Sometimes in life, we have to navigate blindly through situations, relying on our instincts and senses to guide us. This past weekend, I had both the pleasure and absolute joy of experiencing a glow in the dark night golf outing, which beautifully mirrored these moments of uncertainty. The experience was filled with laughter, excitement, and valuable lessons that reminded me of the importance of trusting oneself even in the darkest of times.

Though everyone on the boat was having a great time, it felt as if time had stopped, and it was just Emery and me, making unforgettable quiet, yet impactful, memories together. These moments are the ones I will treasure for a lifetime.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of an unexpected adventure? Recently, during an on and off stormy day, my daughter, a friend and I were attending a tented outdoor music concert. But when the tornado sirens blared, our plans took an unexpected turn. Instead of seeking shelter in a mundane location, we were led into an underground speakeasy, a hidden gem my daughter and I wanted to explore but the timing never worked out.

Fear not, sometimes the smallest shifts can create significant changes and opportunities. Especially if you are willing to take a chance, reshape your thoughts, and keep yourself open to possibility.

I was able to spend 10 days in Italy with 10 amazing women. It was a continuation of a writing course we experienced together earlier in the year. When our writing journey began we started off as strangers, but through our initial awkwardness, empathy, laughter, tears, joy, vulnerability, and profound moments together, we created a lifelong bond and sisterhood.

This past weekend I was able to spend time with my bestie and her husband at their cabin in Door County, Wisconsin. When we planned activities for the weekend, hands down, we wanted to make sure to add Newport State Park which is on the tip of the Door Peninsula to our must do list.

This past weekend, I was able to spend some the day with one of my childhood friends. We went to grade school and high school together. We were inseparable during our grade school years. Our sixth grade teacher gave us the nickname of the three stooges (me, Ronda and our friend, Mary). If I remember correctly Ronda was Moe, I was Larry and Mary was Curly. I’m pretty confident we liked to chitty-chat and giggle during class.

I had a choice, I could remain standing on the bank of the river and watch those make it the other side, or I could take a leap of faith and trust in my ability to navigate the process, albeit rocky and a bit scary. The tour guide was standing in the water below me extending his hand; encouraging me to take a chance.

The next day came and went and my friend Beth was staying the night at my house for our early morning flight. We celebrated with a cocktail as we finished packing. Then the dreaded phone call came. Hannah mentioned we didn’t have everything in order yet.

Not to count my chickens before they hatch but I’m hopeful my family, friends and I’ll be heading to warmer temperatures and sunny skies soon. Our original trip to Hawaii was planned for March of 2020 but you know what happened next …..Covid!

Growing up, along with my bothers, sister and a few neighboring children built snow forts, had epic snowball fights, rode snowmobiles and were pulled behind them lined up on a toboggan and metal saucer. Those were the days. Playing carefree, full of imagination and curiosity.

The definition in the dictionary of encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope. Right now seems like the perfect time for giving or receiving encouragement.

This past week I learned about the comet named “NEOWISE” which was just discovered this year. Astronomers stumbled upon it while looking through the NEOWISE space telescope, is one of the brightest comets seen since 1997, and is visible to the naked eye in the northern hemisphere. Since comet sightings are rare I wanted to catch a glimpse before it was gone. It wouldn’t be seen again for another 6,800 years…..HA!

Having my daughter home during isolation has been a blessing. It’s been nice to be able to make and enjoy meals together. During the day, we work across from each other at the dining room table as her two felines, Tillie and Leroy have the run of the house. With only essential trips out and both of us occupying the space, some days there seemed to be a large amount of mishaps going on inside the fray.

This week I was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin kitty-sitting. My daughter had to go out of town for business and I offered to come up and take care of Tillie, the long-haired white and tan sassy but sweet matriarch and Leroy, the younger, short-haired gray with white paws, loving obedient servant.

I’m embarrassed to say but didn’t get out of my pajamas for three days……..YIKES! Truth be told I love when that happens. Day one, I got out of bed and headed directly to the dining room table. Making sure to get up to move from time to time in order to avoid being stiff. Hour after hour finishing sections, sending emails, receiving replies, writing this, creating that……on and on. The good news…..by the end of the day, I was already dressed for bed, no extra effort was needed…HAHA!

The evening started off by donning our tall, white chef's hat and black apron, then the owner described the good, bad and ugly of olive oil. Have you ever stood in front of scads of olive oil bottles at the grocery store and wondered which one to pick. I have, on many occasions, often picking either the prettiest bottle or the one on sale. I learned that wasn't such a great idea.

When my website designer mentioned she wanted to move my site, I dug my heels in at first and then slowly over time realized I needed something easier to manage. Since I'm not tech-savvy by any means, I was afraid to take the leap but a few weeks ago while meeting with her, it somehow took a turn for the unexpected. I agreed to not only change my platform and web hosting but I also agreed to use another name for my life coaching and soon I'll have my hypnotherapy certification. Let me tell you......this was a GIANT LEAP for me.