November

Gratitude -- gobble, gobble -- gratitude.  MANIFESTING dreams.  Knowing and trusting when something is right.  Giddy about the future.  The warmth of a fresh brew on a chilly morning.  Turning up the heat while preparing for visits and surprises.   Carrying out both without a hitch.   Hiking up the mountain, meditating at the top.  Flirtatious correspondence, playful interaction, brisk sunset hikes.  Heeding the warning signs.  Clarity trumping fear.  Journaling dreams.  Deep fried turkey, clinking wine glasses, new friends and old.  Grounded by yoga, anchored by connection.  Lucky, lucky, lucky to be surrounded by and feeling so much love.

Muse Monday - Heinz and Veronique Lievre

When a film construction designer from Germany and a set decorator/artist from France merged their dreams a boutique hotel in Yelapa, Mexico resulted and a romantic union emerged.  Heinz and Veronique's passion for unobstructed splendor and nourishing the body and soul can be seen in Verana's elegant architecture and design.  Their creation inspires me to follow my bliss, surround myself with tranquility and beauty and save my pesos so one day I can visit their slice of heaven on the Mexican coast.

The Heart

After a few weeks away from the mat, it felt good to sweat and chant in my favorite Sunday morning yoga class.  During my practice I often ask the universe for guidance and clarity.  Today I was reminded that all I have to do is be quiet and listen.  The truth is always within reach.  The serpent may try to misdirect me, but if I trust and honor that I DO indeed know what is best for me I will always be guided to the right path.  I spent the afternoon at home, listening to the wind  rattle my windows.  I love my old house, for it has many wonderful attributes, but proper insulation and an effective heating system aren't on the list.  I journeyed back out into the blustery late afternoon for a heart pumping sunset hike.  I captured the magic of the orange orb as it sank below the horizon and stored it in my soul.

Recharge

I crave days like today.  If too much time passes without unstructured hours of solitude and possibility stretched out before me like a cat sprawled out on a couch, I get cranky.   Socializing and entertaining kicked into high gear early in the month leaving little time for my creative endeavors.  My self portraits, snapped on the fly, became obligatory.  I shamefully admit, several days passed without me  completing the task.  The assignments for an online art class piled up in my in box, unread.  But then there was today.  After meeting a friend for a glorious morning hike in the crisp autumn air followed by a stop at the farmer's market, I spent hours painting with watercolors and taking photographs.  In between creative pursuits I made a pot of lentil soup.  Through out the day I even completed mundane tasks -- paying bills, making a to-do list for the week, organizing holiday plans -- and felt a rush of accomplishment.  As the sun settled into the horizon, rain began to fall -- the perfect sound signaling the end of a flawless day.

This Moment

Thanks

 

I'm truly aware of my good fortune every day, yet I still embrace a national day dedicated tto gratitude.   Loving emails, phone calls and texts from friends and family members underscore how lucky I am.  The universe has provided me with abundance in so many facets of my life.  There's nothing I wish for.   I am at peace in the moment,  basking in bountiful joy.

Surprise

As my parents were packing and getting ready to return to New Jersey out of town friends began arriving for my brother's surprise party.  Days were spent shopping, baking, cooking and cleaning.  Two hours before the party, I had an unexpected surprise,  my downstairs bathroom flooded.  Water gushed into the hallway and  continued to flow into the master bedroom and closet.  Use of all plumbing was off limits.   My immediate response, "I can't deal with this right now",  quickly shifted to laughter and a call to Roto Rooter.  My shower was reduced to brushing my teeth and shaving my legs with a Tupperware of cold water on my patio.  The snake, grinding in and out of my pipes, could barely be heard over the party playlist as friends started to arrive.  I hushed the guests as the phone rang thinking it was the warning call from the friend who was delivering my brother to the party.  It was Roto Rooter following up on the quality of the service.  The actual birthday surprise went off without a hitch.