Noisy Morning Meditation

I woke earlier than normal and my fibromyalgia pain wouldn't let me return to a cozy slumber. Grabbing my yoga mat, I headed to the deck for a bit of stretching and meditation. 

The noise of the morning became to distracting and I found myself watching the drama unfold in my backyard as one would watch TV. 

Grab a cup of coffee and join me on the deck.

Shhhh... watch and listen.

Hear the fox squirrels making a ruckus running up and down old oaks.  Oh, those red squirrels fighting for dominance and territory are loud. Look, there's a rabbit loping through the chaos looking for breakfast. Listen to turkey hen softly clucking, to announce her arrival. Penny thinks she's special. Twigs are snapping and old dried leaves on the forest floor are crunching, but we can't see what is making the noise.

A Blue Jay's shrill call carries across the tree tops, causing everyone to go on alert for a moment. 

 Two fox squirrels stand to look at with curiosity us while Penny eats. 

A harvester spider joins me on my yoga mat.

I'm definitely not alone and I find this noisy morning to be incredibly amazing. 

I'm relaxed, refreshed, and recharged. 

If your heart is heavy or your mind is dark, take a few moments to step outside. 

Close your eyes and simply breathe. 

Listen to the sound around you. What do you hear? Human traffic? Wildlife? Nature? You will find, you are never alone but a small part of a wonderful big world.

Try getting up earlier than normal some morning. Enjoy the new experience.  

Grab a hot beverage and your honey, absorb your environment.

Drinking With My Lab

I'm usually a shop-locally-kind-of-girl, but I picked up this bottle of wine because of the name. 

I love my lab.

The capital of Portugal has a wonderful Mediterranean climate known for producing wine for centuries. This wine, Lab of Portugal, is a blend of four different kinds of grapes harvested from clay and limestone soil near Lisbon.  The blend was aged in new oak barrels for four months. 

I paired the wine with grilled veggies and BBQ ribs. With my first impression I noticed how different it is from the wines I normally drink. It had an immediate pine note. Pine, seriously? Must be the combination of the dark red fruits and tannins. As I sipped this bold dry wine, a familiar memory tickled my mind. Then it came to me.

This wine tastes like Up North. Michiganders will know that term. For those who don't, imagine visiting my gram's cottage tucked in a cluster of cedar trees. Knotty pine walls surround you and the linens have a fragrance of Ivory soap.  A breeze travels off the lake past the trees and into the cottage. 

That essence is in this bottle! Drink Lab with steak or a cheese plate and be carried away.

Oh, yes...my sweet lab, Maggie likes wine and gives Lab of Portugal her paw of approval.

Key to Love - Gratitude

Love is a powerful thing but it is tested. It is surviving the tests that makes love strong.

According to one study, 80% of couples who stayed together through marital problems were asked five years after the problem was resolved, reported being happier than before the issue.

BOOK SUGGESTION

Why Good Things Happen To Good People written by Dr. Stephen Post and Jill Neimark 

is a great book to read in regards to the keys to longevity in a relationship.

According to the book, GRATITUDE is an important key for Love that Lasts.

Being married to a pilot can be trying at times. Most people ask how the fact he's gone every two weeks affect our marriage. The time he's gone doesn't affect it, we stay close via phone, video chats, little love notes, etc. I believe the hardest part about being married to a pilot these days is the moment the plane takes off. It today's world the chance of him not coming home is always there. That thought scares the hell out of me but for my sanity, I don't dwell on it. Saying goodbye is the hardest. As I watch his plan take off, I always say a prayer for his safety and gratitude that's he's part of our lives. I'm thankful for the time we spend together no matter if it's weeks, days, hours or minutes. Saying goodbye when the jet leaves the tarmac or "TTFN" via video chat, is still a farewell. The feeling of gratitude strengthens our bond.

As my son's grow older, I've learned to say the same prayer for safety and gratitude when I hug them goodbye. I'm so thankful for my guys!

Think of the things you appreciate about your honey. Think of big things - how hard he works for his family. Think of small things - quiet time tucking the kids into bed.

Take a moment to write them down. Share them with your honey. Strengthen your love.