As the door flung open, her energy filled the room like the Arizona sunshine radiating over the morning horizon. Bright smiling eyes, dark mature skin and her deep, welcoming voice called my anxious friend, Virginia, into the doctor’s office.

Something about her immediately calmed me, and I hoped that my sweet friend felt it too.

The day had been stressful with doctor’s offices, not-so-good news, frustrating obstacles, and fear.

I wanted to wrap my arms around Virginia, hold her close and let our hearts do the talking, but sometimes in these distressed moments, our ability to authentically connect with those we love the most, is blocked on one side or another, or both.

Nurse Robbie showed up for us.

After a while, Virginia returned to the waiting room different than she left - this time with a smile on her face and a little bounce to her step.

We sat in the parked car for at least five full minutes, Virginia enthusiastically recounting the amazing interaction between she...

Imagine us, my partner and I, standing in our large backyard figuring out our plan for the annual summer garden and landscape projects.

We discuss Jaydon, a 14 year old boy who lives in our neighborhood and helped us out previously. We are both impressed with his kindness, respect and work ethic. 

Jaydon and I immediately connected. He sat with me on our patio during breaks, snacking on water and fruit and energy bars, telling me about his family, how he was the oldest and had three younger brothers. His dad is a realtor. His mom - they are close - is a very loving, busy mom and he tries to help her with his young brothers. They are quite involved in their church, and he loves their close-knit cul-de-sac street of families. He enjoys riding his bike and sports.  Jaydon lovingly plays with our dogs, throwing the ball… and responding to their incessant, attention-seeking tactics…which of course, endears them to Jaydon, as well.

Once, his dad...

As a student of life…particularly my life, I’ve been intrigued by people – who they are and why they do the things they do….including me, and why I do what I do…and why I did what I’ve done.

Like most, I’ve had my ups and downs…. my triumphs and traumas…my joy and heartbreak.

It took some time for me to fully understand that GUS (God, Universe, Spirit) was not taking it out on me and to realize that challenges are part of the human condition….it’s not personal.

Reflecting on this new insight, I realized that I had the gift and responsibility of choosing how to perceive the various circumstances I experience.

Understanding that my goal is to live peacefully, intentionally, and joyfully, I concluded that I wish to strive to always think, speak and act from a place of love.

“Love is ALL there is,” is my mantra.

It does not mean that I am not aware that there is darkness in the world…in...

March, 2022 – there’s talk of worldwide war, Ukraine is being invaded by Russia. The Ukraine’s are fleeing their country for their survival, and some are staying to fight bravely their challenging adversary, while the rest of us watch shocked, heartbroken for the victims, and pissed off at a foreign leader who seems to have lost his heart and soul, not to mention, his marbles.

And all the while, there’s some kind of deep “knowing” that we’re not aware of the whole story…and we’re not sure who to trust anymore.

Nevertheless, we do what we can….from afar. Pray. Meditate. For Peaceful vibes. For Wise decisions. For comfort for the victims…and for all of us.

We contribute to organizations that provide support. Help our neighbors and friends….and even strangers we’ve never met.

But still, here, life goes on…

I got a call from my nephew. He and his girlfriend are in...

Getting one of those take-your-breath-away “awe”some spiritual moments while attending a painting party in a backroom of a local bar & grill was the farthest thing from my mind when the three of us walked in ten minutes late feeling slightly uneasy for holding the class up. 

Facilitated by a dear friend who discovered he had “talent”, “inspiration” and “passion” for painting, I was delighted to be included and I’m always curious about how these three (talent, inspiration and passion) work synchronously, to bring about creativity and joy.

The waiting crowd welcomed us in and helped us find our places, get our materials, and of course, grab a refreshing beverage. 

I gathered my breath, felt warmly accepted and gazed around the room, and instantly knew it was going to be a magical evening.

In her book, “Atlas of the Heart”, Brene Brown defines joy “as an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection,...

Expressing vulnerability can happen when defenses are down – often because of overwhelm, despair or exhaustion, but I’ve learned that intentional vulnerability is courageous and may be defined as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Brene Brown says "it’s the willingness to show up and be seen even when there are no guarantees."

Growing up in a family of strong ranchers and cowboys taught me to toughen up pretty fast. In order to get along in my world, demonstrating physical and emotional fortitude, stubbornness and grit were deeply valued. Vulnerability wasn’t.

Although I was female in a kingdom of male dominance, I quickly learned how to hold my tears, laugh at mean jokes and ride bucking sheep, cows and horses. It got me the approval I craved when the daily expectations of cooking, cleaning and looking pretty didn’t. In my clan, there was no respect for women’s “duties”. 

Still, it was hard to get...

I’m jealous. It irks me that after all these years of consistently hiking the challenging path of self-development, I still stumble and get hung up with unappealing, downright hopeless feelings. 

But then I remember, and .…I remind myself that I am a human being, and we trip up along our way, especially when we’re adventurous, open-hearted beings, willing to take risks to authentically live our lives.
It just so happens that my small book club is reading Brene Brown’s newest book, “Atlas of the Heart”. 

I’m going to diverge here for a moment and tell you that Brene Brown is one of my heroes. I’ve read multiple times, every single book she’s written.  Her words speak directly to my spirit. She may not be aware of it, but we’re kindred souls. Her writing, research and wisdom have contributed greatly to my spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. But back to her most recent book and...

Taking a short reprieve, stepping back and just making quiet space is a gift I now give myself regularly, perhaps more in the last couple of years than ever before.

I’ve learned the signals from my mind, body and spirit that rest is needed…and not necessarily, physical. Often, my mind and spirit need rest too.

When I start feeling heaviness, anxiety, sadness, frustration, or possibly the need to go to the refrigerator a few too many times, I realize it’s time to stop and take some time for me.

Sometimes all I need is just an afternoon off to read, play in my garden or dance my feelings away. But sometimes…it’s deeper than that and I need to reflect upon what I’m thinking, doing or not doing, or what’s happening around me.

In our complex world, it’s easy to ignore unease and keep intently moving forward, a highly beneficial practice….most days.  However, if I neglect my uneasiness for too long, it usually does...

It’s been happening more and more lately. I’m out in public, doing my thing. Happy. My older, blue eyes twinkling. Seeking out other eyes to connect with. But few are open for business. The “CLOSED” sign is up and I can’t for the life of me, get their attention, so that they can open up and receive the smile I’m giving them.
 
Through the years, my day has been upgraded many times because of the smile or kindness a friend….or a stranger has generously given me.  I’m not saying this lightly. Life is challenging, not all of us make it through. Honestly, some days, it was a sweet smile from a complete stranger that gave me just the glimmer of hope I needed. I greatly appreciate a genuine smile. 
 
And so….all my life…I have made a point of giving my smiles back – it’s my gift. It’s a way to connect with another human being. 
 
...

We piled into the Forerunner, the three of us, friends who happen to love to write, embarking on a short adventure to the mountains of Taos, New Mexico. We had a loose plan to find a great place for brunch, make our way to a local art gallery owned by a favorite artist and drive the Enchanted Circle around New Mexico’s largest mountain, Wheeler Peak.

One writer friend requested us each to bring a folding chair so we could stop on the side of the road to write, which I have never done but was excited to try. I said "Yes!".
As we started the scenic drive through various small towns, we enjoyed the windy river, small rickety creeks along the highway and the advancing majestic mountains. Climbing in elevation, the vegetation changed to thicker tall pines, the temperature dropped, and the clouds gathered.

Arriving in Taos, we devoured a delightful brunch, browsed a few unique shops and spent some time ever so carefully, saying "yes" to a purchase or two in one of our...