Elegance

I got a pair of pearl studs for my birthday from my mom. To be honest, I asked her for this gift. No matter what I am wearing and/or how my hair is done, I feel I look more elegant (think Breakfast at Tiffany's), if I am wearing the pearls. And Like Audrey Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, feeling elegant makes me feel like I can take on the world.

A weekend away........

I have spent this weekend away in a house by a lake. I have been coming to this place for over 40 years and it still holds the ability to quiet my mind, relax my body and help me find clarity. This weekend my clarity came in new understanding on my life moving forward, writing a first draft of a document for my business and looking deeper into my relationship with my already teenage at 11 y.o daughter. I am always grateful for these weekends of reflection. Even more grateful that my parents had the foresight to buy this place 40 years ago and see in it a respite from city life. I hope that future generations that come here will also see its beauty, find rest and gain clarity. And to boot, Marco (the dog) feels right at home in the house and by the lake.

Clothing quality—has it disappeared?

Tonight, I repaired holes in a brand name (think fashion icon) sweater. Luckily, they are at the color and therefore hard to see. Also, I repaired holes in a sweater of my dad's that is more than 30 years old. The other sweater I bought last year. Where has the quality of clothing gone? Brand name is no longer synonymous with quality. Too bad!

Shout outs are due....

I have been recovering from surgery and tomorrow will be the two week mark. So some gratitude should be given out. First, to my mom who has taken care of me —finishing unpacking after our renovation, cooking dinner and giving me sponge baths, until I was allowed to take a shower. I remember loving sponge baths as a kid, but  not so much as an adult. Second, to my daughter who reminded me everyday that laughter is the best medicine (keep it up). Last but not least, to my extended family and friends, who sent well wishes in the form of cards, food, flowers and healing energy. At two weeks out I am rested, energized and ready for life in my new body thanks to all of you. At this time of year it is important to count our blessings and not the number of presents we get.

Wednesday's words from Shakespeare

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." —William Shakespeare

Wednesday's words: Mixing business and personal

"Behind every professional mission there's personal purpose." — from Manage Your Day to Day (pg. 137) by Jocelyn Glei and 99U

Find the book on Amazon

Wednesday's words: Life

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser." —John W. Gardner

Wednesday's words from Eeyore

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." — Eeyore

Wednesday's Words on Reputation

" Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you are going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time. and it is built from the history of your words and actions." —Maria Razumich-Zec

Wednesday's words: When it gets tough

"You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity." —Epicurus

Wednesday's words: Live in the moment

"Best to take the moment present, as a present for the moment." —Stephen Sondheim

Im the Kitchen on Thursday: Recipe for an Apology of sorts

I want o apologize to my readers and followers for not keeping up with my blog of late—life got busy with the start of school, more clients, frizzy hair (that needed taming) and some personal needs that needed not be neglected any more and so now I am back in full force and ready to go.

(P.S. The main ingredient in an apology is honesty with a pinch or two of humility and humor.)

Wednesday's words: Help yourself

"All the advice in the world will never help you until you help yourself." —Fried Von Amburgh

Wednesday's words on life

"Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect." —Margaret Mitchell

Margaret Mitchell Biography

Wednesday's words on willpower

"The gift of willingness is the only thing that stands between the quiet desperation of the disingenuous life and the actualization of unexpressed potential." —Jim McDonald

Wednesday's Words: Face your fear

“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay.”  —Thich Nhat Hanh

In the kitchen on Thursdasy: Easy Pasta Meal

1  jar Vodka sauce
3-4 slices cooked Turkey or Pork bacon
1/2 box Spaghetti, cooked according to the package directions.
3/4 C. Grated Parmesan or other cheese

Cook the bacon until crisp. Allow to cool and then crumbleHeat up the sauce. Put the cooked pasta in 4 bowls. Ladle sauce on top. Then add crumbled bacon and cheese. Serve immediately. Seves 4.

Wednesday's words: Wisdom comes from within

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." —Aristotle

Goals then and now.....

I wrote these goals for a trip back packing through the US Rockies with the National Outdoor Leadership school and now fast forward nearly 20 years and I am a productivity coach helping others achieve their goals.

(P.S. I should note that some of the goals on the list were not achieved because I was sent home after three weeks with knee problems that prevented me from continuing and despite this, I still consider this trip to be one my best life experiences.)

Wednesday's Words on memory

"I write it down to remember it now, not later." —Anonymous