Hi everyone!

Hope you are having a wonderful summer!  It’s been frantically busy in my house…but it’s good!

So…not sure what is going on with me and this blog.  It’s crazy, I love this blog…but it’s stressing me out!  Lately it’s felt more like an obligation.  Isn’t that strange?  I love this blog, it’s my baby!  But I find myself trying too hard…trying to keep up with comments, stats, subscribers, etc!!  So funny, many of us bloggers dream of the day that our blog becomes popular!  Here I am and I can’t keep up!  It took a full year to get here and now it’s not so fun anymore.

This totally confuses me!!!

So I am extending my vacation going to take July and the beginning of August off.  I am joining Leah from Creative Everyday…in July’s pilgrimage of self.  I need to think over some things and re-prioritize.

I always say to follow your truth.  So that is what I am doing.  I am being honest with myself.  I just can’t do it all.

With the holiday coming up, friends and family visiting, and busy summer schedules, “The Zen In You” is taking a few weeks off of blogging.  So please pardon the pause…

If you want to see what I am up to, I will be blogging at Whimsical Whispers and posting photos at Nowordz.  I know I don’t have to explain myself, but I am tired.  Keeping up with 3 blogs is exhausting.  So I am tapering down for a bit and recharging my batteries.  I won’t be far and you’ll see me around…I plan on visiting…so be sure to have a drink ready for me when I stop by!

Cheers!

ahhhh…the boys of summer (well in my neck of the woods!).

How fun and carefree summer is for those young people.  Do you remember that feeling of being so free?  Sleeping in, hanging out, summer affairs, late nights with friends…oh the glory of youth!

This summer I want to recapture some of that glory (not the affairs…lol…I am a married old goat!).  But I do want to have fun!  I will make the effort to have fun…isn’t that funny!?  Making an effort to have fun!  Well, us grown-ups need to have fun too!

Here is my list of ideas:

• read a fun and trashy novel
• playing at the beach (and not worrying about my body image)
• going for hikes
• discovering new places locally
• taking naps
• letting the kids stay up late
• going out for ice cream
• finding new summer recipes
• planting in my garden
• growing tomatoes

OK…that’s a start…

What would you add to this list?

Wow…where did the year go!?  I created this collage and it sums up how much I have grown.  The images depict my growth, curiosity, happiness, wonder and lightness that I feel.

I don’t think I can accurately describe how much I have learned and grown over this past year.  What began as a project to keep me busy has turned into my “life line” of sorts.  This past year I moved into a new home and took up photography.  I have opened my soul in a way I never knew possible.  If you have read my blog over the past year, I am sure you have seen many changes.  And for those that have continued to follow me along for the ride, I am eternally grateful.

I am blessed by all the amazing comments you leave…for it has been those comments that have shaped me.

I do want to give a special thanks to some of my fellow bloggers that have really touched me.  It’s so hard to pick and choose…but I wish to express a heartfelt thanks to:

• Ann -  one of my very first commentors and is still along for the ride
• Barbara – for making me a better blogger!
• Lance – for his insight, support and kindness
• Jay – for being my blog angel and a great friend
• Jan – for her gentle wisdom, she constantly makes me dig for answers
• Peggy – the wise soul from “down under” and a kind Mothering spirit to me
• Martha – feels like an old friend…she listens with compassion
• Annie – a blogger that tells it like it is and has been a wonderful influence
• Tammie – her beautiful photos and words have influenced me deeply
• Roban – another gentle Mothering spirit to me, a lovely soul
• Mermaid- a wonderful insightful Mother that speaks her beautiful truth
• Dawn – a great spirit who makes me “believe” and wonder
• Genie – an artist, an inspiration and a honest heart
• Charlane – an amazing photographer who makes me play and push my artistic boundaries
• Tabitha – the one who brings much bliss into my life
• Dani – a wonderful blogger that makes me dig deep and think
• Fresh Mommy – for introducing Sunday Citar and her “fresh” ideas and photos
• The Chic Geek – for being so kind and fun, her blog is a joy
• Evil Shannanigans – a dear heart and caring soul, and she makes me laugh
• Stoneweaver – a very deep soul and truth seeker…she makes me open my heart
• Kelly – a Mom that brings it all to the table and a kindred spirit

I still can’t believe how much I have changed and grown in the past year.  All because of a blog…

Here’s to many more good years…if you are curious this was my very first post.

Blessings to you all…

Yay!  It’s Wednesday, which means…“WOW…I said that?” If you are not familiar with this, please visit  my W.I.S.T page and read about my way of sharing amazing comments.

OK…now, on with the program!  This week, may I introduce:

Evil Shannanigans

I adore this blog!  Funny, wry, honest and insightful.  She makes me laugh and makes me think.  A kind spirit and animal lover!  Please do stop by and say hello…she just got back home from an adventure in the States.  Welcome Back!

This quote comes from my Soulful Sunday post.

“I love when you see things that are hidden, it is like a shared secret between you and the universe. It was like in the winter when I saw an apple tree covered in frozen apples. It was perfect in that moment, and I knew that everyone walked by it without a second thought, as it was really just a part of winter. But to me, on that day, the apple tree and its frosted fruit was the most beautiful thing in the world.”

Lately I have been trying to slow down.  I want to notice the little things that others miss.  I am seeking my secret with the universe…  So take time today to “wander in wonder”  ask the universe to show you something special.  Enjoy the sacred moment.

Blessings to you all today!

♥

Shannanigans…shoot me an email so I can send you this affirmation

I have had my Mom in town for the past week…our visit began so great.  Now as it winds down, the stress and “old patterns” begin to appear.  My kids are out of school…and are fighting, whining and cranky.  This frustrates me & Mom.  I wish I could do more with Mom, but her limited mobility keeps us from doing too much.  I wish she could walk farther…  I feel guilty that I become so impatient and angry.  But I suppose this is part of life.

Today is her last day before she goes back home. It will be a while before I see her again.  This week just flew by and I feel a bit sad as I write this.  Sad at how I acted…sad that she is leaving so soon…sad that my kids didn’t cherish her presence…sad that I am a bit relieved that she will be going back home.  Good grief!

So today, I will work on being in the moment…cherishing our time…letting go.

I wish it wasn’t so complicated…

Click photo to view my other blog & Sunday Citar

When you look beyond the obvious what you might find will surprise you.  When passing this rotting fence, I saw this hole.  When I looked through the hole…I saw a hidden garden.  How easy it could have been to pass up without a thought.  On Thursday, I went to a piano recital…I was not looking forward to it.  I was tired and not in the mood to sit in a small crowded room.  As I sat and listened to the kids playing I began to feel happiness.  Then a young boy stepped up to the piano and played the most amazing piece by Schumann.  I was absolutely blown out of my chair.  Tears welled up in my eyes.  I love when that happens…

Take time to look beyond the obvious…

I took this photo the other night from my kitchen window.  I am so grateful for this beautiful sunset.  I am so grateful for my home.  I am grateful that my family has a roof over their heads and feels safe. I am grateful that Mr. Virgo has a job that can pay the mortgage.  I am grateful that I have the luxury of taking beautiful photographs with a nice camera. I am grateful to be able to afford good food for my family.  I am grateful for my health.  I am grateful for being able to shower and wear clean clothing.

I send heartfelt prayers, love and light to all those who suffer.  I send prayers to all the families that have lost their homes.  I pray for the children that are now left scared and hungry.  I pray for all those in need.

Yay!  It’s Wednesday, which means…“WOW…I said that?” If you are not familiar with this, please visit  my W.I.S.T page and read about my way of sharing amazing comments.

OK…now, on with the program!  This week, may I introduce:

Jay Schryer from Porsidan.

Jay is a wonderful soul (that thinks too much…lol) and his blog is dedicated to his search for answers…or as he say’s “asking questions that don’t have any answers.”  Please stop by and visit…his words will leave a lasting  impression…

Jay’s comment is deep, thoughtful and straight forward.  I learned something from this…and I think you will too.  This comment comes from my post on balancing yin and yang energies.

“The thing that a lot of people forget is that maintaining a sense of balance requires nearly constant effort. Mental/emotional balance is no different than physical balance: Thousands of tiny adjustments have to be made every moment in order to stay balanced.

Think about trying to balance on a tightrope. As you walk forward slowly, you have to make a lot of little micro-adjustments every step of the way. Dip your shoulder slightly, tilt your head just so, raise one arm a little higher than the other…hundreds of little movements help you stay balanced. One wrong move, or one over-correction, and you’re falling.

The same is true with mental/emotional balance. Once you get there, it takes a lot of work to maintain it. You have to be constantly alert and focused. Whenever you feel yourself start to slip, you have to make a little micro-adjustment to keep yourself on track.

People get out of balance because they stop paying attention, and then they don’t realize that they need to make an adjustment until they feel themselves falling, at which point it’s too late. But if you stay focused, and pay attention to what you’re doing, you can maintain balance with constant effort.”

So…how about that!  Think about making tiny adjustments today to maintain balance.  If you fall, it’s OK.  Just get back up and keep moving forward.

Is it so hard to smile…even just a little?

This was my thought the other day as I stood in the return line at Target.  The employee working the customer service counter was dour.  Frankly, I was kind of intimated.   She is much older, with deep rugged lines on her face.  The kind of wrinkles that have hard stories to share.  Her hair is a mix of gray and white, carelessly kept.  And her eyes…clear blue and piercing. A women that has likely put up with a lot of crap and is not about to take any.  She means business…and she is going to put you through the ringer.

As my turn came up…I set my item down and hand her my credit card.  Swipe.  “It’s not showing up.” She says in a deep husky voice. I smile…I know I used that card.  Swipe again.  “Do you need to see the screen?” Again, hard voice now mixed with anger and annoyance. Sheesh.  OK…I smile at her and get the piercing vulcan eye lock (aka…the look of death).  Oh crap!  I did use another card.  I hand her the other card…swipe…transaction complete.  I give her a big warm smile (which very rarely does not get me a smile in return).  I apologize for the mix up (I know I don’t have too…but I am really really trying to break through here).  I get nothing back, but a blank stare.  “Next” she bellows…

I walk away feeling a bit sad.  Is it that difficult to smile?  I know life can be hard…but we can choose to be happy.  Maybe working at Target isn’t the most fun…but life is short.  One thing I know, is that what ever comes my way…I hope I always choose happiness.  I want to leave this earth with a big contented smile on my face