This view of a patchwork garden at the North Carolina Arboretum caught my eye on a clear, August morning strolling with a friend. Today, this photo speaks to me of our lives, how we piece them together in harmony or not. For instance, long ago, I lived amid a chaotic atmosphere of mail piles, newspapers I hadn't read, and a list of chores to … [Read more...]
Now is the Time
This summer, I wrote a few letters at a time to women who gave me a send off from northeast Ohio when we moved to western North Carolina in 2007.Yes.My heart was ready to write heartfelt thank you letters to women I loved and moved away from 16 years after we moved and to call long-ago acquaintances to see what connections might be … [Read more...]
Bring on Your Gifts, Dear Soul
Seeing buds near blossom reminds me of believing in ourselves. Buds simply do their thing, blossoming in perfect time, bursting into flower. And us? We may be saddled beneath a gaggle of negative voices or expectations, wounding us. Maybe because of these thoughts we now eat to numb ourselves. Or we watch way too much television. Maybe we … [Read more...]
Surprises Where We Wander
How fun! This photo represents a surprise we happened upon the other night. To begin, we catch an idea to attend an annual event, buying tickets online to attend with Michael's mom. When the chosen day and time are in view, we rally to pick up Nancy for dinner before driving to the North Carolina Arboretum for Winter Lights. Oops....our … [Read more...]
Coming in June 2021
How exciting! I responded to a direct message asking if I knew anyone who'd like to write a chapter in a new book called Wholehearted Wonder Women 50 Plus: Courage, Confidence and Creativity at Any Age. Me!!! I applied, not attached to whether I'd be chosen as a co-author or not. Lo and behold, I was selected, giving me the assignment … [Read more...]
Beyond Boundaries
For years, I lived tightly controlled within and without, due to those I lived with who needed me to toe the line or else. Yes, I will be quiet when you're reading your newspaper, and I won't speak during dinner since the nightly news is on, which it must be, according to you. In college, I moved to the beat of my own drummer. I swam Friday … [Read more...]
Awareness Rocks!
I don't know about your unfolding life in the New Year, though I wish you very well! May you take good action, rest as you're able and spread kindness along the way. My 2020 days so far are ripe with goodness, which I name as new awareness to live into. First, I realized that I could catch water in the bathroom when I run the tap for hot … [Read more...]
Try Slowing Down
Breath, breathe, breathing. Breathing takes time. Activities take time. Everything takes time, doesn't it? We work, and we need to get to the bank, buy groceries and do the laundry. Then cook, cut the grass and water the flowers. We'd like to sit and read a novel, pull weeds or bathe our dog. How do we manage? I, for one, know … [Read more...]
Why Forgiveness Matters
Daily, I'm grateful that I share a spiritual practice with Michael on the phone. After I write in my gratitude journal, a five-year journal and a daily journal, and read devotional messages, I call Michael to read from The Way of Mastery. This book by the Shanti Christo Foundation filled with rich lessons in beautiful language from Jesus … [Read more...]
What Do We Call These Batik Sweeties?
It’s a scarf. It’s a stole. It's a wall hanging! What is it? Truth is, these first radiant creations with positive messages and lots of uses have been a big challenge to name. I'm stumped. So I've decided for now to name the company instead - Joy on Your Shoulders ™. And you’re more than welcome to call them whatever you’d like. I'll … [Read more...]
Consider a Change: Create Intentional Space in Your Life
This article appeared first as a Guest Column in The Transylvania Times in Brevard, North Carolina. Like you, spaces of all kinds have opened for me over the years. When I’m 10 years old, my friend Sara’s dad suddenly dies at the community center where we gather and swim. After playing handball in a windowed court we peer into, Mr. … [Read more...]
Newly Connect, Allowing Unexpected Gifts to Arise as They Will
Enjoy this article which first appeared in The Transylvania Times, Brevard, North Carolina …In each moment you exist in an exquisite perfection of your own making, and your own collaboration with one another… The Way of Mastery How connected are you with yourself, honoring your understandings, values, and ways? How connected are you … [Read more...]
Look Out, Look Up, Look Around
When I look out to witness amazing moments like this one, I’m struck by awe, grabbing my camera to catch the scene. Oh, my. Compared to where I lived before, tucked down a hill below the road, hidden by a large holly tree, I’m living in a spot which allows us to see so much when we pay attention. Working on the sun-soaked hillside in back on his … [Read more...]
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Do you sometimes feel bogged down with life?
Could you use a reminder that your deepest longing is to heal into the soulful person you are created to be?
Would you like to evolve into a version of yourself filled with peace and joy?
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Life is short...belonging to our unique lives deeply matters.
