MINDFUL MOMENTS

Today more than anything I wanted to visit the cemetery where my father's buried. Today was the wedding anniversary of my parents and on the 27th of May quite a few years back my father passed away. Today just seemed like the appropriate day to visit my father's grave. I took my mother with me and half way there a tremendous down pour of rain made the visibility on the freeway almost impossible. I was lucky to get off at a nearby exit and stop the car at a service station until the storm ended. About ten minutes later the rain stopped but my Mother no longer wanted to drive another 30 miles to the cemetery. So I made a turn out of the gasoline station onto a street called CONANT. Talking about a bliss divine intervention. I could tell my FATHER was there with my MOTHER and myself because back when my Mother came to visit my father in Detroit from New York State one of the first places he took her to was his favorite pizzeria on Conant Street.           ...

One of my most favorite places in the whole world is A U S T R I A. I just can't get enough of the ALPS, the cows, the goats, the swimming lakes, and great hiking trails not to mention the idyllic villages with their quaint shops and amazing bakeries, the sounds of cuckoo birds and church bells are a delight to my ears and the friendly people who greet me with a smile really make my day.                               Amazing Austria It's no wonder I enjoyed every minute of my time working in Kitzbuhel, Austria in 2011 and 2012. Austria and I share a deep connection and I so much wanted to return back again for yet another working season of 2013. I was all set to go and than a door closed on me and my dream of returning to my beloved Austria was shattered. As much as I want to be back in those Austrian Alps taking in that magnificent scenery I must await patiently another time to return and work the...

                                                                                     My MOTHER'S homemade cake! Just as I had hoped, I was able to spend MOTHER'S DAY with my MOTHER. I made her day special by cooking for her, showering her with flowers, and baking her a cake. I could tell she was pleased with her day.   I wish I could make everyday MOTHER'S DAY for her but that isn't always possible. I'm so happy that we had MOTHER'S DAY to share together this past MOTHER'S DAY. Thank Goodness for digital camera's that allow us to capture those moments and those bright photo's that leave us with memories. My memories of all those special times with my MOTHER will stay with me until my dying day.                  ...

This afternoon I stopped into a Starbucks and asked for a sample of the new "Blond Roast." I was expecting just a tiny cup sample but instead the barista poured me a generous cup of the "Blond Roast"  and recommended trying it with a few drops of vanilla syrup which I did. What a beautiful moment it was to enter Starbucks wanting to try the new "Blond Roast" and given a generous sample with kindness and warmth by Debbie the barista. STARBUCKS and its customers are very fortunate to have such a shining star employee as Debbie who brightened my day by greeting me with a big smile and friendly "May I help you?" When I asked for a sample she rewarded me with something I just wasn't expecting.  How nice it is to know that every now and then someone can make all the difference in just a few moments. This was the case with the amazing STARBUCKS barista Debbie who deserves high praises for being so awesome. Thank You Starbucks and Thank You D...

Yesterday I just couldn't seem to get myself out of the house because I wasn't feeling well. Finally around 9:00 pm I decided to take a ride on my bicycle and get some air. As I approached a familiar neighborhood I couldn't believe all the traffic and noise. Obviously something was going on, an outdoor church festival. When I saw all the exciting rides and glittering lights I felt like a kid again. This mini amusement park festival was filled with an energetic crowd that was eating, drinking, playing games, and taking rides.  I never saw so many happy people gathered in one place.  Just a few moments hanging out at the festival cheered me up and made me feel like a young kid again. Sometimes it really pays to be at the right place at the right time especially when you're feeling down. Such was the case on yesterday when unhappy moments turned into happy moments.

May is the month that my dear Father died and I plan on visiting the cemetery where's he buried very soon. However today was almost like foreshadowing because I happened to pass by a cemetery on my bicycle this morning. As I stepped inside the cemetery I could tell the arrival of Spring was here. The whole cemetery was in full bloom; deep green colored grass, yellow dandelions, and maple trees all sitting on hilly terrain. As I walked through the cemetery I observed a variety of different headstones of remembrance; lieutenants who served in the armed forces, husbands and wifes buried next to each other, young children who left the earth far too young, there was even a Hollywood movie star buried next to his parents. Some of these people lived long lives and others short lives. There was a baby girl who was born on September 11, 1932 and died on April 5, 1933 (such a short life) and a man born on April 22, 1902 who died on August 17, 2000 (he was given a lo...

Sometimes life really is a big roller coaster ride of up and downs.. It's been that way for me for a few years now . I know there are people out there that have it far worse than I do but there's also people who have it a lot better. Lately I seem to be surrounded by people that seem to have it all. I hope they appreciate what they have because it can be taken away so quickly and without warning. That's why it's so important not to take things for granted and to be thankful for beautiful blessings such as being able to see, touch, feel, and hear, being able to walk, and having dear friends and family that love you for who you are. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was so accurate when he wrote the words "Into each life some rain must fall."  When that rain does fall it takes courage and strength to keep going but it's those sad moments and setbacks that make us appreciate the beautiful moments we get along our life journey. So if your life has had some rain b...

Celebrate your MOTHER! With Mother's Day just around the corner a lot of children will probably take their Mother out to a restaurant to celebrate the special occasion. I feel very blessed to have the Mother I have. She's been there for me through thick and thin, now it's my time to reciprocate. Fortunately these days we're living in the same town so I make a point of really enjoying as much quality time as I can with her. My mother is not going to be around forever so now's the time for me to enjoy those moments with her and honor her as if everyday is MOTHER'S DAY! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the amazing mother's throughout the world!!!!                                 My Mother on her Birthday!

The other day a friend picked me up and brightened my day by taking me out to lunch. Afterwards we stopped at a huge park located on the riverfront. Although this park is nestled outside a major city it felt like it was miles away from noise and pollution. In that one hour I spent in the park  I was able to talk to some cheerful fisherman, do some yoga poses on the lush green grass, smell the fragrant just bloomed cherry blossoms, and visit a botanical garden. Spring had sprung that day and everything was so fresh and alive. Those moments when so many things become alive again during the onset of spring are moments to cherish. It's in Spring when the flowers and trees blossom, it's in Spring when many animals are born, and it's in spring that the days become long and sunny making it a pleasure to be outdoors. Let's enjoy those moments of SPRING!!!