Time Away

"If you come home as happy as you leave, you have had a good vacation."

As the weather turns cooler and a new school year begins, most families have returned from the annual ritual of a summer vacation. Packing up and going away to a distant place for a few days or longer is definitely one of life's pleasures. Whether the mountains, the beach or foreign destinations, the time away breaks our routine and offers vital relaxation to our physical and emotional states. And, living for a time in a new setting can give us a fresh perspective on our usual ones.

Last month, I had the opportunity to take "the trip of a lifetime." My life partner, Dave, turned 60 and we marked the occasion by taking our families to Scotland. The time was so very special as we took the journey, exploring many towns together, sharing stories and laughter, amid the lavish beauty of this Celtic nation and her unique and wonderful people. Golf for the guys was a highlight they will never soon forget. The purple thistle, pictured to the right above, is the national "flower" of Scotland and blooms everywhere!

And, before landing in Edinburgh, my daughter and I had the opportunity to first go to Slovenia - the land of my father's parents. The time there was remarkable - meeting cousins and other extended family. What a land of great beauty -- Alp mountains to the north, Mediterranean coast in the southern regions. A very remarkable place! The four days there will always be be cherished. And, the time with my 23-year-old daughter was most incredible.

After our family left us, Dave and I had some "alone time" in Wales for four days. We had a great time, exploring the offerings of Cardiff and its humble and lovable people! Everywhere, the Guinness and Ales were delicious and poured very freely!

We are thankful for the time, eagerly planned and anticipated for so many months. Now, memories to hold close in our hearts for always. Love of Family and the precious time with them....at home or away ... surely the best of life's pleasures!

A Joyful Noise!

It's lovely these warm summer mornings to come downstairs and remove the cover from the cage of my two new parakeets.

Katie & Hubbell (named for the two beloved characters from "The Way We Were," one of my all-time favorite movies), lift our spirits with their song. As soon as I turn on the radio they begin chirping. An open window, and outdoor birds appear to join in. A cacophony of feathered friends! That sound and a wonderful, cup of rich French Roast and my day is off to a pleasant start! Life sounds so very sweet!

Open the Door!

My daughter, Colleen, gave me this beautiful, simple Mother's Day card this year.

I love the cover - an abstract water color of pond lilies overlaid with one word:

Serenity

How amazing! It is truly one of the most beautiful words in our language.

And, yet, how often do we actually experience that state?

Each day, people pay hundreds of dollars in search of peace or more meaning in their lives. But if we stop to consider all that surrounds us that could bring contentment - we would be amazed at how that serenity can be achieved by expending little or no cash at all!

Here, then, are a few of my favorite paths to Serenity's often "ivy-covered" door:

*Enjoying the phases of the moon

*Letting my dog kiss my ears -- ah, Sheba, that does tickle!

*Lingering, for just a moment to relish the aroma, before taking that first bite of a sweet, ripe New Jersey peach.

*Giving and getting a deep, loving back rub.

*Laying in a hammock on a warm summer night and stargazing. Someone wrote that stars are the tiny windows for all those who have gone before us to gaze at us below. What a comfort.

*Putting on some rockin' music and dancing - no matter how well! Whose to judge anyway?

*Running out into the summer rain without any cares - wet face, wet hair - how wonderful!

*Baking simple brownies and sampling them while they're still warm.

What's along your path? Taking the time to consider may slow down our breathing, lower our blood pressure and surely bring a smile.

Bounty Within

As the herbs in my outdoor garden begin to flourish, one of my favorite pastimes is to collect a full bunch, along with several blooms from my perennials.

I bring them indoors and overfill an old pitcher so that the mixed, heady fragrances of the mint, lavender, basil and anise fill my kitchen. I so love the contrast of the various shades of greens and greys with the vividness of the buds and blooms.

Rushing past the arrangement in the midst of a hectic day, I pause as something sweet or savory fills my head, and a thousand summers come rushing back. A gentle nudge to urge me to slow down. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine and savor the moment.

I recall helping my Nana harvest mint from her small but lavish backyard garden. So many fond memories of special times with her. Teaching my younger sister how to make a necklace out of sweet strands of clover. Days with my son and daughter as we planted flowers each spring and watched them take root. Time for just us. I say a silent prayer of thanksgiving for all the gifts.


It goes by all too fleetingly. Take a deep breath and experience the peace.