I have always loved nature, and I love taking a walk outside in the woods. Unbeknownst to me, it's even got a name - forest bathing or in Japanese, Shinrin-yoku meaning forest medicine . This is the practice of immersing yourself in nature and using all your senses - sound and smell as well as … Continue reading Why Go Out into the Woods? Shinrin-Yoku, that’s why
It's April - and we are still getting snow. More is even predicted for this coming week. However, many of my flowers are coming up, the wild Goldfinches are getting yellow, maple syrup season arrived, and my mind is nudging me to neaten up and spring clean. I am not a super neat house cleaner. … Continue reading Almost Spring…And Time for Spring Cleaning
When I get upset, I cook and clean - mindless activities( for me) that I can do while thinking.. Today another Caramel Apple pie from my column Food for Fall . And then I write. And I am thinking: We should all remember to make time for the people and things that are important to … Continue reading Life Lesson – Do things NOW because time is precious
We all like a hug from a loved one. It makes us feel good, and safe, and protected. A hug is a way of showing affection. Some people are just "huggy" people - they will greet strangers with a hug hello or good bye. I know not all people are like this, and many don't … Continue reading Hugging Every Day Helps Keep You Healthy!
Today was a beautiful early spring day – bright sun, warmer temperatures that earlier in the week, the rain is gone, and nature was at its best outside the back door. I watched a news broadcast earlier in the morning, where they interviewed people who would go into parks and wildness just to hear … Continue reading A life lesson – Get out & Enjoy Nature
Spring has arrived when the swamp, ponds, and wetlands break into sound. The peepers are awake! It never fails to make me smile when I hear the first spring song from them. It's another of life's lessons - show your joy to the world, and sing when you are happy. These little chorus frogs have a … Continue reading Singing frogs: Springs comes in with a Chorus!
I thought I would introduce you to Squeeze this week. He is out partially paralyzed cat, who is an inspiration to hope, get up, try again, and never give up. Here's his story: Three years ago in February my husband called me about 10 minutes after he left for work. "Something terrible has happened!" he … Continue reading Meet Squeeze, our Inspiration to never give up
I responded to another blogger recently who had a column about not worrying if things are perfect. I totally get it, and concur. My motto is "good enough". Life if too short to worry about keeping my home spotless (it will NEVER happen), or my hair always styled, or doing my best to perfection at … Continue reading Life’s Lesson: Sometimes “Good enough” is perfect
This Life Lesson Episode: You can't always have what you want, so work with what you have. One of my concessions in life - not having a walk in pantry in the kitchen. I've never had a walk-in pantry. I most likely never will. I've given up worrying about it. There's no point. What I … Continue reading Life Lesson: work with what you have