Naturally

“Pay attention to the things you are naturally drawn to. They are often connected to your path, passion, and purpose in life. Have the courage to follow them.” – Ruben Chavez I am naturally drawn to hearts… …art… …nature… …hearts and nature… …and words of wisdom and love. Don’t know what that says about my…

Rest

“I suspect that true rest is akin to being truly present, where your whirring mind stills, where you’re not racing ahead to whatever is next.” – Suleika Jaouad Rest. I think this is a little bit of what I find when I go to the park. It’s the one time of day I don’t think…

Wednesday Wisdom

“Find out what makes you kinder, what opens you up and brings out the most loving, generous, unafraid version of you, and go after those things as if nothing else matters. Because actually, nothing else does.” – George Saunders Walks in the park are highly encouraged during this quest.

Gratefully

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” – Maya Angelou Today is my day for receiving gratefully. The above zinnias came from a yard a few streets over, as the gardener was encouraging folks to cut what they wanted from the abundance. And I certainly wasn’t the only one eagerly accepting this…

Six little stories with lots of meaning

Once, a group of villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That is faith. When you toss babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That is trust. 3. Every night we go to…

The Strangest Gift

“The kindest people aren’t born that way, they are made. They are the souls that have experienced much at the hands of life, they are the ones who have dug themselves out of the dark, who have fought to turn every loss into a lesson. The kindest people do not just exist – they choose…

A Wish for the Week Ahead

“May you remember to stay calm in the face of adversity, or at least freak out somewhat gracefully. May you stay hydrated, graceful and kind. May you remember to put yourself somewhere up near the top of your never-ending To-Do list, and may that To-Do list include good coffee and laughter, because you have to…

Surprise

“It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a…

Lightly, child

“It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly, child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. “Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. “I was so preposterously serious in those days…Lightly, lightly — it’s the best advice ever given me…to throw away your baggage…

Hello, little friend

Hummingbirds are so hard for me to photograph. But this guy seems to be used to me and isn’t in a hurry to leave the feeder, so I was in luck. It is oddly satisfying when these little ones not only stop in my yard for their nutrition, but they feel safe enough to pause…

Celebrate?

“Every day is a new opportunity to begin again. Every day is your birthday.” – The Book of Joy, Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Just a funny photo and a quote from a book I’m currently reading. They seemed to go together. I spotted this party aftermath in the middle of a parking lot…

Found

“And they keep asking me where happiness can be found, but I’m no longer trying to find happiness. I just appreciate where I am and then happiness finds me.” – Soyen Shaku Just a few love notes and smiles that have found me recently.

Different

Look how much more interesting this whole group becomes when just one bloom decides to do its own thing. She doesn’t ruin the collective by letting her colors fly. She doesn’t even diminish the beauty of the other blooms. Somehow through her own uniqueness, she makes everyone around her more unique. I took this image…

Dream

Please remember: Your job is the dream of the unemployed. Your house is the dream of the homeless. Your smile is the dream of the depressed. Your health is the dream of those who are sick. Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity. Find something to be grateful for. I saw that reminder…

Often

“I understand now that I’m not a mess, but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say, ‘For the same reason I laugh so often – because I’m paying attention.’” – Glennon Doyle Melton A couple of fun things I…

Great, Glorious Pieces of Good

“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I re-read passages from my favorite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious…

Just a thought

“The thing is, we don’t know what’s waiting for us tomorrow. All we have and all we know is right now. “So please, don’t waste your energy on staying angry, or thinking you are not worth it or living in the past or the future… “Love yourself, your friends, and your family with all of…

Big L

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” – Thomas Merton What I have…

Look at you

Just think about it. There is no one else who is the same as you in the world. There is no one who has the same personality, the same tastes, the same smile, the same soul, the same memories, the same loving character, or the same journey. You are so unique and so special. You’ve…

Reason to smile

Here are a few smiles from the week. This sweet sentiment at the Foundry during a celebratory dinner with a few of my favorite people. This chubby baby bird at the park, pushing the limits of a nest where I’ve been used to seeing the mama. A brave iris who decided to lead the way…

Extraordinary

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brené Brown Otherwise known as a walk in the park.

Throwback Thursday – NYC

I just realized I never posted about one of my biggest personal joys I experienced last month. Something that has been at the top of my running wish list since the first time I learned about it. I’d blogged about my heartbreak in 2020 when it was cancelled due to COVID-19 after FINALLY getting in…

Impact

“Your impact on other people is bigger than you think. Someone still giggles when they think of that funny thing you said. Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you gave them. Someone silently admires you. The advice you give has made a difference for people. The support and love you’ve offered others…