STOP, THINK, REGENERATE!

First, a little background on my heritage. I'm third and fourth generation Danish American. I was raised to believe a person's worth was how hard they worked.

Second, I always take on more than I need (apparently to show my worth).

Third, I finally had a free weekend to catch up on all my work projects. I was really excited about this.

But then, Saturday morning came and there was no energy; I couldn't do, and didn't care, any more. It was gone. What was wrong with me?

You know what? Nothing. I needed a vacation; to be me.

Saturday was spent shopping for flowers, plants and vases. I couldn't stop myself. I want that, that and oh, that. I wanted to surround myself with the beauty of nature. Don't you just love the new  plant I found at Dianne's?

I can't remember the name, but it pleases me.

Sunday was the perfect vacation day. First, visiting with our neighbors to the south. They're our age and the husband just found out he has Parkinson's Disease. We were a little teary eyed, but mostly we laughed. It was a "bring it on" attitude and we're all in this together. It also reaffirmed our love for each other.

Then I spent the day doing what I really love; working in my flower gardens. The temperatures in the high 80's and I was sweating buckets - loving every minute of it.

No, I didn't get done any work on my ever long list. Yes, I regenerated. This I learned this weekend; feed yourself once in a while. It stops the mind from spinning around and around.

We've all heard the quote "Stop and smell the roses". There's a purpose to that saying. We need to slow down once in a while to appreciate and  put our world in the proper order.

I can't tell you how relaxed I feel and excited about the week ahead. I'm so glad I took this "me" vacation.

Enjoy some of my flowers.

A mother's reflection on Mother's Day.

My Mother's Day present from daughter Stef came early this year. In April, she treated me to "An Evening with Deepak Chopra" in Omaha. I couldn't have asked for a better present.

But wait we're not done.

Yesterday, she stop by the house with a flower. She just couldn't let the weekend go without saying "I love you" one more time. (She doesn't know that everyday being her mother is a gift to me.)

Let me show you the flower: it's a Phalaenopis Dalmatian Orchid.

Now, is this awesome or what. My husband, Ron, even noticed it. If you knew Ron, that's quite a feat.

I put it right above my sink so I can enjoy the beauty. The beauty. How simple to enjoy the beauty. How lucky I am to be able to enjoy beauty.

A perfect "Organic" Weekend

It's Sunday night, I'm reflecting. Don't care if this is the end of the weekend and soon it will be Monday morning. If we didn't have Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday wouldn't be special.

You remember (I hope) what my meaning of organic is: living harmoniously with the earth. Well, this was my perfect organic weekend:

Saturday: All day shopping and bonding with my daughter and two grandchildren. Husband, Ron, spent the day in heaven up to his elbows in grease, working on motorcycles. (Win, win situation for everyone.)

Sunday: Visited Ron's mom at the rehab center where we were amazed and thrilled at her progress. In the P.M., we went the symphony pops concert and a tribute performance of the Motown Sound. For baby boomers like us; it doesn't get any better.

In the evening, I fixed one of our favorite heart healthy meals:
Walnut crusted lemon chicken, roasted potatoes and asparagus.

Oh, I don't want to forget the two other members of the family. Ron took Clifford and Lucy for their morning walks and I took them for the evening walks, along with my iPod; totally enjoying the spring air.

So there you have it - my weekend. Probably won't make any newsline and also probably I have bored you to death. Sorry. I'm just happy for the things and people I have. I hope you are too.

My grandkids at Easter.

Family Crisis

Things are on put on hold. We have a family medical crisis. My Stepfather-in-law is very ill and awaiting surgery. All of our energy is concertized on his recovery. You never know how much a person means to you until you are faced with the prospect of not having that person in your life. His name is Frank and we love him.
Sandy