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!

Enjoy The Ride!

Why do people have such a need

When behind the wheel, they just have to speed?

What happened to the notion of "enjoying the ride"

I mean seriously, think about it, all jokes set aside!

How about savoring the moments and taking it all in

When you get behind the wheel for your next spin

You may be thinking what on earth is there for me to see

When all that's on my mind is getting from point A to B

Change the the mind set . . . appreciate . . . all that is awe-inspiring

You will be amazed how much there is for admiring

A white tail hawk soaring . . . and so "genteel"

So rare in our jungle of concrete and steel

Or how about a flock of birds flying in perfect formation

Guiding each other towards their own destination

Clouds may be clouds but if you let yourself go . . .

You can imagine a mountain top covered with snow

Let your eyes scan the colors of the season

Each one so incredible . . . for its very own reason

Go ahead, give it a try the next time your out

I think you'll agree there's amazement without a doubt!

Echoes of the Night

Each day as the sun sinks slowly down in the sky

There's one sound of summer that begins to amplify

The quiet of the day almost magically transforms

Into music . . . into song . . . as if trees are to perform

What is this chatter that takes over the night?

Is it when they wake . . . is it time for them to reunite?

Is there a message . . . for us all to hear

In those echoes, that fill the night just before it will disappear?

We can only imagine, as this too is nature at its best

A short time when we can forget about all the rest!

MY ABC's Of Life

Attitude, always choose a positive one . . . Be a caring and loyal friend . . . Count my blessings and be thankful each day for all I have . . . Dig deep for strength when needed (it's in there) . . . Enjoy the precious time with family and friends . . . Family and friends, I have the best and how lucky am I! . . . Get lemons, make lemonade no other choice . . . Hope, dream and strive for the best in me . . . Inspire, my blog that I love! . . . Just listen, because that's what someone else may need . . . Kindness, oh how it goes a long way . . . Look at the glass half full always . . . Mindful of others and their feelings . . . Notice the little things everyday . . . Open to new adventures . . . Putting myself first is sometimes hard to do, but so important sometimes . . . Quit whining if you can't change it . . . Reach out to help family and friends . . . Sometimes just need to suck it up!!! . . . Tell the young people in your life how truly special they are as often as possible . . . Understand and except that life isn't always what you thought it would be . . . Value the people in my life, not the things . . . Why, why, why, may never know or understand . . . X-static to be with whole family soon to celebrate with J . . . Yoga, great for the mind and body . . . Zzzz be sure to rest so that always your best! . . .