Simply Satisfying Friday

May 6th, 2016
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morning cup

 

There is something about the word simple that makes me feel at ease.

I’m not sure why it makes me feel that way but it does.

Simple.  As in streamlined.  As in efficient.  As in making sure that a lot of superfluous stuff doesn’t get in the way of finding a well worn path to tranquility.

As in breaking down complicated situations and keeping them simple.

It’s a word that I hang on to when life gives me a lot to handle.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that information overload is currently the ongoing theme … Read More

Moving Into Monday

January 12th, 2015
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I hear my stationary bicycle calling to me. “Come on.  You have calories and fat to burn off.  You need to get your heart pumping.  Get your butt in gear.  I’m here.  Where are you?” Ah, the rhythms of life!! It’s hard to get myself in the exercise groove but I remind myself that I’m doing something good for me.  There is a payoff: exercise is a must for the whole me; the mind/body connection and on top of that it’s healing. On some level, aerobic exercising or general movement such as walking, dancing, yoga or even running helps me… Read More

A Birthday Reveal

January 9th, 2015
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I’ve had 10 birthdays since my husband died and yesterday was the first birthday I celebrated when I didn’t think of him once during the day. I am not telling you this to sound sad or to express joy.  No way. I write of this today to say it’s confusing.  I never thought it would happen.  I’m not sure what it means, if it means anything.  I didn’t even realize it happened until the end of the day when I was getting ready to go to sleep. I still miss him dearly but I guess I am also reporting in… Read More

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

March 17th, 2014
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If it’s March, it must be that time of year again when everything green is up for grabs and my family is never embarrassed to wear as much of it as possible. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all and I’m sure you’re planning to do it up proud! My large and boisterous family gathered yesterday before the snow hit the Washington, DC area to celebrate our Irish ancestry and all the stops were pulled out for a grand time. So in the tradition of my Celtic tribe, it was an afternoon of irreverent jokes and imitations, lots of food and… Read More

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14th, 2014
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Happy Valentine’s Day!! Falling in love and being loved is just so oh-la-la isn’t it? May your heart expand today with the joy of being with your Valentine or having great memories of a special Valentine who may no longer be with you. I’m sending this song out today to Valentines around the globe:… Read More

Bridget’s Affirmation

December 13th, 2013
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When one of my nieces was three years old, she started going to nursery school for part of the day a few times a week.  Her mother (my sister) knew that while she was at school she would start to miss Mommy at some point so she taught her daughter to say to herself, “There is no need to cry.  Everything will be all right.  Mommy will be right back.” My sister was ahead of her time because she was teaching my niece to say an affirmation to herself even though she didn’t know what an affirmation was or what… Read More

Nothing More — The Alternate Routes

November 29th, 2013
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After a day spent counting our blessings and giving thanks, today we are full of gratitude right? To keep that warm and fuzzy and wonderful feeling of kindness going, here is a song introduced to me by Hannah Donnelly (a Jesuit Volunteer Corps alumni & my son’s girlfriend) that I know I will be singing or humming to myself today or whenever I feel my patience starting to wear.  It is a beautiful song, offering hope and I think it fosters the spirit of giving. The song, “Nothing More” was written specifically for Newtown Kindness (www.newtownkindness.org) and is performed by… Read More

A Generous Heart

August 13th, 2013
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I saw this letter yesterday and it reminded me that a new school year will be starting soon.  With the beginning of a new school year, perhaps teachers and student will be dealing with conflicting emotions about losses or illnesses that happened over the summer. When a friend or an acquaintance is grieving from the loss of a loved one, it is natural to want to reach out and make them feel better.  One of the greatest gifts we can give is listening.  Even if you don’t know what to say, we can always listen; listen as the person talks… Read More

Keeping Love In Your Heart

May 29th, 2013
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The best and most beautiful things in the world  cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.                                     ~ Helen Keller The human heart is an amazing organ isn’t it?  We fall in love, break up, and then perhaps fall in love over and over again, testing the resiliance of our courageous yet vulnerable hearts. Somehow, throughout our lives, we ride this emotional rollercoaster and our hearts manage to survive the ride and keep on beating. When a relationship doesn’t work out, we are sad but eventually we pick ourselves up and carry on until… Read More