Happy New Year 2016

December 31st, 2015
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HappyNew Year

 And now let us welcome the New Year

Full of things that have never been.

                                   ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

On this last day of 2015, I find myself reflecting, probably just as you are, on how the year went by so quickly, on some of the good and bad things that happened and what I have might learned from all of these amazing experiences.

It seems like the natural thing to do.

2015 has been quite a year, bringing all sorts of surprises, but it also brought me a renewed sense of discovery.  A sense of appreciating instead of just … Read More

Experiencing The Holiday Spirit

December 28th, 2015
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Don’t you find that every Christmas has its own vibe and dynamic? I reminisce about Christmases past and there are things that stand out that I will never ever forget. From childhood Christmases, there is always the cozy sounds of Johnny Mathis while running around in my pajamas getting ready to put out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve.  Adult Christmases bring back loving memories of my late husband and those first Christmases with our young son.  I remember those Christmases as being simple in decorations and gifts and always having a feeling of innocence. And then there… Read More

You Are Merrily Appreciated

December 24th, 2015
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  I pause today to extend my best wishes to all no matter what holiday you may celebrate this time of year. Throughout this holiday season, may peace and joy be with you and your families. Holidays are great opportunities to celebrate life but I find they are also difficult to manage because we bring so many emotions and expectations to them each and every year.  Don’t think I am being a Scrooge when I say that the decorations, the music, the food, and the rituals are important, but I am of the mindset these days that if something doesn’t… Read More

Oh Fallen Christmas Tree

December 21st, 2015
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I was working on the computer this past weekend when I heard a sudden “thud” upstairs in the living room. As I ran up the steps to see what had happened, I had a sick feeling in my stomach that I knew what had fallen to make that sound. When I came around the corner and reached the living room, I found I was unfortunately right about the origin of that dull thud on the wooden floor. My beautiful Christmas tree had fallen.  With all of its lights and ornaments on it. And it was laying partially across the living… Read More

Parking My Heart

December 18th, 2015
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Hey there Resilient Readers! Today’s post may seem at first to be just a simple story about a bike shop in my hometown of Washington, DC. But it’s really about so much more. I want to share this wonderful story with you because it reminds me of the compelling message found in the classic Frank Capra Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life: one person really can make a difference. Today’s bike story is a real life example of what happens when one person gets involved in their community and the difference they can make for others who are looking to… Read More

Songbird – Eva Cassidy

December 14th, 2015
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Eva Cassidy Singing At Washington, D.C.’s jazz club, Blues Alley Good Morning Friends! If your weekend was as busy as mine, then I bet you are ready to go ever so gently into this Monday by listening to some healing music. Songbird is a popular song recorded and written by Christine McVie.  You may know it from Fleetwood Mac’s infamous platinum awarding winning album Rumours. This beautiful song was brought back to me when The Washington Post ran a story about her last week and then a good friend of mine posted Eva’s cover of Songbird on her Facebook page… Read More

Holiday Breathing Space

December 11th, 2015
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As the calendar pulls me closer to the holidays, I am feeling those inner twinges that happen when my time starts being crunched by competing priorities at work and home. I try to look ahead and plan to prevent this feeling of running out of time to shop, cook and decorate but this year, somehow, it snuck up on me. It started a few days ago when I thought I knew what to buy for some family members and then I found out that the person already had the thing I had in mind and then some of the other… Read More

Help! I Can’t Find The Right Card

December 7th, 2015
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This has happened to me at least a million times and I bet this has happened to you too! You find yourself in the card section of CVS or your local card store and you’ve been standing there for about 10 to 15 minutes scanning the cards, taking them out one by one, reading them and then quickly rejecting them and putting them back. Totally Dissatisfied. Nope. Nope. Nope. When that happens, here’s what I’m usually thinking: I so liked the picture or drawing on that particular card and it was so so close to what I was looking for… Read More

Holiday Temptations

December 4th, 2015
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Photo Courtesy of Katie Lee Kitchen Oh my goodness! A few days ago, I looked in the refrigerator and spied the last containers of homemade mashed potatoes and stuffing and I couldn’t take it anymore. I hate to waste food yet I had to throw the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers away!  I know I overindulged over the holiday and it was yummy and fun but it also is time for the food party to stop. But it’s really hard, right?  I know it is for me.  Maybe it’s a little easier for you.  I definitely like to think you… Read More