MINDFUL MOMENTS

I am so stupid and I will punish myself for my stupidity. I just paid a hefty amount to a resort that makes tons of money. I was at fault, for a leaky toilet that caused damage to their ceiling. Even though I called a plumber to have the toilet fixed, water was still dripping and the resort told me that I must pay for the damage to their condo. The BIG shots always conquer. It's their world. More money down the drain. Oh well, the LOVE of money is the root of all evil so let the privileged people enjoy their possessions and wealth. I will continue to be a "very unimportant person" and I will punish myself for my stupidity of not fixing the toilet quick enough. It's my fault and I will punish myself for a very long time for my stupidity.  MOMENTS OF PUNISHMENT ARE WELL DESERVED!

Here in Michigan where I currently live there's a husband & wife team that own a chocolate company called Hanover's. They make delicious mint filled milk and dark chocolates imprinted with the state of Michigan map on them. I've known about these wonderful chocolates since I was in college but it wasn't until the past year that I started buying these chocolates when I started seeing how popular they're in northern Michigan. The other day I was in a shop in Northport and they had a huge glass bowl of Hanover's chocolates which are now available in cherry   flavors in addition to the mint flavors. Of course I bought a handful of them and ate the of them by the next afternoon. I love lucky days, like yesterday. I wanted more of those Michigan Mint Chocolates. Turns out that I had the privilege of spending part of the day with my Mother and on my way to visit her, I stopped at a shop in downtown Traverse City to get a treat and when  I walked over to th...

Yesterday, I got unpleasant news from my brother that our cousin was found dead by his sister at his home. I was shocked beyond belief to hear this devastating news. Although my cousin and I didn't keep in touch these past few years I was always fond of hime. He was down to earth, intelligent, wise, and had the best sense of humor of anyone I ever knew. RIP Life is fragile, we don't know when our last breath will take place. I will always remember my cousin as a person who could brighten any room he walked into. He had the gift of putting a smile on people's facing, including my brother who rarely smiles. In fact my cousin and I joked often about how he really was the only person that could make my brother show his teeth and make him laugh. Enjoy every moment of life. We're only here on this earth for a certain time and than we must die. Death is something we must all face someday, so appreciate the gifts of life. BLESSINGS OF PRECIOUS MOMENTS TO ALL!

With the exception of the terrorist attacks in 2001, I can't recall a more darker side of life than in 2020. I can't even read the news anymore because my stress level rises to the top. This year is much different than any I've witnessed and it's only half over. WHAT'S GOING ON? 1)  COVID 19, millions of cases around the globe 2)  SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES 2)  HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES 3)  RIOTS 4)  HOT WEATHER, HIGH TEMPERATURES 5)  COIN SHORTAGES 6)  DEATH OF MANY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE 7)  HAVING TO WEAR MASKS 8)  RISING SUICIDE RATES 9)  MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES 10) LONELINESS Regardless of what's happening there are still plenty of people who are living charmed lives. I can see it right in my community BUT for every person whose living a life of good times, another is dealing with bad times. I don't understand how an essential worker must continue to work hard for the same wage before the coronavirus outbreak...

Yesterday, I took an amazing day trip to gorgeous NORTHPORT.This village on Lake Michigan is a gem in the summer when everything is green and lush. Time stands still here and yet there's plenty to do; bicycling, boating, cultural activities, hiking, picnicking, shopping, swimming, and tennis. There's a state park with camping sites and a lighthouse a few miles away and some farms too. Although it was HOT yesterday I enjoyed every moment I had in this idyllic village with its lakes, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. Oh, how I longed to lay in a hammock under a tree, or sit on somebody's wraparound porch and drink some ice tea, but that wasn't possible. However as luck would have it I did get to visit my favorite market for fruits, vegetables, and the best cookies around. The place is called"Bells of Christmas" and no matter what time of year you visit there's a feeling of "being home" here. I bought a bag of the homemade oatmeal raisin cook...

How are you fairing during these strange times? Some countries like Canada, Jordan, and Norway seem to be doing quite well compared to the United States during the coronavirus pandemic. There are some American's that are hardly affected by the current crisis, they have their elaborate homes, plenty of food, and their high income is still going strong. Maybe they can't have a large party gathering at their home, or take an annual vacation to countries like Bermuda, Italy, Greece, Peru, South Africa, or Tahiti (to name a few). This of course is disappointing to them but not as disappointing as those that really are suffering. There are the poor souls that are homeless, starving, or dying from COVID-19. GRATUTDE is what to strive for during these uncertain times because no matter how tough times are there's something to be thankful for. I have a few examples below. I'm thankful for the air I breathe. I'm thankful for my senses. I'm thankful for the sun. I...