Welcome to a journey of tending hearts & mending life.

My overall purpose of this blog is to create a connection between the adventure that I experience, and you, wherever you are in the world. It’s a slow, circuitous journey connecting us in ways invisible. For me, connection often comes in story form, threaded through a core memory of my life. I invite us to take a minute, or ten… connect with your self, to take in the views of our surroundings, to breathe in memories, and on occasion, take a siesta. Verandas are social places, and sacred spaces…a perfect place for tending hearts & mending life.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. “ Margaret Mead

July 7th has held special meaning for me, most of my life…it’s my Dad’s birthday. Birthdays, in my family, were always celebrated like a major national holiday. The celebrant chose the menu for the evening meal. My mom would spend hours cultivating a cake creation especially designed for the person of honor. There would be candles, ice cream, music, laughter, cards and gifts. On these special days, family members seemed to work together with more kindness. The focus of the day: celebrating the birthday celebrity!

I fondly remember July 7, 1977…my siblings and I decided, as a birthday gift, we would wash dad’s pickup. Always driving gravel roads, and gumbo trails, his pickup was typically caked in mud. It was a sunny, hot Montana day. The water from the hose felt delightful, as us kids scrubbed, polished, and chattered. We were joyfully doing something good, for someone we loved.

Several years later, my youngest brother married a young woman with a vibrant personality. Her birthday? July 7th! I was thrilled because it meant more celebration for an already wonderful day.

Today, I celebrate both my dad, and my sister-in-law. Both celebrities have move to life beyond earth, though I frequently feel their unique presence. With nearly half a century between them in age, they both embraced life, fiercely loved their people, and strived to be true to their own, unique life mission. In their physical absence I have learned that continuing to be joyful isn’t a matter of will, it is knowing that I have been loved.

In celebrating each celebrity today, I am doing something good for someone I love.

Three Vistas

Summertime: Afternoon naps, colorful blooms, imagining new projects.

Two Thoughtful Threads

• Neighborly Reviews Book cast with PR From the Heart shared their thoughts on A Magical Summer Day ~An Antarctica Tale. I’ve posted it here for your enjoyment. Click on the link. https://youtu.be/XknW1IhNDLk
• From the poem The Dash, written by Linda Ellis. “So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash…would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?“

One Historical Snippet

Did you know that Vermont was an independent nation for fourteen years? In 1777, the territory asserted their independence from both England and the colony of New York. They formally adopted a constitution on July 8, 1777, which prohibited slavery, and gave all adult males the right to vote. In 1791, they relinquished their national constitution, and were admitted as the 14th state of the United States.