Recently, she started begging to get a cat again. Most of her friends have moved out of the area and claimed if I let her have a kitten, she wouldn’t feel so lonely……no words. In a weak moment she made it sound so easy and somehow when I wasn’t expecting it, I actually thought about saying yes. Well, let’s just say she jumped on the opportunity and within a few days had her sights on one.

Recently, a girlfriend and I decided to go for an impromptu late breakfast, and ended up at a cute little outdoor place we could enjoy the beautiful summer morning. One of the specials of the day was listed on the menu as Sunshine and Bubbles. The name alone got our attention.

It’s All Good is a local coffee shop in my area, and has to be the cutest place in town. I’m a regular customer, whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee, working on my latest blog post or project while my daughter studies, or brainstorming over the next workshop. It kind of feels like home.

Our hotel was in the middle of Times Square, which made it simple to get around without hailing a cab or taking the subway. Unfortunately, rain gushed like water being poured out of buckets, and wouldn’t you know, all five of us girls forgot to bring umbrellas from our hotel rooms. We ended up staying much longer at lunch than we had anticipated since people outside, both with and without umbrellas were soaking wet just the same. Once the rain had settled into a manageable downpour, we stood in the doorway and jetted across the street as soon as the light signaled for the crowds to pass.

To celebrate a recent birthday, my children wanted to take me to lunch and as always, let the birthday girl pick the location. My first thought was somewhere near water, and with the late spring weather cooperating, dining outdoors was at the top of my list.

Lately though, it feels like life is passing me by……actually zooming past. Seems like before I know it, the week has flown, and I am looking at another Monday. It’s hard to believe half of 2017 is practically just a memory; I need to slow my roll. Slowing down means I need to live in the present moment and not dwell in the past or rush into tomorrow. It doesn’t always come easy for me. I have to remind myself to be intentional about my day, thoughts and actions. How often are we on auto-pilot and can’t remember how we got there?

On a recent trip to the grocery store, I came across an item that appears once a year in the mid-west, even if only for a short window of opportunity……drum roll please…….the Rainier cherry! When I stumbled across the yellow and bright blush-red little gems, I stopped in my tracks, my eyes lit up, and I could hardly wait to get through the checkout line, run home, and gobble some down. Last year I missed the entire season; it was over before I realized…..total bummer. Another golden opportunity missed.

I have an upcoming girl’s adventure on the horizon, and it only seemed fitting to get a few new things to take on vacation. Since I am not a shopper by nature, I opted for the on-line variety. It all began a few months ago when I thought I would start the hunt early, in order to be prepared for my trip.

The last several weeks have been especially difficult for my Dad; his brother had fallen ill, and on Mother’s Day, lost his battle and went home to his Lord. My Dad is the oldest of six, and has survived five siblings and both parents. I was a bit hesitant to write this post, but felt the message was important to share.

What do your dreams look like? Are you letting fear stop them, or are you taking one step at a time, getting closer to your dream? Have faith, trust your heart, and fly. Now is the time…..you can do it!

This past weekend I was honored to co-host another workshop titled, Vision Your Best Life. We were blessed to have spent an afternoon with women ready to vision the possibilities of their own life, by creating vision boards. Vision boards are simply a tool used to help clarify and concentrate on specific life goals, by using any type of board to display images and quotes on what you would like to attract into your life.

This past week marked another blessed year on the calendar for my first love…..my Dad. His birthday weekend was shared by the college graduation of my nephew, which I know my Dad was happy to celebrate with his grandson. His eyes light up any time he is around his grandchildren, and deeply cares about each one.

We had to switch to plan B; which meant my sister and I took on the task of picking out, and purchasing a style that would work….pronto (since she came home earlier in the day). She needed some sort of shoe that had Velcro tabs that would adjust both for her swelling and shrinking feet.

While waiting in a room prior to surgery, my Dad, sister and I were sitting with her waiting for the surgeon to arrive. Once he explained the procedure and what to expect, Mom piped up about her going home the following day. The doctor said it wasn’t impossible, but he would have to access the situation, post-surgery. After all the questions were asked, my mom mentioned she baked him a loaf of a zucchini nut bread, and that he should eat it prior to surgery to give him extra stamina. OMG….we all laughed, as he left with loaf in hand. As a side note, she always brings home-baked bread, muffins, or cookies to all her doctor appointments; and always receives great service….haha.

One of my girlfriends happens to be a meeting planner, and if you’ve ever been to one of her events, you’d know she runs a tight ship. This girl knows how to throw a party, and has everything covered from start to finish. Whenever I get an invitation to one of her events, I am confident it will be spectacular.

If you’ve ever been to a Blackhawk’s game, you know exactly what I’m referring to; the experience is pretty amazing. From the jersey-wearing fans, hustle and bustle inside and outside the arena, the lights, and pre-game warm-up by both teams. Once the players are off the ice, the real hoopla begins.

The first thing that caught my eye was when I read, Renew your Compassionate Heart – Spring Retreat. It drew me in, and I immediately reached out to my friend to find out more. Who doesn’t want to connect with their heart, stop the chatter, listen to our inner messages, and trust our intuition?

This year’s hosts decided on wines from Italy…..no particular region, just any Italian wine. There would be five courses, and by luck of the draw I handled the first course, which included an Italian appetizer paired with a wine to enhance it’s flavor.