A Twinkle in Time

This has been a long week - and with all the snow we've been getting, I have been really anxious for spring - until today. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still ready for spring. I'm looking forward to trees budding and flowers blooming, to warm breezes and longer days; but today I took a moment to really appreciate the now and revel in the beauty of winter.

My parents, a family friend, and I went hiking this morning at the Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area in Patterson, NY; a small town about 50 miles north of Manhattan. As we walked, I felt my body and mind begin to relax. Listening to the sounds of our boots in the snow, the wind blowing gently through the trees, and the rushing water of the falls was a meditation of sorts. At one point I just stood and lifted my face to the sky, allowing myself to really bask in the warmth of the sun.

Our morning hike helped me realize how necessary it is for me to spend more time outside; communing with nature and taking joy in the moment. Life can get so busy at times, and as a society we tend to overlook the beauty all around us, thinking about what we have to do next and forgetting to focus on, and enjoy the present.

Today, give yourself the moment, a twinkle in time; for today is the youngest you will ever be and the oldest you have ever been.

Exploring Beacon

Happy February friends! Can you believe we're already in the second month of 2013? Time is flying...

I started my February with a visit to Beacon, NY, a small town about an hour and a half north of Manhattan. I had heard there was a lot to explore in the way of gluten free restaurants, antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and museums; but when we arrived most things were...closed - cue the disappointment.

After talking to a few people, we realized that Beacon is more of a spring/summer town - much more active during the warmer months.

Since we were there, we decided to take a stroll down Main Street anyway. Along the way, I saw some very interesting window displays, found a gluten free bakery (shout out to Ella's Bellas and their delicious apple turnovers), browsed through the one antique shop that was open, and tasted chocolate covered bacon (don't knock it 'til you try it) at a specialty chocolate shop.

All in all, it was a relaxing afternoon. I would definitely like to go back once the weather warms up and see the town in action.

Ella's Bellas, a gluten free bakery with scrumptious
sweet and savory treats.

The view from the bridge on East Main St.

Chocolate covered bacon...need I say more?

Found this window display interesting...