Welcome to a journey of tending hearts & mending life

My 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.

“September mornings still can make me feel that way…” Neil Diamond

The joy infused life experiences threaded through my August days, still radiate a warm glow today. Mid-month, I had the delightful opportunity to travel with my dear friend, Bert, to Washington D.C. Our agenda included attending the 26th Annual Library of Congress Book Festival.

What I wasn’t expecting was the honor of a personal tour of the Library of Congress: breathing in the grandeur, and beauty of a building that holds national, and world historical memories. I wasn’t expecting to stand in the catacomb of the US Capital, near the brass sun, inlaid on the floor marking the geographical center of the District of Columbia. I also wasn’t expecting the enthusiasm and kindness of our guides.

This enthusiasm carried over to the next day at the Book Festival. Participating in a celebration of all things books with 80,000 other readers is a powerful experience. It encouraged me that as humans, we long to learn, to gain knowledge, to both tell, and listen to stories. If the DC Book Festival was the appetizer, my next event was the main course of the month.

From DC, I traveled to Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario for the Believe Live Conference sponsored by Miriam Laundry Publishing. After a full year of working with the MLP staff to publish my first book, it was a joy to meet these generous, talented people. For three day I feasted on collaboration, compassion, and community. It was a transformational week for me. And yet, August wasn’t finished.

As we all know, at the end of every banquet there is always dessert. And, this month the Jersey Shore was a sweet treat! Family, friends, laughter, stories, sunrise, sand, surf , and several servings of ice cream later, my cup of joy was overflowing. Coming home in September, I carry a lightness, a happiness, a sense of purpose, and a renewed energy to make a difference, not only in the lives of those that I love, but in how history will remember me.

THREE VISTAS

A collage of magical moments in August: From home to DC, to Believe Live 2026.

TWO THOUGHTFUL THREADS

• From a personal perspective, September holds emotional memories for me. In the early days of this month, three years apart, I attended the funerals of both of my parents. Twenty-nine years ago, I sobbed with humanity as I watched the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales on TV. Just four years later, also on TV, I watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell in NYC. Faces of people whom I met when I visited there, flashed through my mind. And yet, it is remembering these anguishes, in addition to other life events that have helped facilitate healing my heart. For I have learned that one cannot know joy, unless I’ve tasted grief. Holding my memories with open hands, gratitude gives energy for joy to bloom.
• TODAY: NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY! Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too! Don’t keep what your reading to yourself. Share the experience! Read aloud either to children or to grandparents. Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.
  
  
  
  

ONE HISTORICAL NUGGET

On September 6, 1522, the 18 remaining crew of Ferdinand Magellan’s ship, Victoria, returned to Spain, completing the First Circumnavigation of the Globe. The original expedition set sail in 1519 with five ships, and 260 sailors. Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521.