Back in the Writing Mode?

It’s been a while although the thoughts were still there

Yet when I sat down to write, all I did was seem to stare. . .

I didn’t want my writing to be dull or feel like a chore

Because the hope for my blog was inspirational . . . after all!

Writing each day in March is a challenge from my friend you know who . . .

So . . . I think I’m now ready, for a thought, a quote or a feeling or two

And yes I agree it has been long overdue!

Time

How does it happen. . . like the flip of a light

Those lazy, warm days, are now clearly out of our sight!

The vivid colors of one changing oh so fast

Now all there is, is our memories of the past. . .

Beautiful flowers replaced by pumpkins and ghouls

Then before too long. . . lawns and trees are covered in holiday jewels!

Tis the season for family, shopping and a little ho, ho, ho

There's no place I'd rather be. . . not even in a faraway chateau

Then those long winter days so cloudy and grey

Seem to never end. . . seem to never. . . go away

But then once again, like a flip of the light

Trees start to bud, and smells of the new season are right there in sight

How does it happen. . .I sure don't know why

So enjoy. . . don't just sit back and watch time fly by. . .

Friendships

My friend Michelle and I have been looking at the new books that I ordered for our school. When I listen to Michelle read a story, it is so apparent how much she loves books! It really is contagious! How lucky our students are to have her in their lives. We talk and laugh about how adorable the books are. . . special friendships between a mouse and elephant, a dog and a bear, a dog and a frog . . . just to name a few. So it inspired me to write about friendships. . . a true gift that is priceless!

People pass through are lives but friends, real friends, are always with you

Friends may be family. . . or. . . not

No matter how you are friends, friends share matters of the heart

Friends are honest. . . but never judgmental

Friends pick you up. . . never put you down

Friends hold your hand when you need them to and tell you everything is going to be okay

And you know what? You believe them because they are your friend

Friends listen. . . and know, when that's exactly what you need

Friends cry with you and then wipe your tears away

Friends, how lucky to have them. . . to love them . . .

Yes, people come in and out of our lives, but friends are always with you!

Thank you to all my friends . . . You know who you are!

I you all!

Ocean

Rolling . . . Churning . . . Crashing . . .

Huge white caps glistening in the sunlight

Bringing in . . . then taking back

Black silhouettes bobbing up and down

Waiting . . . looking . . . hoping . . .

For the perfect wave to ride

Giggling "children" young and old

Chasing and being chased

So powerful . . . yet so exhilarating . . .

Taste of Wellness Tour

A friend gave me a belated birthday present which I just have to share! Knowing that I have been trying to get in better shape both physically and mentally she booked "Taste of Wellness Tour in Lincoln Park," a 3 1/2 hour walking tour through Lincoln Park area, which focuses on health, beauty, fitness and wellness. Jessica was our tour guide, a registered nutritionist and founder of the tour. It was just awesome and so very informative!

The tour begins at the Green City Market, an outdoor farmers market located on North and Clark. It was one of the best markets I've been to this summer! It had so many organic fruits and veggies as well as grass fed beef! After touring the market and tasting some of the local (organic) cuisine, we had a 20 minute yoga class right in this beautiful park! The day was absolutely gorgeous with a light breeze off the lake! Next, we walked about 3 miles towards the Halsted and Sheffield area which I found out is considered the "health belt" of Chicago. Throughout this area are numerous shops all dedicated to good health and well being. Some of the highlights were Peeled, a natural fruit and veggie smoothy store. We sampled a few of the more popular smoothies and learned the health benefits of various spices when added to smoothies. Another one of my favorites was Starfruit, a dessert cafe offering frozen treats, parfaits, and more, all made with Lifeway Kefir... the natural non-dairy product with probiotics. All good for a "healthy gut" as Jessica reminded us often during the tour. Trust me the walk is not all about food. Fit-Lincoln Park, a personal training fitness studio was our next stop where we indulged in a 20 minute boot camp which included squats, push-ups, hip raises etc. led by one of the owners who was as sweet as he was tough! Yikes!!!! One of the final destinations was Lululemon, a fitness clothing store for all of us who love to sweat! Great energy in the store with wonderful clothes for all activities.

I highly recommend taking this tour which runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June through October. A great way to spend time with friends and even meet others looking to find ways to incorporate good things into our daily lives for better health and wellness!