This summer, I found myself aboard the Queen Ann, and after dinner, I sought out the ship’s evening entertainment—a great ensemble playing old standards and new show tunes. I was a little out of my comfort zone on this ship—it is not my usual travel style—but I believe there is an adventure to be had in every experience, so I happily donned my gown and followed my friend Ann to the seats at the side of the dance floor…
Floating Through Midlife
I’m hanging in perfect stillness, caught between the point where I took off and wherever I’ll eventually land. There’s no rushing ahead. I’m at the mercy of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and the coolness of the air, realizing—again—that I’m not in control. My only job is to respond. To be present. To let myself be carried.
The Truth...I Forgot About Me
It feels shameful to confess I had been living in survival mode. It’s remarkable I didn’t notice, though I sensed something was off. The things I loved became scheduled impositions. I pushed to find ease in my relationship, never feeling it flow. I forgot the joy of reading every morning and replaced birdsong on my walks with Spotify. I was constantly hustling from one deadline to another…
CELEBRATING THE GOOD THINGS
Flirting with Life: a French lesson in love
I'm strolling through the Lourmarin market, utterly captivated by this charming Provencal man I've been following. He's shopping, likely preparing for a delectable lunch later today, selecting the freshest, most in-season produce. He must be a regular; all the stall owners greet him with a warm familiarity.
Embracing acknowledgement
Not Yet...
Is This Still Serving Me?
I am packing, headed down to the warmth of Baja for the next couple of months.
Remote working has been a part of my norm for the last 10 years and packing (CARRY ON ONLY!) is second nature. I grab the now-familiar combination of clothes and set them in the case. Then I reach for the new things I have picked up - a pair of silk pyjamas (my new work-from-home uniform), a splurge of a cashmere sweater that keeps me warm writing early in the morning, and it becomes clear that there is just not enough room for it all.
Moon Lessons
The Art of a 2 hour Lunch
Mid Life Joie de Vivre
The prospect of shifting
from "Did I get it done?" to
"Did it make me happy?" intoxicates me.
I’m learning that Joie de Vivre is a practice. It is a collection of choices, a way of evaluating the importance of time, a renewed sense of my values and a commitment to a pace and direction that best suits me now.
How do you gauge your "best life" at day's end? What markers reveal a day filled with Joie de Vivre and a sense of thriving for you?
On being a part of a constellation
The Brow Of the Hill
The Unconditional Love of Trees
Dare to Belong
I met this woman in a shop in Quito, Equator. As she sat on the wooden chair on the stoop I could not stop looking at her. Her very essence matched the abundance I had just seen inside.
She had beckoned me over in a way that invited me into her world. Her focus was never on introducing me to the goods in the shop, but rather on sharing a happy exchange.
The Honour of Being Seen
Living In Bold
My tears are my inner self putting a moment in BOLD so that I will take notice. A way to highlight and experience the same way you would a text to have me pay attention. When I allow them to come, unchecked and without judgement, I realize I am being gifted an opportunity to witness what has value to me and to act upon it.
Want to change the world? LOL!
Call me silly!
I received a writing prompt that has me musing.
It suggested that I draw a giraffe with my eyes closed.
I found the suggestion rather astonishing, who would propose such a frivolous thing? How could this possibly lead to anything meaningful? Surely there are other more impactful things to tend to right now?…
Sure of Love
Good morning Sweetheart
I used to greet her every morning with these words before bending to scoop up her little body. I focused on my hands, willing them to speak of reassurance and comfort. From the day I rescued her, abandoned and near death in the Baja desert, she was dependent on me to give her life and love.
Turns out, I would also be dependent on her for the very same things.