Three weeks ago today we cut our little Christmas tree down. It was in the middle of an area thick with trees
New Years Eve
Celebrating New Year’s Eve
With My Gratitude Jar
New Years Eve 2022 a sweet message from my sweet husband as we usher out the spent year and welcome in an unspent year – gratitude comes to mind…
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and without fail, linked with greater happiness.
Christmas Eve 2022
Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present-moment experience – I did this long before I knew it was a thing…
Being aware of the sun on my face – the laughter of my children – my lover’s hand in mine – the silky fur of my clean dog…these are the moments that make up life.
Measuring Success
In graduate school, I had a professor who, for whatever reason, didn’t want to give me an ‘A’. I was three points away from my ‘A’. I KNEW what was coming – and I was correct:
“Professor, you said that if we came to every class and always participated that we would get extra credit.”
Celebrating the Joy in Life
“The sad in life never ends – neither does the good.”
Munich, Salzburg & Vienna
Rick Steves Tour
October 2022
“It is the personal experiences on our travel adventures that transcend just visiting somewhere new” – Julie A R Stephens
Rome, Italy – I put euros in her cup and remember her
“The most precious gift we can give one another is letting them know they matter.”
There’s Magic in Ordinary Days
In a world with global warming, Covid, war, bullying…my love and I live in the mountains, enjoy each other and try not to think too much…
The autumn color is awe-inspiring. My flower boxes against the golden aspen can’t be ignored.
Blessed or Lucky
It is so deeply satisfying to be able to go for a hike in the mountains, especially on the spur of the moment – because we live here. Husband and I did just that this morning. With back and knee support my body responded well to climbing up and down repeatedly.
The Secret of Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time
Listening to music the other day that James Taylor song played: “The Secret of Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time” and I thought how spot on! Time is going to pass. We might as well enjoy the ride! 45 years have passed since the first time I came to Lake City; it was our honeymoon.
Life at 9,000 Feet
With so much gratitude we have been enjoying a cool, rainy summer. For us, living in the mountains can be like mostly being on vacation because living in nature provides a feeling a sense of calm. It’s a natural paradise.