MINDFUL MOMENTS

I've been kayaking for a long time, never fearing water until last week when my kayak tipped over. After a nice swim in Torch Lake I decided to rent a kayak. Rather than wear a lifejacket I opted for a floating device seat instead. The water was pretty calm, there were no boats around and I was enjoying my paddling until I tried adjusting my floating device seat and tipped over unexpectedly. I fell into the water and my sunglasees sunk. The kayak was filled with water and I held on tight to the floating device, kayak, and paddle as I swam towards a dock in the distance to safety. Once I got to the dock it took 20 minutes to empty out the water from the kayak and get it to function again. The sun was getting brighter and I really needed my sunglasses but they were way at the bottom of the water. Nobody was around but I managed to get back on the kayak and paddle my way back to the shop where I had rented the kayak. I had a minor cut on my leg and was a bit shaken up from the...

You never know what's going on in people's lives unless they specifically tell you. Such is the case of one of my co-workers. I'll refer to her by first initial which is K.  I assumed that all was well in K's life; she has a home, a husband, lovely children, she's confident, and full of creative ideas. However, recently I was stunned to hear that she's  facing health issues and financial challenges. She shared this with  somebody on our team and within minutes two employees took a money collection for her. The following day my close friend brought her an affordable housing application and explained to her how her family could be eligible for a good place to live at a low cost. Today K was in such happy spirits. She shared with me that her doctor is really looking after her and making certain that she doesn't have to pay for any of her expensive medications or office visits. K was also touched by the outpour of caring co-workers that contributed money to...

Everyone has a favorite animal. What's your favorite animal? For me it's a cow or better yet a herd of cows. I've spent a lot of time traveling alone and it was always a herd of cows that befriended me and put a smile on my face. Even now I feel a deep connection with COWS. They must know I'm fond of them because whenever I call out to them they appear without any fear. A couple of weeks ago I made my birthday wish come true by spending a day in the countryside. The weather was glorious with sunny blue skies....the kind of weather that cows like to graze on grass. I came towards the fence calling out to them and within seconds a whole herd of them came right to the fence to greet me. It was the "Valley of the Cows." Such intelligent and friendly cows with big eyes. What a present to have them all within arms reach of me. I'm very grateful for COWS! Cows provide us with milk which means lots of dairy treats for non-vegans. Cows are intelligen...