kind smelling hands

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses. - Chinese Proverb

It’s almost that time of year when I remind folks to think about giving to causes they believe in with time, money or both. If you can’t do, how about extending a kindness, random or intended, to someone who needs it? I have to say that the simplest things, a supportive touch, words from the heart, a single rose can mean soooooo much when a person is struggling. You may not be able to fix whatever it is for them but you can make a difference.

And BTW -- if you like roses like I like especially white roses, check out Blooms by Heinau (www.bloomsbyheinau.com). They feature simple yet cool arrangements of roses that stay fresh for 6 months, lots of lush colors to choose from too! I can’t vouch for them as I haven’t ordered just yet, plan to soon until then…

keep your peepers open!®

hood walk

Last Sunday I realized it was time to get back to sunday snaps on a weekly basis. I put on one of my favorite turtlenecks and headed out for a long stroll through my neighborhood to get reacquainted. It was a gorgeous day, sun high in the sky, cool temperatures, a gust of wind pushing me forward every so often; the kind of weather that makes me feel alive. I marveled at hundreds of birds in flight as they circled around the buildings casting shadows.

For more than 10 minutes I stood captivated as they continued to fly and dive in unison like a huge swarm of joyous wings daring that building to get in their way. It was stimulating!

A hotel is going up around the corner. I heard it might be a Westin, one of my favorites and the site just rises up quickly into the blue sky.

And fall is everywhere…

As I approached my dwelling, I had to stop, still…head tipped towards the sun to let it warm my face and body. There is something so glorious about an autumn afternoon in October which now is a week away from being November so get on out there and…

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nature paints

I do love abstract art particularly oil, acrylic or watercolor paintings. There is something quite freeing about standing before works that challenge me, make me wonder what the artist was thinking, what ideas, conversations, feelings, etc. they wanted to evoke/provoke. I am even more stimulated when I come upon abstracts in nature. As I walked along enjoying clean warmth after several chilly humid days, I came upon a wild and overgrown plant full of leaves of various sizes in varying stages of decay. I noted the sun dancing across the surfaces of some that weren’t completed shaded, glints of light reaching out to my retina, stopped to study the colors and textures of veins, stems, and surfaces. I took in then took photos of the entire plant, mostly this one leaf as it by itself held my attention for I don’t know how long, so exquisite it was to me. Larger than all the rest, it was delicately flawless with tattered edges and colors that shifted ever so slightly in hue as the breeze and time blew by.

Nature paints all over the place each and every day, so…

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fresh

There must be a period of acclimation when one returns to work after such a long absence. It’s not so easy to step back into a world that is not as you left it for as we know, nothing stays the same from second to second let alone for months at a stretch. I have to say I felt out of place in a place I know so well as I moved along the corridors to find new doors carved into spots where artwork once hung, sat in my leather desk chair that my new hip knew nothing about knowing only the plush raised cushion at home, and connected with people I formerly knew only by a cordial nod of the head who now felt the desire to strike up a conversation wondering where I had been (rather nice actually that casual acquaintances missed my

presence and seemed genuinely empathetic about the reason for my long absence more than some who I know extremely well).

Try as I might, I could not find my rhythm this past week. Even the fact that I was arriving anywhere from 1- 2 hours earlier was a serious departure from my usual. So when the shuttle that takes me to and from where my car is garaged (there is not enough on-site parking at my office) veered off-course to avoid a serious traffic jam, I had a tiny, quiet hissy fit as we careened through a neighborhood I go to only when I need the FedEx office. For heaven's sake, could nothing be normal? I had no choice but to settle into my seat and simmer down since this ride was totally out of my control.

Taking in the scenery, I noticed the gray sky holding onto rain drops that would soon have to fall, trees clutching tightly to the last of their leaves, new condos ill-fitted between historical DC row houses and understood. The shuttle ride was just a metaphor for letting go, for charting another course to discover new things and to see familiarity with a fresh perspective, something we all could benefit from, so...

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precious memories

Today, may we hold in heart and mind our most precious memories of those who have passed on.

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full circle moments

What seems like a lifetime ago, I was due to graduate early from high school to embark on the path of becoming a doctor in pediatrics; an unfortunate misstep placed me in the hospital which altered the road ahead. The sun, the moon and the stars had realigned...I was not to be in the medical profession.

Fast forward to now when I find myself in my 14th year working in the healing arts at a pediatric facility; steps missed because of an inherited condition recently forced me to be in the hospital. The sun, the stars, and the moon realigned...suddenly clear as a bell a full circle moment -- I was indeed destined to be part of the medical profession just not as an MD. Time had been perfectly guiding me to the path of integrative healthcare unfolding a passion of caring for and teaching self-care to others like the petals of a blossom now fully awakened as I get close to being fully recovered from my early summer surgery.

Caring about others is indeed a passion embedded on my DNA. I don't see it as a job or work, it is my

wellness and, along with my creative gifts, is what makes my heart beat strong, brings healing to my soul...

keep your peepers open! ®

goody gourdy

I do relish the many colors of autumn and speaking of relish, I am getting back into the kitchen to see if I can perfect that dish I had in Morocco last year. It was made from a squash that I tried but failed to identify when I attempted to recreate a delicious treat I had for lunch while touring the Fez medina. The grocery stores and roadside stands now offer a cornucopia of gourds to choose from,

so in search I shall go. As I do, embrace the season and…

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salamander...sublime

My sunday snaps from last weekend were taken in Middleburg, VA. As I drove the rollercoaster that is Route 50 which winds its way through the town, I felt autumn slip over my head to rest on my shoulders, mourned just a little the fact that I had not really had an outdoorsy summer. That reflective moment was just a moment as my reason for being an hour or so away from home was for a vacation of renewal to finish recuperating and to celebrate my birthday; fall is in a tie with spring for my favorite time of year!

It was a warm, sunny afternoon with a touch of humidity in the air when I stepped out of the car and walked into the Salamander. From the huge great room, walls in beckoning blue, to the soft plush chaise lounges in the spa, not to mention the exceptional service and friendly folks (both guests and staff) greeting me at my every turn, my plan to stay a couple of days got extended to a few days… this was indeed the perfect place for me to find my balance as I entered into the last leg of my healing journey.

A room with a view became my home away from home; I turned on the fireplace everyday…

…the grounds stretched forever encouraging me to walk without interruptions or obstacles to the stables and the vegetable garden…

…every morsel I consumed satisfied the palette and sometimes the eye…

…the spa so sublime, I went two days in a row, going hours early on the second just so I could sit in peaceful luxury and read…

…and while there and everywhere throughout the property, the art and artistic touches aroused and pleasured my creative spirit…

…even when I ventured off of the grounds, the countryside, filled with horses and wineries, just drew me in, its serenity captivating my being…

…I am counting the hours until I can return.

So if you are looking for a place to relax that is child (activities for kids await) and pet friendly (they have a doggie cocktail hour) and easy to get to (approximately 75 minutes from the Washington, DC area), go there my friend, have seat and…

keep your peepers open!®

peachy keen

Feeling oh so peachy keen as I wrap up a few days at the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA! If you read the blog this summer, you know I planned a vacation getaway close to home where I could relax and continue to recuperate. This was a perfect choice. Not only is it peaceful but the landscape is picturesque out here in horse and wine country. I just had to get out with my camera everyday which in turn helped me to get my legs under me again since I could move slowly without worrying about bumping into anyone or anything…lots of open space. My love of flowers was richly rewarded as I roamed about finally gaining enough strength and surety to let go of the cane; my promise to myself to walk freely by my birthday was accomplished a few days early. Now that’s what I call a present.

Just flowers today (except for that luscious farm fresh peach) but more to come on this property so…

keep your peepers open!®