Wednesday, January 30, 2013

An Anniversary Celebration

Last fall one day my fifteen-year-old step-daughter asked if she could make cupcakes.  She explained that it was her friendship anniversary with her best friend (from first grade!)  The cupcakes were delicious and the girls enjoyed a fun celebration with small gifts, stories recalled from their past, and a renewed appreciation for their bond as friends.
 
 

That experience made me wonder why friendship anniversaries aren't honored more often.  I have known my best friend, KayLynn, for 25 years this month.  Since neither of us is likely to ever have a silver wedding anniversary, I proposed that we have our own friendship anniversary celebration.  Skip the cupcakes - we headed to the beach and the spa in Monterey, California for the weekend of January 18th!
 

 
 


The weather was gorgeous, our room had an ocean view and balcony, and we had a wonderful time.  I think my step-daughter and her BFF are on to something great - why shouldn't we celebrate all kinds of relationships and anniversaries?!  Not to take anything away from the traditional wedding anniversary, but there is certainly room in our lives for the recognition of other happy occaisions, whatever those happen to be.  

Monday, January 28, 2013

Healing Time



One thing I've noticed as I have gotten older is that my body takes longer to heal than it used to.  This seems to be true for just about everything:  cuts and scratches, bumps and bruises, colds and the flu.  I'm dealing with the latter right now and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight after three full days of aching misery.

The facts are that as our bodies age, our cells take longer to regenerate.  Also, the immune system in an older person isn't as strong as the one found in younger people.  I recently read that the flu shot and other immunizations don't work as well in older bodies, like mine.  So it's not just a figment of my imagination that I am sick longer (when I come down with something) than I have been in the past.

This isn't the best news I could hear right now but it does make sense.  As our bodies change, we need to change how we care for ourselves.  I've never given much thought to preventing illness but after this past weekend in bed, I believe I will be motivated enough to make more of an attempt to stay healthy once I get back on my feet. 

What is one thing you do to keep yourself feeling well and avoid getting sick?

Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Difference A Week Makes

Last week I was in Monterey, California, enjoying the beach, sunshine and incredible views.  Being in such a beautiful place made me feel on top of the world.
 


I couldn't get enough of that gorgeous place and all the life it supports. 
 
 
Fast forward to this weekend - I am stuck in bed with that flu, the one that is making all the headlines.  I assure you that it is real and it is every bit as bad as the press claims it is.  And there is nothing I can do for it but rest and drink plenty of fluids.
 


I know that this is life - the eb and flow, ups and downs.  I am surrending to the inertia I need to heal just like I surrendered to the warm embrace of Mother Nature on the Pacific coast last week. 

I hope you are enjoying a healthy and happy weekend.  Remember to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face with your hands (I'm a big offender of this), and take good care of yourself to keep your immune system strong.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Home

I realize there are many definitions of home, both physically and emotionally.  It is a powerful word.  
 
 
 
I'm not sure why but I have always felt most at home in-between destinations.  I love being on an airplane, a train, driving in a car - anything that equals movement between here and there.
 
 
And I need this feeling periodically.  I need to feel in-between, up in the air, on the road.  The gypsy in me desires those arches between here and there.  And in those lapses in which I am neither where I was or will be, I find myself.  I feel at home.
 
 
Have you ever felt this peace in transitions?  I would love to know if anyone else finds themselves at home in those spaces between destinations.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Lucinda Williams

 
We had the priviledge of seeing Lucinda Williams in concert on Friday evening in a small venue from a front row seat.  If you are not familiar with her music, I encourage you to listen to a few of her songs.   
 
She is a singer and songwriter who cannot be classified under any one genre.  I love her songs because they have a poetic style without being obvious or highbrow.  She sings about places and people and how it feels to be in love and then to lose in it.  The phrase "car wheels on a gravel road" evokes so many images and happenings in just one song (of the same name.)
 
When she walked out on stage, I was surprised at how petit she is and how nervous she seemed but the minute she started strumming and belting it out, it was obvious she has true talent and soul.  Swoon.  She is a musical goddess who has influences so many in the past 30 years and she continues to make albums while filling concert halls.  And she is 61 years old!  What an incredible woman.
 
*  The winner of my birthday give-away is Shirle.  Congrads, Shirle.  I will be in touch so I can get the calendar sent to you.  Thanks to all who commented on that post. 


Monday, January 7, 2013

A Giveaway!


 
Today is my birthday so I am sponsoring a give-away as part of my celebration!
 


My friend, Kristin Repp, is a talented photographer (I use her photos often on this blog) with an eye for catching nature at its best. She put together a calendar for 2013 with her gorgeous shots of country life.


The calendar is big (14" x 12") with lots of room for jotting down reminders.

 
I have one hanging in my kitchen area but am giving away one, as well, to someone who becomes (or is) a follower and leaves a comment on this post.  Don't be shy - I will ship anywhere!  On Sunday, January 13, I will pick a random number and the corresponding commenter will be the winner. 
 
Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me!   Here's to another interesting trip around the sun.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Here - a word list poem

 
 
Here
 
clear skies, white covered mountains, frozen glitter in the air
 
Here
 
snowpacked trails, mittened fingers, the smell of woodsmoke
 
Here
 
a setting sun, alpenglow in shades of pink, the sound of waves
 
Here
 
eagles swooping over water, cold cheeks, the far-off whistle of a train
 
Here
 
the first twinkling lights across the water, nightfall, the promise of a rising moon
 
Here
 
_______________________________________________________________
 
 
 
Liz Lamoreux suggested this prompt in one of her lovely newsletters so I just had to try it myself.  She is a nurturing soul with so much goodness to offer - I always get something valuable from her posts.  Please visit her (if you haven't already) and take a moment to write down your own "Here" poem of where you are in life right now.