Holiday Triggers

July 4th, 2016
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Swing Ride

 

The Fourth of July and other long holiday weekends which happen during these spectacular summer months are truly the best for unwinding from the stresses of our daily go-go routines.

More time is spent outdoors relaxing and doing the things that we all look forward to: gardening, swimming, walking, grilling and just chillin’ and loungin’ in our favorite space.

But those activities can also serve as a difficult reminder that a loved one is no longer with us and while I hope that those reminders don’t stop you from going ahead and doing what you planned, those wistful thoughts … Read More

Lodro’s Ah-Ha Insight

January 15th, 2016
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    In the Oscar-award winning movie, Dream Girls, an insightful song is featured about practicing patience.  The lyrics (written by Henry Krieger and Willie Reale) go as follows: I know you have questions Same ones as me How long has it been? How long will it be? When will come the morning To drive the night away? When will come the morning Of a brighter day? Patience, little sisters Patience, little brothers Patience, patience Take each other by the hand Finding patience is something I struggle with.  Constantly.  I put it right out there.  Finding the patience to handle… Read More

One Groovy Lavender Road Trip

October 16th, 2015
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  Road trips are part of the American way of life. Maybe this weekend you, your friends or family have a road trip planned to take advantage of this transitional time of year: picking out your special pumpkins, checking out the leaves turning glorious reds and yellows or just visiting a new destination. Road trips can help us recharge our inner selves.  You know.  That inner voice.  That oh so precious deep core of ourselves that keeps us one with the horizon and helps us process the ups and downs of this beautiful and crazy trip called life. I know… Read More

A Cup Of Healing

September 2nd, 2015
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  A wonderful friend recently gave me the hand made ceramic cup pictured above. Sometimes I keep it on my kitchen counter or the desk where I work on my computer.  And then sometimes I put it on my bedroom chest of drawers.  I like to move it around the house because there is something comforting about it’s handmade texture and it brings to mind the simple yet special things about life. Things that ease my frantic feelings when I am stressed.  Such as receiving an unexpected telephone call from someone I haven’t heard from in a long time or… Read More

A Fabulous Friday Mindset

October 17th, 2014
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By the time Friday arrives on my doorstep, I am usually ready to attack a pint of ice cream, preferably Ben & Jerry’s chocolate chip cookie dough. I sometimes allow myself this indulgence because after all it’s Friday and I’m using the ice cream as a way of patting myself on the back for having survived the turmoil of another work week.  I wouldn’t say that eating a pint of ice cream is healing in the classic sense, but it certainly heals my soul at a time when I need it. But also know it’s not good for me.  That… Read More

A Daily Om

June 7th, 2013
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We all need a mental health break, don’t we?  I just didn’t expect to find one downtown in a city park. While walking down the street yesterday during lunch hour in the downtown area of the nation’s capitol, I spied a large white tent set up across the street in a park known as McPherson Square.  The tent reminded me of one of those large white tents that people use at outdoor wedding receptions.  I could only see the back of the tent so, ever the curious one, I walked over to check it out. Somebody must be promoting something,… Read More

Picturing The Calm

May 18th, 2013
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I’m picturing myself in a place near the water that is quiet and calm. Shutting out the noise and distractions. Hoping this feeling will carry me through the day! Photo courtesy of Delaware National Estuarine Research A Delaware Bay Haiku (c) KBC Horseshoe crabs spawning Lots of shorebirds arriving The Bay inviting… Read More

Two Life Tips

February 18th, 2013
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Say Ohmmmm! My mother gets more magazines than anyone I know.  She always has a huge stack of magazines near her lounge chair and after she whips through them she is always happy to give them away. This weekend I stopped by my parents’ house to visit, catch-up and check in on them and she gave me at least 25 magazines to take home.  Oh don’t worry.  My Mom still has more magazines for herself! Stories about staying healthy and de-stressing always pop out at me and while reading a December 2012 Family Circle magazine, I came upon an article… Read More

Getting Into The Zen Groove

February 8th, 2013
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“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” – St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers   Courtesy of Bethany Fine Arts Gallery From my core being, I am trying so very hard to attain a zen state of mind. This year is the year when I am trying to learn to meditate and think about serene things and scenes of nature that bring to mind a balance of calm and beauty. It is a matter of trial… Read More