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  • Summer bucket list: 60 before 60 style – update 1

    Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen Here we are a month into summer. The weather has been so hot in our neck of the woods, it’s hard to believe it is not yet “deep summer.” I hope it doesn’t get much warmer…I may  melt. Regardless, it is time to check in on…

  • But the greatest of these is love – revisited

    I originally published this post in my first year of blogging…six years ago. In my humble opinion, the message bears repeating. If anything, its importance has become more evident in light of the lessons learned from COVID and social distancing. I hope you will indulge me in this repeat. I am pleased to report that…

  • Thank you notes: little bits of gratitude from June 2021

    Thank you Maddi… …for the thoughtful gift. You knew how much I liked this cactus, and you made sure I got it. Not to mention the custom-painted pot. Thank you Brooks… …for the most wonderful Cascadia trail runners. While you won’t actually catch me running on many unpaved trails, these shoes are perfect for hiking…lighter…

  • Summer bucket list: 60 before 60

    Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June. Al Bernstein Summer is truly and officially here, and with it my Summer Bucket List. Last October, I announced that I would be completing a 60 before 60 Challenge in the year leading up to my 60th birthday and that the challenge would take the place of…

  • Take the High 5 Challenge for an instant confidence boost

    Are you looking for a way to start each day on a positive note, with a boost to your confidence? I’ve got a simple answer for you. After your morning routine…before you leave the bathroom…give yourself a High 5 in the mirror. Maybe throw in an encouraging word, “You got this!” No, I’m not crazy…well…

  • In Defense of Food: a book review

    Everyday it seems a new miracle diet hits the market or a ground-breaking nutritional study is released…one that contradicts the last great breakthrough. How’s a gal (or guy) supposed to know what to eat for optimal health? If you are looking for a simple answer to this complex question, Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food:…

  • What is a sound bath? A first-timer’s experience

    I recently had my first sound bath…no tub or water involved…but it certainly was cleansing and relaxing. I couldn’t wait to share my experience with you.  As an avowed overthinker, my first experience with anything is bound to be at least a little stressful. Will I like this? What’s going to happen next? Am I…

  • Thank you notes: little bits of gratitude from May 2021

    Thank you Mother Nature… …for the beautiful flowers, both up north… …and down south in the desert. Thank you Becky and Randy… …for the beautiful handmade quilt. I cannot think of a more thoughtful gift. It was exactly what we needed to finish off our room. You are truly the best neighbors. Thank you Allied…

  • Spring bucket list: 60 before 60 – update 2

    Live life in full bloom. Elizabeth Murray We’re two months into spring, life is in full bloom…and it’s time to share an update on our Spring Bucket Lists, or in my case, an update on my 60 before 60 Challenge. Last October, I announced that I would be completing a 60 before 60 Challenge in the year…

  • Are you asking the right question when making big decisions?

    Over the last couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I want to do in retirement…the next big transition of my life.  Do I want to edit and publish my book? Then maybe start another? Would I like to begin a new self-employed career…maybe life coaching or freelance writing?  Do…