Pure pleasures . . . .

The first sip of hot coffee in the morning.

The last check mark on your to-do list.

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The feeling after a great workout.

The smell of the grass after it rains.

An ice cold beer.

All photos via Google Images

Photo via Google Images

Adventures for the body, mind & spirit . . .

When my new workout clothes arrived at my door last week, I found a postcard slipped inside the package that instantly captured my attention. It was an advertisement for a women's retreat, and when I saw the tag line...'Adventures for the body, mind & spirit', I found myself putting the clothes down so I could read more about this intriguing trip that I immediately envisioned myself booking. It's called Women's Quest, and is described as 'retreats that combine physical, mindful and spirit-filled activities with amazing adventures that encourage personal awareness, self-confidence and self-expression." I thought....I'm in!! This is my kind of adventure! Hopping on their website and reading further, it said "Retreats are held in some of the most beautiful places on earth, immersing you in gorgeous landscapes, and giving rise to a variety of activities to spark your senses, revitalize your body, and soothe your soul. Comfortable accommodations, inspirational talks, expert instruction, and healthy, delicious meals, combined with massage, yoga, and creative activities round out each retreat." Definitely my kind of vacation.

The 2010 list of locations is pretty impressive, from several sites in Colorado, to California, to Mexico, Hawaii & Tuscany, Italy. I am intrigued with the "La Dolce Vita Tuscany Cycling Adventure" that is in the fall. It is described as seeing Italy in a whole new light. Further descriptions read..."From the shimmering Mediterranean Sea to the rolling hills and ancient villages, we'll absorb the essence of Tuscany and allow our senses to run wild. We cycle quiet back roads through the Tuscan wine country, visit magnificent medieval villages, discover the best gelato and cappuccino stops, hike along the shimmering Mediterranean sea, enjoy daily yoga, savor the freshest local cuisine, learn to prepare authentic dishes from local cooks, taste the finest wines, olive oils, and cheeses together with the families that produce them, and experience true Tuscan hospitality and local color in all aspects of this unique, women's only retreat." (By the way, there is Co-Ed Tuscany tour as well.)

So I'm thinking I should round up a few friends, and dive in to this amazing adventure. However, at $3,500 per person, this is one adventure that will most likely not happen this year. Nevertheless, I do believe that this should be on my list of goals. I'm thinking a goal without a plan is merely a wish, so I definitely need a plan. (An easier objective might be to pick one of the other adventures at less than half the cost, but oh my goodness...doesn't the Italian excursion sound wonderful?)

"The best thing to hold onto in life

is each other."

-Audrey Hepburn

Text via philosophy

Photo by Brooke Fasani

Where the Hell is Matt? . . . .

14 months in the making, 42 countries,

and a cast of thousands....

I cannot get enough of this video.

It just makes me smile.

EnJOY!

Here's To You . . . .

Photo via Michael Buble' official website

From the book "Here's To You"

Would you hold back? . . . .

Photo via Vogue Paris

Text via philosophy

Make the most of today!!

I promise . . . .

Photo by .neha via flickr

Come alive . . . .

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman

Photo by Alexa Singer

I Have A Dream . . . .

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

1.18.10

Martin Luther King Jr. day

Have I told you? . . . .

One kind word can warm

three winter months.

J A P A N E S E P R O V E R B

Graphic via Lucy Player Graphic Design

Come with me . . . .

Free spirits . . . .

Child-like behavior is such a joy to watch. Children have the ability to spontaneously use their imaginations to forget what's bothering them and be inspired by every pony, feather or bug that crosses their path. You can't help but be inspired by them! We, as adults, can enjoy that free-spirited nature on a different level if we just allow ourselves to do so. Our problems will wait.

"Great is the man who has not lost his childlike heart."

-Mencius

Always . . . .

Graphic via we heart it

How to live a happy & rewarding life...

• Don't take good health for granted.
• Improve your performance by improving your attitude.
• Leave everything a little better than you found it.
• Keep it simple.
• Keep your promise.
• Keep good company.
• Be kinder than necessary.
• Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
• Don't gossip.
• Don't expect money to bring you happiness.
• Never deprive someone of hope. It might be all they have.
• Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."
• Don't interrupt.
• Listen to your children.
• Judge your success by the degree that you are enjoying peace, health & love.
• Be a good loser.
• Be a good winner.
• Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you.
• Be forgiving of yourself and others.
• Say thank you a lot.
• Say please a lot.
• Dance.
• Don't rain on other people's parades.
• Don't postpone joy.
• Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
• Take care of your reputation. It's your most valuable asset.
• Count your blessings.
• Do more than is expected.
• Be someone's hero.

All good things . . . .

Here's To You . . . .

From the book "Here's To You"

Believe the best about others . . . .

"You can work miracles by having faith in others. By choosing to think and believe the best about people, you are able to bring out the best in them."

-Bob Moawad

Photo via Getty Images

Enjoy the gift of life . . . .

Embrace the gift of possibility . . . .

Adventure isn't something that's reserved for the extreme athlete or the daredevil. It is an expression of your heart's intention and passion for life. It's the ability to think big about who you are, how you live, and what you can do in the world, whether you're climbing mountains, practicing Sun Salutations, or listening to a friend. It is the willingness to embrace challenge and move toward success. It is the acknowledgment that total commitment does not mean blind faith or brazen disregard, but confidence and belief in the face of challenge. By definition, adventure has an unknown outcome. If something has a predetermined outcome, it's not an adventure but a packaged experience or an amusement ride. Life is uncertain! Being adventurous means seeing that uncertainty as the gift of possibility....When you approach everything with the spirit of adventure, you infuse your life with vitality and radiance. You find a level of engagement and awareness with everything around you that is deeply satisfying and joyous. Your summits await.

Article by Matt Walker. Matt is an adventure consultant with Inner Passage in Tucson, Arizona. Article via Yoga Journal magazine.

Photo via InnerPassage.net

Pass it on . . . .

"Every morning you have a choice to put good energy into the world, to be the best self you can be, to open your heart and let love flow so you can feel love in return and live your dream life. Good energy. Get it, feel it, savor it, pass it on . . ."

-philosophy

A toast to change . . . .

While checking my email this morning, I was inspired, once again, by the messages that the philosophy company continues to present to us. Their "start fresh for the new year" message is described as:

"Change is reflection wrapped in hope. As changes occur in my life and the world, I celebrate the past with gratitude and purity, reflecting on it as the groundwork for a promising future. I keep my heart and mind open to grace, with my arms extended to embrace change. I welcome new beginnings and endless possibilities. Hope is the life force I use to dance in the moment and anticipate miracles to come."

May you choose to look at change in this inspiring way, and accept it with grace. Wishing you a year full of hope, gratitude, promise and joy.

Happy New Year!!

Honor yourself . . . .

This coming year could be the start of something wonderful! Whether you realize it or not, your dreams are possible. If you believe in yourself, fresh starts, and new beginnings, you are already well on your way. Make a conscious choice to honor yourself this year. Honor your dreams. Honor your passions. Honor your heart. It is then that you will become aware of your own unique talents and begin to see your dreams come true. It is then that you will begin to live the life that is meant for you.

Happy New Year's Eve!

Here's To You . . . .

From the book "Here's To You"

Photo via Google Images

No plans needed . . . .

"Some of the most rewarding and beautiful moments of a friendship happen in the unforeseen open spaces between planned activities. It is important that you allow these spaces to exist."

-Christine Leefeldt

Look forward . . . .

Let the countdown begin! With only 4 days remaining in the year, have you begun to think about what choices you will make in the New Year to enhance your life? Will you dwell on the past, or will you choose to look forward to a new day; a new year full of amazing possibilities? Visualize yourself succeeding in whatever it is you choose, and never lose site of that image. Choose to step out of the cycle of repetitious habits and step into a life of clearer vision, healthier choices and peace in your heart.

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

-C.S. Lewis

Pure pleasures of Christmas . . . .

Knowing it's the perfect gift.

Just enough snow.

Tradition.

Catching a glimpse of the big guy.

When it's over.

All photo's via Getty Images,

except "A Christmas Story" photo via Google Images

Here's To You . . . .

From the book "Here's To You"

Photo by Gandee Vasan

Overcoming adversity . . . .

"When you get into a tight place

and everything goes against you,

till it seems as though you could

not hold on a minute longer,

never give up then,

for that is just the place and time

that the tide will turn."

-Harriet Beecher Stowe