Starting the Day

One of my favorite times of the day is early in the morning when it is still dark outside, drinking a cup of delicious coffee and reading one of my (loved) books. Then a short time given to meditation and I feel like my day is off to a wonderful start.

But really, my morning starts before all that. When I awake in the morning, still lying in bed, I begin to think of all the things I am grateful for, I think of all the people in my life whom I love so much, I think of the beautiful day ahead - and I know it's going to be a beautiful day long before I get out of bed.

Actually, my morning is planned the night before. Sometimes as I fall asleep I am so excited for the day that is coming. Excited for the wonderful rest and sleep I know I will have and how good I am going to feel in the morning when I realize I am awake. I know I will wake up smiling because I am smiling as I fall asleep.

How can you start a day better than that? Waking up with a smile followed by gratitude, coffee, reading and meditation! This is the good life! And it all begins with a smile the night before.

Here's to the Ride!

Staying Grounded

Today I have been thinking of all the places Jim and I have lived. The houses we built and the ones we remodeled. The cities we lived in, the friends we made, the restaurants and shops that became our favorite. Sometimes I think I want to settle down for a long time, and then I remember the fun we've had and the places we've seen and I know that it is better to go with the flow. I don't know how long these mountains will hold our attention (I am still hoping for a long time) but for now, I want to remember to savor fully this beautiful place where we have landed - and when the time comes we will soar again.

Here's to the Ride!

Conscious Appreciation

This morning as I stepped outside with John Wayne, a shooting star zipped through the dark sky startling me again at the beauty of a starlit sky. I have looked at the sky often today, and the horizon of mountains in the distance and I can only feel great appreciation for this beauty that surrounds me.

So I have spent most of my day consciously appreciating all that is!

Here's to the Ride!

Life Is Good!

I am driving to Memphis today. I know this is going to be a beautiful day! I love Life!!!!

Here's to the Ride!

Humbled by the Mountains

Today we hiked Rich Mountain Trail and at the top met a young(er) couple who said they were being quite humbled by the hike. This was a two mile hike with a final elevation of over 1600 feet. I am not sure of the elevation where we started, but it was uphill all the way. We stopped occasionally to enjoy the beauty, the views, to listen for sounds, to rest and to drink water. However, the words of this man stuck with me and I began to think how a mountain will humble us.

I was humbled by the sheer size of this beautiful formation. Humbled by the beauty and sounds of nature. Humbled by the magnificent Source who created this beauty. Humbled by our amazing bodies who carried us up the mountains and down. Humbled by the senses which take in the smells, the sights, the sounds. Humbled by a path that many have walked. And in the end, humbled by a love that led Jim and I to the top of the mountain and back.

For all of this, I am grateful!

Here's to the Ride!

Living This Day

It has been rainy most of the day and tonight the temps are dropping into the 50's. I have opened a few windows and am looking forward to snuggling down under warm covers. I like to look for Joy in these little things because it is the little things that compose my day. I don't want to take for granted the beauty presented this day, or the friendships cultivated. I want to remember, with Joy, living this day!

Here's to the Ride!

Friends Without Names

Standing in line today at the fabric store a lady started asking me about the fabric I was holding to be cut. So we began to chat and found (again) that this really is a small world. We had so much in common as we began to discuss our lives with each other. In the end, my fabric was cut and her number had not been called, so we said goodbye and went our separate ways. I was smiling as I left the store, and I believe that my new, unnamed friend, was smiling too.

Here's to the Ride!