MINDFUL MOMENTS

SOME OF LIFE'S BEST MOMENTS MANIFEST WHEN WE DO THINGS AT A SPUR OF THE MOMENT: Sometimes it's better not to plan and instead do something at the spur of the moment. Ironically one of the best days of my summer was based on something I did at the spur of the moment….going to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore which is 20 miles from where I live. Those moments keep passing by so don't hesitate to do things at the spur of the moment…..sometimes it's those spur of the moment events that leave us with memories  to cherish.                                                                                                                              ...

                                             Magic Cookie Seven Layer Bars Back when I was a kid I loved making "Magic Cookie Seven Layer Bars.After an amazing journey on the Crystal River kayaking through nature in the Sleeping Bear National Seashore I walked into an adorable cafe that made wraps and homemade treats. On the front counter were about ten large slices of "Seven Layer Bars." How could I resist? I bought one and sat near the river to eat it. As I slowly ate bite after bite of the awesome "Seven Layer Bar" my mind was full of memories of all the times "Seven Layer Bars" were part of my life. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of sweet past memories when the "present" brings us a reminder through a place or product. Have a magical kind of day and make yourself a batch of Seven Layer Magic Cookies Bars! http://allrecipes.com/recipe/seven-layer-bars/...

                           Empire Beach is the place to spend a sweet summer day! Every summer I promise myself that I'll have a few sweet summer days as a way to rekindle that one carefree summer I had back in college. My sweet summer day came on a Thursday in the storybook town of Empire. The town of Empire is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore and every square foot of it is picture postcard perfect. The picturesque drive to Empire was a treat in itself but when I arrived to Empire in the late morning it was as if everything was meant to go my way from beginning to end. From the tasty free chocolates at Grocer's Daughter to the tranquil swim in the lake, from the awesome hike on the Empire Bluffs to the perfect sunset on the beach every moment of my sweet summer day was made of miracles. Give yourself a sweet summer day….you deserve it.

Last week I was asked to work at the Kid's Fest for the Traverse City Film Festival making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I was thrilled to help at this event since it was at a school just a couple of blocks from me. When I arrived there were lots of happy kids enjoying all the activities out on the open field.  It was a perfect August summer day and lots of kids were lined up for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with delicious organic Stone House Bread, organic peanut butter and organic jelly.  I had so much fun making the sandwiches and mingling with the kids and their mothers. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that bring us the most happiness Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is simple but the happiness that surrounded my making the sandwiches that day was something I will hold on to for a long time. Before summer's over why not participate in a fun-filled kids activity? I'm certain it will bring you lots of p...

                                               Yoga in the Park!                                            This evening I was really looking forward to taking a yoga class in the park. When I arrived to the park the students were eagerly awaiting the yoga instructor who never showed up. Since i'm a certified yoga instructor I volunteered to teach the class to them. Although I haven't taught a yoga class for several months the class ran smoothly and it felt good to be of service to students who really wanted a yoga class. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes we need to adapt and adjust at a moments notice to a situation. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had this evening to serve others by teaching an outdoor yoga cl...

Holding down three jobs and always multi-tasking it felt so good to sit down for a few moments in the backyard the other day. I dreamed of easier times when life was more "carefree." Suddenly I noticed a penny on the ground. It hadn't been there before and my inner voice told me to pick it up. I did and was mesmerized with the year engraved on the penny. That year I was blessed with the best carefree summer of my life and the memories flooded my mind of that sweet summer long ago. That penny gave me hope that my guardian angels knew my pain and distraught and assured me that "moments" of happy times will come again someday. "The penny" was my sign of hope that someday there will be carefree moments again. Believe in those little signs that come into your moments of everyday life.

The 4th of July is a summer holiday that is celebrated by millions of Americans in all 50 states. I hope everybody has moments today to celebrate America's birthday! GOD BLESS AMERICA!