Morning Meditation with Mother Nature

Vacation Day #2

Cool temperature with a breeze from the north.

Mood is "chillax".

Communing with nature is a great way to start the day.

Doing yoga next to water is an amazing experience. 

It good to break up your routine of being inside.  Breathing in clean air cleanses the body and opens the soul. Some may think practicing yoga outside not only develops your inner strength and stability, it aligns you with nature. Yoga outside can boost your self esteem and the dose of vitamin D from the sun will help fight depression. Even if you practice yoga in the shade like I do, you'll still get those "feel good" vibes.

Loons calling to each other  replace the sounds of the city. 

My only observers were seagulls.

The breeze caressed my skin like a lover's touch. 

If you get the chance, step outside.

Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.

Take a moment to listen; focus on nature sounds.

Hear the birds?

Feel the breeze?

Sunsets and Family Time

Vacation Day #1 part 2

Evening is calm, quality togetherness time.

Mood is relaxed.

Ending an evening surrounded by the beauty of nature reminds us of the romance humans have with wonder of the wild. Mother Nature provides us with beauty, comfort and joy. Little things we often take for granted in life or completely ignore. Looking at a sunset, our reflection in a lake, or closing our eyes while sitting next to a bonfire will quickly take us to a calm place and fill us with love.

The evening is spent fishing. 

Relaxing around the bonfire was interrupted when the sprinkler system turned on.  Laughing, we dried off and still enjoyed the fire after the water stopped.

All smiles, all night long.

Staying cozy with each other.

Being together outside with nature is great bonding time 

to strengthen family ties which is important when a family grows.

Rain Won't Ruin My Vacay

Vacation Day #1

Woke to cool temperature and rain.

Mood is relaxed.

No, I'm not at Martha's Vineyard, I just like the mug and I've adopted it for the week.

Rain doesn't ruin my vacation. I look at the fact that rain can be relaxing and enjoyable. The peace is rejuvenating. Yes, even in my noisy family, peace can be obtained.

My favorite part of vacation is preparing the morning meal with my honey. We have a lot of fun in the kitchen which usually creates moans, groans and complaints from our kids. Hubby took off his shirt because he didn't want bacon grease splatter ruin it. Yes, I know that's not a good idea; just goes to show our morning goofiness.

After breakfast, eldest son and his wife curled up with books for some quiet reading. 

A mated pair of loons floated across the middle of the lake. We had the opportunity to meet them closer when we visited the public boat launch. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. I'll try to get pix later.

Hubby, I, son #2 and his GF went on a mission to find beach towels. Oops... it's a little late in the season so we ended up with large bath towels to take boating this week. Anyways... 

When we arrived back to the cottage, they decided to brave the misting rain and take the kayaks out. 

After I write this post, I believe a bit of reading and a nap are in order.

How to handle a rainy day on your vacation?

Daily Dose Of Hugs

I was watching CBS News Sunday Morning today and was moved by an featured story. Did you know a hug releases oxytocin,  a chemical in our brain that makes us feel happy? How cool is that?

However, in today's world theres a down side. Due to Covid restrictions people are not getting their normal daily dose of hugs. Not having oxytocin released is affecting humans. After all it's part of our self care routine. Its ingrained in us. Simply watch small children when grouped together, they touch and hug each other. Pure joy!

Virus restrictions are causing people to become creative when they are hungry for hugs. Masks, gloves, and  lots of plastic sheeting are involved.

Get your mind out of the gutter...this a sweet post.

Today's assignment: give a hug.

Hug whoever you live with, whoever you trust, or simply cuddle with your pet.

Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. It's sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone" or the "love hormone," because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.Jun 4, 2015

Oxytocin: Facts About the 'Cuddle Hormone' | Live Science

www.livescience.com › 42198-what-is-oxytocin

Housecleaning Before Vacay - Who Does That?

We are heading on vacation tomorrow so that means I'm cleaning the house today. My mom always hated coming home to a dirty house, so I must have inherited that trait from her. 

I don't go all Spring-Cleaning-Crazy, I just do the basics.

1. Vacuum. This is the most important and often the last thing I do. We have a dog, a cat and a guinea pig so hair and dander is abundant. When I enter the door a week after I left I don't want to be hit with an overwhelming smell of dog. 

2. Bathe the dog. If she doesn't go with us, I usually give Maggie a bath because she stays with Gram & Gramp. She's getting out of the spa treatment due to having it last week for the wedding. Gram & Gramp will be joining us theregore Maggie will have a pet sitter this week. I'm hoping all goes well since last time she had a sitter, she was a hellion.

Don't let her 13 year old face fool you. She's a lab. "Nuff said.

3. Clean the bathrooms. Guys are gross, plan and simple. Let the nastiness set for a week, even grosser. Is that a word? Must be, spellcheck didn't freak out.

4. Wash all the dirty dishes. If I have to, I'll run a load as I'm leaving.

5. Make sure laundry is done. I actually did laundry yesterday since the guys were running out of underwear and didn't have anything clean to wear. They can be such divas. Nonetheless, I'll be bringing home dirty laundry and who would want to come home to a pile of dirty laundry that has been sitting for a week.

6. Wipe down counters. Clorox wipes or my favorite scent of Meyers, leaves a nice fragrance in the air.

How can you find romance in cleaning the house? Have your honey help, you will appreciate it and make sure you show your appreciation later. Or... ask for a nice back or foot massage later. Remember what I said about touch? Check out my post Touch Me, Babe.

Okay...I'm ready. Time to pack.

Do you clean the house before leaving for vacation?

Thursday 13 - Sweet Romance Every Day

Lasting romance isn't constant grand gestures proclaiming love, 

it's the little every day things that keep love in the air.

Sometimes all you need is a sweet gesture to make your day. It doesn't matter if you're just starting your relationship or you've been in it for a the long haul already, the little every day things remind you that there is a lot of love around you. 

Here's a list of a few suggestions of sweet gestures to bring romance into your every day life.

1. Hold hands in the car.

2. Write a little love note and hide it in a place you're honey will find it.

3. Climb onto his lap when watching TV.

4. Prepare a meal together.

5. Out of the blue, look into your honey's eyes and say, "I love you."

6. Spend time with your honey participating in their favorite hobby.

7. Whisper something loving or naughty in their ear in the middle of the day.

8. Send a text to your honey telling something you like about about him/her.

9. Stop on the way home from work and pick up your honey's favorite dessert.

10. Make morning coffee and set out a treat for your honey some morning.

11. Tap a post-it note on the bathroom mirror with a loving message.

12. Watch a movie together, share popcorn and a blanket.

13. Give each other a massage.

Sweet whispers.

It's all in the sweet romantic gestures.

Love isn't in expensive gifts and extravagant trips, it's in the details. 

Love is in giggles, whispers, gentle touches, sharing time, caring for each other 

and simply bringing a smile to each other's faces.

To find more cool lists 

VISIT THURSDAY 13  

for other amazing writers who are participating in the fun!

Touch Me, Babe

Listening to an old tune from The Doors while in a Covid lock-down inspired this post.

The media has featured how people are suffering depression and isolation because of not being able to be social. This lack of in-person communication and lack of personal touch plays havoc with the psyche.

Sure, sexual touches help with physical intimacy and keeps a relationship fresh and exciting. Touch between lovers, is a subtle reminder of the connection. But non-sexual touch is important too. A touch is reassuring and uplifting. It feels like some else understands us, relates with us and connects to us. A simple touch is a sign of trust, and the comfort reduces anxiety.

A touch makes you feel more loved, safe, and happy. The humblest movement leads to a happier, healthier you! Next time you touch someone or are touched, take note of how you feel.

Today's exercise:

Hold a hand

Give a hug

Tickle someone

Play footsie

Yeah! Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now touch me, babe

The Doors - Touch Me

With today's Covid-19 restrictions on wearing masks, washing hands, 6' apart...we need to make an effort to do the little things that matter. Subtle touches to a hand or shoulder can make a huge  difference in someone's life. Higher rates of people are suffering from depression. Reach out and touch another.

Time for a Yogi Tea Moment

After a week filled with copious amounts of amazing homemade food and drink, my body is demanding a detox. Some people purge, do liquid diets for days, or simply change their diet by increasing fiber, leafy greens and vitamin C. My go-to is the Yogi Tea "DeTox".

I've tried DeTox tea in a variety of flavors: 

Berry

Peach

Roasted Dandelion Spice

Original DeTox

I like the Dandelion and Spice as well as the original teas. The Ayurvedic blend of cleansing herbs creates a warm, comforting tea. The subtle licorice flavor and spices are my thing. The tea is best served hot. Pour boiling water over the tea bag and steep for at least 7 minutes. Today is hot and humid so I steeped mine a bit longer and added a few ice cubes. Very tasty and hydrating!

After a cup, I feel refreshed and balanced. If I were home, I'd do a few moments of yoga or meditation. At my work desk, I'll close my eyes and drink slowly, enjoying and savoring the flavors.

Love Conquers All - A Covid Wedding

Overcome the nightmare of current times with love.

Their big dream wedding and honeymoon to Greece was ruined by Covid-19.

However, their love never faltered. 

Surrounded by their parents, grandparents and siblings, Trevor and Jordie said, "I DO!"

Mr & Mrs Quast

My eldest son fell in love with Jordie when they were freshmen in high school. Trevor fulfilled his dream to be married in the same church as his father and I as well as his grandparents.

The couple's brothers acted as Man of Honor and Best Man 

then signed the marriage license as witnesses.

We endured the heat to have some photos in a beautiful garden.

Hubby & I, still in love after 29 years.

Festivities continued at our house with an I Do BBQ. 

The house was decorated with fresh flowers from my sister's garden 

and silk arrangements from writer pal, Kallypso Masters. 

Families came together with potluck style food, gifts, well wishes and fun.

Heated games between the sexes & siblings.

The Grandmothers

CONGRATS, TREVOR & JORDIE!!!!!
We love you!

The couple spent a mini-moon in Frankenmuth.

Special THANKS to:

Patty at the Montrose Greenhouse for the bridal bouquet and boutineers

Cary Ann's Hallmark, Flushing, MI

Kallypso Masters

Ann Frost

First Presbyterian Church, Saginaw, MI

Hayes & Quast families