Bloom with Wellness is a program to create personal health and wellness goals while connecting the mind, body and spirit. We’re already into our fifth session and feel completely connected to the group, as we are all like-minded women, wanting to challenge ourselves and set goals for improving life. We are there to support one another, hold space for one another and lift each other up.

Within another 30 minutes or so, a crane was spotted sitting on a nearby dock that looked as if it wasn’t set up for the season yet and the bird was taking advantage of the height the stacked wood provided. The merganser family showed up again right next to the crane as if they had a mutual understanding of sharing the area. We saw and heard loons, listened to bullfrogs, watched families of mallard ducks, deer and many chipmunks scurrying around the cabin.

Until recently, there was a place I hadn’t thought about in a while, the Slew. After reminiscing with my brother, he mentioned the Slew was what farmer’s referred to as wet areas that weren’t farmable. The Slew was in the middle of the large piece of property adjacent to our house. We used the wet and swampy area as a playground, even though the land surrounding the Slew was planted and harvested each year. Right smack dab in the middle of the property was an old dirt road, we referred to as Slew Road.

Monkey see, monkey do was how they acted as a troop. What one monkey did, the others followed suit. It reminded me of peer pressure in life. Sometimes we’re afraid to speak up for what we want, but doing so moves us beyond our fear and gives us the courage to take our own path. Are you walking yours or are you following someone else’s path? Be bold, be brave be you!

At this point I had no idea where my friends were and assumed I had fallen way behind, but with determination started on my third and final leg of the race. Instead of reveling in my accomplishments thus far, I was disappointed in my experience in the water and the popped tire. I lost a bit of steam but kept pushing on and came to realize what I had just accomplished. I never ran into my friends again until I crossed the finish line.

As if by magic, fate, divine timing or whatever you believe in, things started coming together like gang-busters; everything was working out. Each time I worked on portions of the weekend, I felt pure joy….frankly, I was giddy. I knew the weekend would be transformational not only to the participants, but for the coaches as well.

We sent many texts, made many phone calls in order to make the plan solid. Game day arrived and Hannah was up early texting and calling. The weather looked iffy with rain and chilly temps. At this point we needed to make a decision and thought we would just go for it. Plan A was in place, no turning back.

Even though I’m still in the midst of a record breaking cold spell, in my mind I can go back and relive the experiences at the Blue Lagoon again and again. Self-care is something we can do for ourselves any where and any time; nourishing our bodies, not only with food, but with love, compassion, and joy. How do you care for your body and soul? Do you regularly feed it with love and compassion?

It was our mission every night to be on the lookout. We stayed in Reykjavik for the first night. It’s the country’s capital and the largest city; tucked in along the southern shore on Faxa Bay. Being well lit and cloudy didn’t make for great conditions to see the lights, but we were hopeful on the following days to come.

As the tour began, I learned it was so much more. The small group would be hiking across lava fields a few miles away, climb up to base camp, and then group by group, climb to the top of the volcano to be lowered down inside, wearing harnesses and hard hats. The wind was brutal and I was thankful for hiking boots, winter coats with hoods and gloves. The terrain was uneven and vast……volcanoes, mountains and lava fields as far as the eye could see. The volcano we were heading to, happened to be the furthest away…….better buckle-up.

We were only on the plane a few minutes before it pulled away from the gate. One thing we were pretty sure of, our checked luggage wasn’t on board with us. Hmmm…..we would have to worry about it upon arrival at our destination. Once we landed, we headed straight to baggage claim and as expected, our suitcases were nowhere in sight. We made our way to the lost luggage counter and waited in line with the other people from our connecting flight.

With a recent trip to Iceland, I was able to experience some incredible adventures. It was both rugged and beautiful; definitely a nature lover’s paradise. Even though the land was filled with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and caves, one of the coolest things I experienced was sleeping in a bubble. Let me repeat that……sleeping in a BUBBLE……how cool is that?

Back in September, I was able to get away for an adventure, the day after my son’s wedding. The timing wasn’t ideal, but it’s all I had to work with. Friends had already booked their trip when I learned they were heading to Iceland. I commented on how it would be a fun get away and the next thing I new, my ticket was purchased and the planning began.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to spend a long weekend in Door County, Wisconsin with my oldest and dearest friend. We’ve been best friends since high school, through thick and thin, good times and bad. I’m beyond thankful for her tender heart, thoughtful ways and generous spirit.

At my son’s and new daughter’s recent wedding, a photo booth with absurd props was available during the reception, to capture all the wackiness and fun had by the guests. Let me tell you, this girl was so excited and had a great time dragging friends and family to pose any which way, but normal.

Earlier this summer, I was able to enjoy a weekend in Chicago with friends. There always seems to be endless things to experience and this trip was no different. One of the afternoons after enjoying brunch, my friends and I decided to walk back along Michigan Avenue (the magnificent mile), to the place we were staying.

We headed out, on foot, late afternoon to get a jump on the crowds. However, there were already motorcycles every where you looked. There were bikes of every color, new, and vintage looking their best and hoping to impress. As we glanced around, everyone wore black….black pants, boots, shirts, vests, headbands and any other riding apparel a person could think of wearing. My friend and I were very out of place in our “flowy” pants and brightly colored shirts. Anyone looking our way could tell we hadn’t arrived a hog…..LOL.

El loco describes how I’ve been feeling lately, in one word….crazy! My days and nights seem hectic and I feel like I want to lay on my couch for days…..well, at least for a full weekend….HAHA! In my mind there’s a good reason for my scattered actions and thoughts; my son will be getting married soon and there’s a lot to accomplish. The date has been planned for a year, but time seems to speed up faster the closer it gets.