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...

2013

2013...

I am on a journey...
with my work, explorations, and a few sad stories.
I travel with a suitcase full 
of outrageous blessings.
I am on a quest for truth,
beauty, and quiet joy.
I am an artist, a writer, 
an explorer.

What do you envision for your life this year? Get up, get out and make it happen.

Optimistic

This past weekend, a little time spent in the sun and fresh air, coupled with dinner and an amazing group of ladies really helped me put some things into perspective.

While looking around the table at my friends, and the next day lifting my face to feel the warmth of the sun; I realized...life is good, and while I may not have all the answers, or know what my future holds - I'm optimistic...

This is a short post, but I will leave you with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that I personally find very encouraging. It serves to remind me daily that whatever I do, I must continue my journey...

"If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
                        -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until next time...

Very, Very Merry...

I hope everyone had a very, very Merry Christmas! 

My day was stupendous! My sister was home from Honduras; where she has been living for the past two years, my cousin's family was here from Spain, and there were continuous visits and phone calls from friends throughout the day. 

The day was truly wrapped in love and laughter.

As I sat in the kitchen amid the wonderful chaos, I was in awe watching my son help his grandmother cook Christmas dinner. Looking at him, I was amazed and so proud of the young man he has grown into. I reveled in spending time with my sister, whom I had not seen since June. I took time to converse with my 11-year-old cousin about her new kindle and the latest book she was reading.

It felt good to relax and enjoy each moment of the day. As I looked around me, I realized how blessed I truly am.

Now that Christmas has passed, I look forward to 2013. A new year, a new beginning, a new road to travel...

As we enter a new year, I leave you with a blessing;

May the long time sun shine upon you.

All love surround you.

And the pure light within you,

Guide your way on.

No Looking Back...

Well, we are a week away from Christmas and two weeks from a brand new year. Where do you see yourself headed as we get closer to 2013? I keep asking myself that question and if I were to answer honestly, I would have to say I'm not sure. When I moved to New York, I had a clear vision - a plan as it were. Well, in the past few weeks that plan has become very blurry. I feel like I'm all over the place in terms of the future and I can't get a firm grasp on what I want to do or where I want to go. I'm not sure that New York is where I belong, but at the moment I can't think of any place that I'd rather be. 

I feel like I'm floating.

As this year comes to a close and a new one begins, I'm hoping to gain some perspective. Figure out the road I want to travel, work out a new plan; we'll see...

In the meantime, I will continue to be thankful for where I am and optimistic about my future, after all...

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Merry Christmas!

Small Steps

December is almost upon us. Not only does it bring with it my favorite time of year; but it also marks the anniversary of my second year in remission from lymphoma.

Being diagnosed with cancer was a huge turning point in my life, as I'm sure you can imagine. Not only did it bring my mortality into very sharp focus; but the months during which I was going through chemotherapy allowed me to really think about and clarify a clearer vision for my life.

Although it took some time for me to actually act on some of the things I was considering; this past summer I did take a huge step in realizing one dream by moving to New York City.

Recently, a friend and I were having a conversation about life and where we saw our futures heading. In having this conversation, I realized that the life I have always imagined for myself is no longer the life I necessarily want.

This summer I have plans to travel to South Africa and I'm giving a lot of thought as to where to go after that. 

I'm forming a picture in my mind of becoming a world citizen. Living in different countries and immersing myself in other cultures. I want to know what it feels like to live in a society that does not live to work; where material wealth is not the end goal. I want to live simply and experience the joy in that.

My friend had a different vision for where he ultimately saw himself, but we did agree on one thing; it's important to start small -  to take one step each day that will help get us closer to our individual objectives. 

I challenge you today to think about the vision you have for your life. Consider your future, and then start small. Do something each day that will eventually help you realize the future you have always imagined.