Life is happier....

...when you focus on the sweet little moments.

Hubby mowing the yard

dusting me with grass,

 while I'm down on all fours in the dirt

weeding and sowing wildflower seeds

breathing in an absolutely fabulous Spring day.

It's been a minute since we've synced up.

It felt good to be on the same page.

morning notes:

debug my mind

discipline yourself mentally

deliberate, purposeful thinking

meditate on Philippians4:8

put it into practice

changes you make today

will influence what you reap in the future

be conscious of the choices you make

each one is a seed your planting 

for tomorrow

you are writing your own story 

with your thoughts

each moment is a new beginning

your problems are not greater

than you are

stop waiting for others to give you 

what you need &

take responsibility for yourself

let others do as they may

be true to yourself

the best decisions are made when

you listen to no one but you

be well...

xoxo

💝

...'together, you have watched dead things come to life,

day by day, flower by flower.'

"Misery loves company and usually finds it,

followed by a lifelong debate as to who

was the misery and who was the company."

Marriage: a state of bliss in which if one partner

dies unexpectedly,

the other is the prime suspect."

"The secret to lining an exceptional life tomorrow,

is purely a matter of thinking strong joyful

thoughts today."

"Love is life.

If you miss love,

you miss life."

Incoming storms...

.....sourdough bread still warm from the oven,

with butter & honey.

Clothesline fresh rugs on freshly mopped floors,

and the hallway closet's

annual transformation from pantry to

tornado shelter.

 

The things that soothe...

note:

Neurosurgeon called

appt. for the end of the month

hold onto the good

create space

ride the winds of passion in your life

let go of things that no longer

serve you

take a break from processing your thoughts

tend to your responsibilities

and don't take things so 

personally

trust yourself

live and experience life

let things happen

remain calm and confident

do not be dismayed

meditate

learn to love the person you're responsible

for taking care of-

yourself

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do...

but how much love we put into that action."

~Mother Teresa~

"When the world feels like an emotional roller coaster,

steady yourself with simple rituals.

Do the dishes. Fold the laundry.

Water the plants.

Simplicity attracts wisdom."

To be aware...

...of the nudge,

is to be heading to my cozy nook

on the porch

with coffee in one hand &

 a basket in the other,

and Polly at my heels.

And end up at the lake during a 

thunderstorm, listening to the fish splash,

 and disappointing the cat.

Signs..(in order of sightings)

Woodpecker: 

pay attention

significant change

Eagle:

reconnect to your Spiritual path

listen & heed your spiritual directions

as well as your heart

allow them both to lead the way

stay grounded

Loon:

tranquility & peace

"spirit of the north"

pay attention

live in harmony with others

and nature

notes to self:

absolutely wonderful

God provides the guidance 

you need

life isn't about chasing more

it's about choosing better

sometimes the simplest moments 

are the richest ones

time is your most valuable currency

cease striving and simply enjoy being

present

pay close attention

inhale in a mindful way

exhale and let things go

focus on the goals that are closest to your heart

be intentional about what and who you 

decide to be available to

be engaged in things that impact your life

(or mind-numbing distractions)

it's your choice

be purposeful

the ability to choose and change

who you're being in this life

is a gift

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Peace comes when we invite it in like a welcome guest.

As peace enters our soul, we feel an expansion

where anxiety and sorrow once were.

When peace arrives we feel lighter.

To prepare your soul for peace,

take the time to breathe,

clearing the clutter of your mind

and opening to the expression of your spirit.

Welcome peace in by releasing the tight grasp

of anxiety and sorrow.

Let go of pain so that peace can soothe."

 

Sometimes...

..."you've got to let everything go...

purge yourself.

If you are unhappy with anything...

whatever is bringing you down,

get rid of it.

Because you'll find that when you're free,

your true creativity,

your true self comes out."

~Tina Turner~

I like that!

I myself struggle with being creative today

as I have outside chores to do before it rains...,

& my head is still slightly swollen 

from receiving a lovely compliment

 ( from the instructor & one of 

my mates)

 on my form and flow yesterday in Tai Chi.

Grateful. Encouraging. Uplifting.

I practiced all weekend.

notes lately...

when you are talking to yourself

watch your language

you strengthen what you put your attention on

keep your mind on the things you want

and off of the things you don't

if you were never frustrated by something.

you would never seek a solution

practice until it becomes second nature

simply take action

knowing is not enough, you must apply

applying is not enough, you must do 

step-by-step

trust the process

be thankful for quiet days,

when nothing special seems to be happening

remember you can choose the subject of your thoughts

let go of discouraging ones

refuse to get discouraged

each moment provides a fresh opportunity

God can't add beautiful things to your life

if there's no room in your life

keep space open for more beautiful

things to be added

get rid of old hurts, beliefs, and memories

you've collected over time

allow life to surprise and delight you

let yourself enjoy life as you go through

the day

release the grip on things that keep you bound

let go of lesser things

glow up your life with gratitude & be specific

recognize the gifts and call them out

every good and perfect gift is from above...

James 1:17

prayer is a lifestyle

position your heart

the sweetest moments in life happen unannounced

seek moments of ease

allow yourself moments of peace

make room for the delightfully unexpected

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Of Time and Space I don't know much,

But this I'm pretty sure of--

That both are things that doesn't hurt--

To give someone a bit more of."

"It's hard to change someone's mind

who believes in their head bone."

"It seems, in youth, that everything we do is practice

for the real thing,

a rehearsal for some future grand debut.

And then the years go by,

and we look back and realize,

that the practice was the real thing,

the rehearsal the grand debut."

"Absorb what is useful,

discard what is useless,

add what is specifically your own."

~Bruce Lee~

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000

kicks once,

but I fear the man who practiced one kick

10,000 times."

~Bruce Lee~

 

Journaling space....

...where the Robin sings her morning song from the maple tree,

 doves coo back and forth in the distance, and jet noise 

echoes in the dark, clouded sky.

Writing down thoughts on morning pages 

& savoring my first sips of coffee,

 while the old retired preacher begins his daily morning walk across the street.

"A mile and a half." he shared once.

He's dedicated.

I wonder if this is his "God time", like this is mine.

Polly is playfully bouncing about chasing a dark,

bird-sized moth that

flutters just out of her reach.

A cool breeze moves in and I take a deep breath.

I start to think of my people.

The video I received last night from my nephew...

how most of the men in my family have served in the armed forces,

and how strong and resilient the women are,

and how they all laugh at themselves, and find 

humor in life's challenges.

Their stories.

And my friends who have been like family.

Our stories.

I am filled with gratitude and appreciation.

A goose flies solo overhead.

I settle deep into the details of my moments, my story,

and relish this time & space for my thoughts.

A place just to be.

A space that's getting harder to find 

in the real world.

A place where I can sit in silence

and get to know my own voice.

morning notes...

second morning on the porch this year..

focus on your own peace

silence is powerful

trusting is a moment-by-moment choice

allow difficulties to be your greatest teacher

hard times shape you more than you realize

you either become a reflection of your pain,

or a reflection of your hope

*rain*

"In the old days, a logbook was a place for sailors to 

keep track of how far they've traveled,

and that's exactly what you're doing-

keeping track of how far your ship has sailed"

#journaling

you appreciate things 

that a busy world convinces you

 are not worth noticing

bless the highs & lows:

they are what make life

a magnificent story

Breathe. Relax. Go with the flow.

bring your full attention to each moment

find the beauty & the awe

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Wherever you are, be there totally."

"Yet they need not accept this-

help is within themselves.

You can feel it within you-

an inner drive for happiness.

The close interrelation between this Inner You

and this Outer You,

the almost uncanny power of each to change the other-

can change you from drabness to

joyous self-fulfillment."

~Ad for Pond's Cold Cream March 1949~ 

"You can look at optimism and pessimism

as two different outfits in your closet,

and you decide each morning

which one you are going to wear."

April 11, 2026

Time goes by so fast....

one minute my kiddo is here,

and I have a dog.

 The next minute, four days

have flown by, and they are packing up

to head back home

leaving  grass seeds scattered on the bathroom floor (from work),

and a red ball laying in the middle of the living room.

Sometimes I miss having a dog. 

Sometimes.

They make great walking companions,

and it's a great way to connect with other 

people. 

You can't do that with a cat.

I've seen my neighbor try.

notes lately...

you are always in a state of creation

you create your reality in every moment

of every day

you can choose to focus and think 

about the things you want more of in your life

and experience more of the things that 

make you feel good

create your best life

bring some good friends with you

choose love, always

it always protects, always trusts,

always hopes, and always perseveres

(1Corinth 13:7)

when there isn't clarity in a situation,

why not assume the best?

"A promise is only as good as the 

character of the one making it."

Peace is an umpire

It there is a lack of peace,

stop

you are created for relationships,

and communication is the heartbeat

of a strong relationship

where others fall short,

God fills the gaps

show up for your vision

move in that direction every day

"Your future is created by what 

you do today, not tomorrow."

keep your mind on what truly matters

allow life to flow freely

with acceptance and calmness

when you feel you've reached a dead end

turn back & trace the path

that connects to other streets

other people

there are ways of getting where you're trying to go

you might just need a little help

there's no shame in asking for directions & guidance

(it happens to be my specialty :)

live like you are loved

because you are

deep

abundantly

and with love that will not fail

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Nothing last forever,

although we often underestimate how long

it will last in the meantime."

"Life is a collection of moments

you might have appreciated more

if you had only known they were moments."

"It's not the meaning of life we seek.

Life is getting the kids off to school

and the dog fed.

It is the meaning of meaning we seek."

April 10, 2025

It was raining, muggy & warm.

Our nurse managed to snag the last

available oscillating fan.

I selected the Flintstones on TV, and my doctor

was going to lunch to eat spaghetti.

He didn't get to finish.

It's utterly crazy that it was 31 years ago!

Happy Birthday Brandon!! I can't imagine 

life with no you.

xoxo

be well...

💝

"Fall in love with the art of living.

Fall in love with letting things be.

Fall in love with listening.

Be still in the sun,

where the winds ever-gently blow,

knowing it is here,

in  moments like this,

you are living,

and you will grow."

Weekend getaway....

to visit family

and that feeling I get when something

just speaks to my heart...

Movie night

while we wait to be seated for dinner

a room with a view

Easter with Jim, Josh, and Rutie

My grams brother, Jim's Dad


...it looks like,
smiling faces crowded around a table at dinner
a thunderstorm when we are all gathered on the couch for a movie
coffee huddles in the living room while
telling stories and catching up
meeting another cousin
a family walk on a pretty day
(traditional anniversary) pineapple upside down cake baked a
week early so I could celebrate  their 50th too
singing little ditties together
a feeling of ease, peace and contentment

a very, very, very, special weekend.



notes to self...

Love! This is great!
we visited the new Trader Joe's.

It's nice to be with the kids,
it's just what my soul needed.

the only thing standing between your current
life & the adventure you want is faith
don't settle
risk believing for greater things

be honest & vulnerable

Ruthie's mom was a "Rosie the Riveter"

take nothing for granted,
allow thankfulness to be as natural as breathing

weak on your own
strong together

return "home" where you are loved & safe

you are not off course

be the kindness, be the hope, be the sweetness,
these are the ingredients that fill your 
sometimes weary heart

it's about having things matter to you so much
you are willing to overcome a couple of impediments 
to get to them

keep your heart open 
and teachable

knowing who to call is where it all starts

be well...
xoxo
💝

"You can look upon life as dust to dust
or you can look upon life
as seed to seed."

"The hardest thing about reliving the past
is reassembling the original cast."

"Thanking God today for the love of family
the loyalty of friends
and the kindness of strangers."

Take action...

...to move toward the vision of life you 

desire.

You get to decide the way it will go.

"Your vision will become clear

only when you look in your own

heart"

~Carl Yung~

Notes to self,

Appreciate and non-compete.

'the shoe that fits one person

pinches another'

you are complete

remove debris and clutter from your heart

it is impossible to have a need

God cannot meet

miracles of transformation happen every

day

'a mystery-ridden life is still filled with light

and it's OK to have days where you are

still learning what that looks like.'

relief, release, and change are possible

when you simply accept

taking the wrong path is not dangerous

pouring all your will into serving that path

is

stop investing in what has lost it's meaning

a thought is not forever

if you don't like it

release and change

accept who you are

trust the magic that acceptance brings

be well...

xoxo

💝

"If the art of the magician to to distract attention

from what's really happening,

then what is life but the ultimate

magic trick?"

"Never mind searching for who you are.

Search for the person you aspire to be."

"May this be the season of courageous pursuit:

to fully enjoy the present moment

right in front of you,

no longer restrained by heavy mind

and things to do,

choosing to believe with bold faith

today is worth a long and loving look."

 

Needful things....

...my people, nature/animals, movement, scripture, breathwork, 

 and photos.

R.I.P Cinta (cancer) March 23.


As I move through life,
photos track what I love.
Real moments that are not forgotten,
and the sign posts along the way.
Everything has God's fingerprint on it.

Notes to self,

shape your own story while your living it,
you won't know the outcome until the end

put value on &
prioritize your free time

always take the path of kindness and grace

remain silent, leave the whys, wheres,
how and whens behind &
simply trust

you can never get your needs met 
by losing your head

break away from the ties that bind

it takes work in this hectic world
to find the place of rest and calm

clear out all the static

"Peace be still"

'....often you settle for less because you
didn't meet the best. 
When you get the best,
it gives you the power to let go 
of the rest.'

*Redwing Blackbird on the feeder*
sign that the forces of nature are at work
significant changes are ready to burst forth
personal growth
stay grounded

"Red Alert! You've been ignoring 
the obvious far too long.
Time to do something about it!
Now!"

be well...
xoxo
💞

"There is evidence of a God perfect in all things
except creating beings in His own image."

"No matter how varied and complex our daily
responsibilities,
at the end of the day Mother Nature has just one
question for us:
'What life did you nurture today?' "

 

Life Holds...

..."so many simple pleasures!

To wake up and take a breath,

to hear the lovely sounds of the morning,

to feel the warmth of the rising sun,

to smell fresh coffee and toasted bread-

all pockets of delight that each day brings.

Our senses are coming alive as we awaken.

Take a moment to be grateful for each sense

and  notice what you are feeling

as you open your eyes to welcome the day.

Take in the experience of feeling truly 

alive and grateful."

Notes to self,

clear your mind

listen

open your heart

cultivate a sense of wonder

as you move along life's journey,

periodically look up to align with your true north

the more you listen, the more you see

pay attention

your journey is full of blessings

figure out what your aiming for,

look out for things to avoid

like unhealthy habits, relationships

or activities

look at life with more honesty

see clearly what truly belongs to you

learn to say "no"

go easy,

don't push so hard

focus on a peaceful pace rather than a harried one

trust

be at peace and in harmony

not everything that truly matters in life

comes from trying harder

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Wisdom waits for you to be silent

enough to hear."

"We don't feel the dull ache of boredom because we

don't have options.

We feel the ache because we've forgotten the 

magic in every day moments."

'may you know in your soul

that the answer is not found in thinking,

feeling,

doing,

but in trusting in what is Greater than you.'

"Give yourself fully to the moments

so that you may give and get all 

there is."

In the Waiting...

....doubts start to surface & fears

creep in.

C-scan with contrast

It's also in the waiting that faith is strengthened.

Each moment that I choose faith

over worry, my heart becomes a little lighter,

 anxiety eases up, and I'm able to remain (reasonably) calm.

Notes to self,

the antidote for anxiety is prayer

choose to think about something

other than the problems

Be steeped in good news.

Direct your attention to 

praiseworthy things.

build up your faith

break the hold worry has over you

Trust God with all of your heart &

lean not on your own understanding

(Prov. 3:5)

side note: my results came back, and other than

a couple of little blips, (that I will be working on...)

all is well, 

I am well,

whispering a thank you to God, and the dove's

cooing outside my window...💞

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Some days you check all the wellness boxes.

And some days all you can do is just rest

on the couch and have a good cry.

Healing is realizing that both kinds of days

are wellness."

~ Dr. Will Cole~

"What person of faith does not pray for certainty,

as if the world needs fewer people of faith

and more people of certainty."

"Who is the person of greater faith--

the person of certainty 

or the person who every day overcomes

doubt?"