Come Sit...

"What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject-matter, an art which might be for every mental worker, be he businessman or writer, like an appeasing influence, like a mental soother, something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue."

-Henri Matisse

When I see an empty chair, I also see an invitation: Come sit with me for awhile it says...

And when I take the time to accept the invitation, I am soothed and cultivate rest... and I begin to keep company with the art of balance and inspiration...

Where have you found chairs that welcome you?

I hope this weekend you find empty chairs and accept their sweet invitations...



Succulent Shed

"Abundance is not something we acquire.

It is something we tune into."

-Wayne Dyer

Don't you just love it when you stumble onto something - especially in nature - that is so abundant and deliciously unexpected? On top of the sheds at the local Botanic Garden succulents grow vibrantly - imagine that! I just had to share such a joyful discovery!

Hope you are having a wonderful day filled with abundant, delightful and unexpected discoveries... 

Beach Music

Beach Music

Lean in closely to hear the beach music...

all those waves of goodness to gather up in your heart...

such a delectable summer symphony...

so many things happen here.

Just listen...stop time,

rest in a moment where even the sun wants to stay.

Summer Solace...

Summer Solace

"Not what we have, but what we enjoy,

constitutes our abundance."

- John Petit-Senn

I am fascinated by summer's pockets of peace found in nature's tucked away places. Visiting a botanic garden is sure to unearth such pleasures...

Where do you find your summer solace when the heat rises? 

Music forming...

"Worlds are forming in my heart."

(Meister Eckhart from Expands His Being)

In the evening at my children's home, ritual has been beautifully formed... and music lives there. My daughter-in-law has enjoyed playing piano since she was a child. While she was pregnant with my grand baby girl, I would often check in to see how they were all doing, and to have a kind end-of-the-day phone conversation with my son. As we spoke, many times we would be accompanied by my daughter-in-law's music in the background - often she would play hymns that were soothing and inspiring all at once.

One evening during my recent visit with them, I heard music begin and stepped out to look down from the second story to see a wash of golden light cast upon mother and child sitting together at the piano. My grand baby girl was cradled in her loving mother's arms... and they were playing the piano together. Sometimes mother would play a whole piece and grand baby girl would simply listen; and then mother would give her a turn. My son likes to sit as appreciative audience member.

Worlds are forming in my grand baby girl's heart... I am deeply grateful for her parent's loving kindness, and for the music that is calling to her. I am so very blessed they all belong to me...

Back home...

Summer Roses

"When you take a flower in your hand

and really look at it,

it's your world

for the moment.

I want to give that world to someone else.

- Georgia O'Keefe

To my way of thinking, coming back home from a holiday away is a perfect time for reflection. I was so grateful to be with my family, and to be given an opportunity to experience life through their eyes, and bask in their love. You see things a little bit differently when you take a break away, and it helps you to not take anything for granted. Summer roses look brighter, your fresh sheets feel crisper, and your familiar coffee mug welcomes you back so nicely.

I liked being away... and I also always love coming back home.

(I missed you all...)

Puddle-wonderful

Gone Fishin'

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."

- e.e. cummings

One of the best things about summer is making time to share it with family... that is where you will find me... just splashing around in a little summertime sweetness... I will be back soon with some goodness to share...

Tiny Treasures

Summer's 1st Tomatoes

"We are most alive in those moments when our

hearts are conscious of our treasures."

- Thornton Wilder

There is something so wholesome about taking time to select a perfect tiny tomato seedling at the nursery, and then softly turning the earth to plant that little sprig of green just outside your back door. The watering and anticipation becomes a kind and loving ritual, and you are joined there by curious birds, bees kissing pollen, and dipping dragon flies. And then one fine day it finally happens - the tiny tomato treasure you have been waiting and hoping for... and you become aware: your heart has joined in the sweet harvest of a simple summer pleasure...

What are your simple summer pleasures?

America the Beautiful!

I love this land... God Bless the USA!

please link here: God Bless the USA and archived video

Yes, I gladly stand up with all of those who have served to protect this beautiful land of ours!

A special 4th of July heartfelt thanks to you Ryan (my beloved son) and Kiki (my beloved sister), and to all the others and their families - past, present and future - who have chosen to serve our country and protect our independence and freedoms!

Please enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July!