. She currently lives in Bandon, Oregon and continues to write.

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Naked Without a Hat

An Extraordinary Adventure through Relocation Astrology

By Robin Clark, PhD

Copyright

Copyright 2020© Amber Light Publishing

First edition, 2020

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without written permission of the publisher and author.

Limit of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty: Amber Light Publishing has used its best efforts in preparing this book, and the information provided herein is as provided. This book is designed to provide information and motivation to its readers and is sold with the understanding that the publisher nor the author is not engaged to render any type of medical, parental, psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The content is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this book. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your chosen actions and results.

Smashwords ISBN: 978-1-0056081-3-2

Print version ISBN: 978-0-9990295-8-9

Written by Robin Clark, PhD

Published by Amber Light Publishing and Smashwords

www.AmberLightPublishing.com

Editing and Book Design by Nita Robinson of Nita Helping Hand?

www.NitaHelpingHand.com

Cover by Kelly Martin, www.KAM.Design

Images courtesy of DepositPhotos by anzavru, nitimongkolchai, netfalls, AntonMatyukha

Table of Contents

Preface

Epilogue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

PART TWO

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Prologue

About the Author

Preface

As people, we go through life wearing hats, lots of hats! We become the persona of each hat we wear, hiding underneath it, being careful not to disclose who we really are. Each of these hats are labels that define us and tell our story, the story we want people to accept. We never truly need to tell people who we really are because our hats tell the story, they are our escape. For many, this is such a blessing. The thought of anyone knowing who we really are is quite the distressing nightmare! And to be honest, the hardest question to answer is, Who am I? Taking the hat out of the equation, stand before a mirror and describe who you are to yourself. Trust me, it takes some practice and a lot of corrections before you get it right. The hat makes it so much easier for a fluid conversation when someone says, Tell me about you. All we have to do is refer to our hats.

When I look back at my life, I have worn fifteen hats, maybe more, but these fifteen are the ones I can easily use to put my life into chronological order. A few of them stand out more than others, those subsequently being the storyline for this book. These few are the meat of the journey I am about to take you on. There is no need to bore you with all the hat boxes filled in the corner of my closet, but a quick back story is needed. My hats were worn like this; a scared little girl hat, frightened of the boogieman; a cheerleader hat in high school; college; then the veil of a bride. My veil changed to a mom hat, a career nursing hat coupled with a business owner and entrepreneur hat. The hat of divorce was my first heavy hat. I had worn the wife hat for 26 years before I took it off. I think I shrank two inches wearing the divorce hat. It wasn’t long before I was wearing the veil of a bride and a wife hat again.

Some hats I believe we get so comfortable with; they fit well and are so easy to put back on that we gravitate and return to them before we realize what we have done due to the fear of being alone. It wasn’t long before the grandma hat showed up – my favorite hat of all! But before I had the opportunity to enjoy my new bridal hat, I was wearing the heaviest hat of my collection – the widow’s hat. This hat took me to places I never thought possible. I have always been a strong woman, described by most as tenacious and forever the cheerleader, always creating positive possibilities out of the darkest tunnels. I am proud of these two labels!

Now I stand in front of the mirror with no hat. Who is this person looking back at me? I have no clue. I, as so many others, have become the hats. Those who have said, Tell me about you don’t really know me – and neither do I…

I gave my children a wonderful foundation. They are on their own, independent and flying high, so my mom hat went into retirement. My nursing hat went into retirement, and I finally put my widow’s hat away, no longer being trapped underneath it. At first, this was very scary, standing alone with nothing on my head. How does one navigate this world with no hat? Without a hat, there are no rules to follow; it is a freedom, a liberation to be nothing OR everything – scary, but for some reason I became invigorated during that moment with the mirror, and I liked it! I now know what it feels like to be free. There is no longer a perceived public persona sitting on my head. There is no hat defining me.

Trust me, the journey was difficult and frighteningly exhilarating at the same time, if that makes sense. So, what did I do? I called my daughter for advice. Her answer was, Rip off the Band-Aid, Mom. The world is only a scary place if you’re sitting in your chair. It’s your time to shine. Do it! And boy, did I. But I needed my own cheerleader first, and her name was Alana.

This is a fantastical, extraordinary journey of courage and adventure that I am going to take you on. I had to take this experimental ride to find myself, and it was a rollercoaster ride! From Sedona and the plant medicine Ayahuasca, praying I didn’t shit my pants during the plant medicine journey (which my friend assured me would happen) all the way to the islands of Greece.

Through the tabloids, social media and the evening news, I was taught to believe the world is a frightening, terrorizing and intimidating place, especially if you’re a single woman. I can tell you with certainty that this is not true! I met people from all over the world, traveling and experiencing life to the fullest. I did have a bit of help to ensure my adventure was going to be an exceptionally perfect and safe one before I left my chair and updated my passport. I got advice from an Astrocartographer, one who studies the science of finding out where you belong on this planet. Knowing my adventure would take me to a place that my energy aligned with made it even more exciting. You’ll find out more about Astrocartography inside and you don’t want to miss it.

I hope my harrowing and humorous escapades give you the fortitude and courage to challenge yourself to an adventure of a lifetime. My belief is that until we have the courage to push that chair aside and step outside our comfort zone into the unknown world, we will never experience the magic this life has to offer us. Why do I believe this? Because I did it, lived it and was with many others – singles and couples – that were enjoying the same thing, feeling exhilaration for the first time. Fear is the only thing holding us back when we find ourselves naked and alone with no hat. Just know the world is only a scary place if you’re sitting in your chair.

I want to thank Julian Lee, my Astrocartographer, as gruff as he may be, who sent me on a journey of self-discovery on the other side of the planet. The synchronicities and connections I encountered became so rewarding and magical that I knew I wasn’t traveling alone. And thank you to Alana. If she hadn’t trusted me with her story, I might still be standing in front of the mirror, wondering who I am, hatless. To my son and daughter who encouraged me to go and experience my own words, I say to them, Life is an adventure. Fly high and enjoy! Don’t be afraid! The world is a magical place! The biggest thank you goes to all the people I encountered on my journey who made it possible to effortlessly see 16 cities, the mainland, four islands, and take nine airplane flights. Without all of you, it might have not been the most amazing adventure of a lifetime. When you experience the world without fear, before you end the first adventure you’re already planning the next. A thank you to the reader, for trusting me to take you on an extraordinary, fantastical journey through space and time. Enjoy!

Robin Clark

Epilogue

Using her hand as a visor to block the hot afternoon sun, Charlee looked up to where the voices were coming from. Standing on a long, narrow scaffolding were two men, father and son, jovially bantering back and forth as they worked the stones in the massive retaining wall. Half of it jetted straight up out of the sea about 150 feet. The other half curved around a slight bend that, at its base, connected to a long cement walkway, dividing the quaint town of Therma, Greece from the sand and sea. It was incomprehensible to think these two men had built this entire structure. There must have been over two million stones stacked perfectly in place, facing the sea. At the top sat Agriolykos (Ag-ri-o-lee-kos), a Pensione (mansion-style Air B&B) and home to Julia and her famous family.

Both men looked like Atlas in the hot sun as they lifted the large rocks above their heads and put them into place. Charlee stood, eating an apple while watching them. The older man wore a tight shirt, jeans and a baseball cap, his physique just slightly smaller than his son’s. The other, with no shirt on, glistened like glitter from the fine layer of sweat caused by the afternoon sun. His broad shoulders extended well beyond his waist that held a dark belt and khaki-colored pants. Every muscle in his arms and back were large and well-defined, prominently working in unison as he lifted the heavy stones effortlessly. His thick, jet-black hair rested on his shoulders, and every so often he ran his fingers through it from front to back with a slight toss of the head, moving it out of his face.

Charlee stood staring; she couldn’t take her eyes off him. The thoughts that were going through her mind were out of a Joan Collins romance novel. She could see him slowly moving over the top of her, pleasuring her in ways no man had ever pleasured her. Realizing her thoughts, she quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching her. She was alone, thank goodness. She finished her apple, brushed her hands together, making a clapping sound while dusting off the final remnants. Hearing the sound, both men turned and looked down at her as she was staring up at them. The blood rushed to her cheeks; she had been caught in a moment of voyeurism. He turned his body to face her and she had a full-frontal view. He was the sexiest and most beautiful man she had ever seen. His bare chest was smooth with defined pectoral muscles looking down at her. His skin glistened, exposing a perfect six-pack. He ran his fingers through his hair, leaving it hanging with a slight wave on both sides of his face. Charlee was staring at him and he was staring at her. His father looked from one to the other, leaned back against the wall, crossed his arms and legs, and watched with a chuckle. No one spoke. The world had come to a stand-still. She waited, but nothing. He just stared.

Charlee finally got up her courage and asked, Do you speak English? He nodded yes. She said, My name is Charlee. It was all he could do to not fall off the wall. He was transfixed. Charlee began to talk, and though her mouth was moving, she wasn’t sure what was coming out while her heart was beating a hundred miles an hour. His father watched as the scene unfolded in front of him. He had never seen this look on his son’s face. When Charlee was done speaking, she waited, but nothing. He just continued to stare down at her. Awkwardly she said, Ok, well, have a nice day and started to walk away. She was so embarrassed! She just wanted to slither away under the nearest rock and stay there until they left so she could then run back to the hotel and die. What the heck just happened? Her mind was confused and jumbled. Her body was willing and ready for this man to pick her up, take her to his cave and have his way with her, but after that display, she was sure to never see him again. As she turned to leave, his father asked, Charlee, are you alone?

She took a deep breath, collected herself quickly and replied, Yes, I’m here for six months. I’m here to study the fauna and flora for medicinal tinctures.

He said, You come to dinner at my house tonight. Daniel, Jr. here will cook us a meal and we can talk. My wife, Julia, will teach you where to go on the island to find what you are looking for. We live at Argiolykos. Arrive at seven with an empty stomach. Do you like wine?

Charlee said, Funny – I just checked in at Argiolykos. I’m staying in your guest house. It’s the only room available in town. And yes, I like red wine.

He hit his son’s arm and said softly, It’s meant to be. He yelled back down, Good, I will prepare red wine. Charlee, beside herself said, Great! I’m looking forward to it. She waved goodbye and started back toward Agriolykos.

Daniel, Jr. looked at his father blankly and said, I have to go. I’m done for the day.

With a boastful chuckle his father said, Yes you are.

Charlee’s heart was beating faster now. She was going to be sitting at his dinner table, maybe right next to him! Oh my goodness, I need to shower! What am I going to wear? And what did I just ramble on about? I hope he doesn’t think I’m an idiot! Oh, jeez, how old am I, twelve? Snap out of it! With her thoughts racing, she headed back to the guest house to get ready for dinner. It had been an exceptional day and it was only 2:00 p.m.

When Charlee’s plane had landed on the small island of Ikaria, she rented a car and drove directly to Therma, praying there would be a room available at Agriolykos. When she found out there was and that it was the last one available in town, she felt synchronicity at work. Julia, the owner of Agriolykos, was the reason Charlee was in Greece. When she met Julia, it was pure magic. There was a deep, spiritual connection that was felt in the heart of both women. As Julia checked her into the guest house, she looked Charlee in the eye and asked, Have we met before?

Charlee said, No.

Julia said, Oh yes, paused and continued, we have. She smiled as she looked at Charlee’s face as if trying to remember where and when she had seen this beautiful American face before.

During her studies, Charlee had read several National Geographic articles about a healer named Julia Kaya who lived on the island of Ikaria near the Turkey border. She was somewhat of a legend known throughout Greece as well as her family. Her husband and son, Daniel, Sr. and Daniel, Jr., were but a handful of masons skilled at repairing the ancient walls of the dilapidated and crumbling fortresses resting throughout Europe. They too had many articles written about them and were sought out world-wide. Melena, Julia’s daughter, was an exquisite gentle woman known throughout the elite world of who’s who. She and Maximus were the star couple fronting all the tabloids. Everyone wanted to be Melena and Maximus.

Charlee had read all of Julia’s books on botany and knew meeting her was going to be an adventure of a lifetime. The island was the perfect paradise for continued studies, and Julia, she was hoping, was going to be the perfect mentor. Charlee’s years of pain and extreme mental challenges growing up were slowly leaving her thoughts. Right now, all she could think about was Daniel, Jr. She felt something she had never felt before. It wasn’t just lust, it was bigger than that. But the best part was, Charlee knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

I need to back up a bit. I got a little ahead of myself. Charlee and the family she stays with might really surprise you in the end. It’s a story in itself. This story, mine and Charlee’s story, actually begins with Alana, a girlfriend who shook me up and set me straight after I had stared into the mirror a little too long, wondering what I was going to do with no hat, no identity, and the freedom to do whatever I wanted. So, let’s start from the beginning.

Chapter One

Trust, Courage and Motivation

I met Alana at a local Grief Retreat about a year after my husband died. She wasn’t there to learn how to deal with grief, but as a clinician to work on new ideas for her own practice. She was a shaman of 17 years. She had lived in South America for many of her younger years, honing the gifts she realized she had when she was a little girl. She brought with her a friend who needed healing who had asked to attend the retreat with her. There was something about this woman that intrigued me. She was beautiful, carefree, and had the most mesmerizing eyes I have ever seen. Her sweet Italian accent was infectious, yet there was a mastery behind it that let me know she was not one to challenge but to respect. She was like a mama bear as she watched her rumpled friend cower in tears as he came to the height of releasing his grief during the