In my lunchtime meditation class yesterday, the teaching was focused upon compassion. Some might feel that compassion is an easy concept to grasp and for others, not so much. While I lean toward the former, there inevitably are times when demonstrating compassion can be challenging at best. It is easy to find compassion when watching… Continue reading Finding Compassion
Bodie Boy
In 2016, we had an addition to our family. Now 8 months old, Bodie, our French Mastiff, is the embodiment of love. Bodie is a cuddler. At 120 plus pounds, he is a human-size plush toy. Cozy and broad, he is the equivalent of a nurturing blanket who can alleviate the stresses in the worst… Continue reading Bodie Boy
Silly Friends
Through some ups and downs with friends, my 10 year old finally found her match. As a parent, I find that I worry more about my kid’s social skills more than their academic ones because at the end of the day, you might be able to spell correctly and know what the capital of Maine… Continue reading Silly Friends
Happy Day
Yesterday, I met my oldest friend in Hermosa Beach. With me in Ventura County and she in Orange County, it is the perfect halfway point and our favorite. Most days we start by roller blading on the strand (something which I have recently discovered, kind of dates us- not many roller bladers out there anymore-… Continue reading Happy Day
Take the Long Way Home
One of the best things about living in Southern California is the diversity of terrain. You have access to the mountains and beaches, the city and the rural landscapes- all of which you could visit in one day. I remember a time where we hit the slopes for some skiing in the morning and were… Continue reading Take the Long Way Home
Teaching For the HeART
I began volunteering to teach art in the classroom 15 years ago, when my oldest boy was 5. Since then, I have assumed the role of Art Docent each year for all of my 3 kids. This year, with my youngest in 5th grade and quickly approaching the bridge to middle school, my tenure is… Continue reading Teaching For the HeART
Burning for Cupcakes (and wine!)
I have always subscribed to the idea that life is too damn short to deprive oneself of the fruits (or shall I say cupcakes) of life. I have never been a “salad girl”- you know, the girls who have never had a fast food french fry graze their lips. Don’t get me wrong, I do… Continue reading Burning for Cupcakes (and wine!)
Check it Off
To me, there is nothing more satisfying than checking things off a list. I don’t know why and I guess I don’t try to question it because, well, it just feels that good! I have always been a “lister” (term?). When I write lists, I put EVERYTHING on it- even the simple things. That way… Continue reading Check it Off
The Calm after the Holidays
Even though I love the holidays, there is nothing quite like the calmness of our home once the Christmas chaos is over. Today we spent the day taking down all the decorations and for those who know us, that is no easy feat! Our home literally transforms into a Winter Wonderland, with over 50 trees… Continue reading The Calm after the Holidays
Abundance 2017
The word abundance has been streaming through my head all week like an ear worm with a nagging result. Abundance- what does it really mean? The dictionary will tell you that it is defined as a large quantity or plenty, but plenty of what? As this term swirled around in my mind, I found myself… Continue reading Abundance 2017
Abundance 