Thankful for… Yes, AND

I’m thankful for: The air I breathe ANDThe humbling reminder we don’t live forever. The people who care ANDThe people–whether harsh or vulnerable–who remind us we need to be more empathetic. The opportunity to pause, look inward, and work out my issues ANDThe opportunity to recognize and embrace others are either acting out or working … Continue reading →

Yoga Can Make You Cry, If You’re Lucky

Have you ever had one of those rare ah-hah moments—the kind that crystallize your positive thinking and self-awareness so much that you have no choice but to fully submit to its purity and power? I was fortunate today to have such a moment, one that brought me to tears. It felt as though a tsunami … Continue reading →

Saint Patrick and the Serendipitous Serpentine Writing Desk

“My tings . . . my TINGS!” an overly emotional Maureen O’Hara exclaimed to a frustrated John Wayne in the classic movie The Quiet Man. Filmed in breathtakingly beautiful Ireland, it is by far my favorite movie to watch not only around Saint Patrick’s Day but anytime of year. In the movie, the characters names … Continue reading →

The Story of Your Christmas

My Christmas tree tells a story about my life. Hand-picked ornaments and heirloom decorations link me to a past that’s been earmarked on an annual basis. Other than photos, I can’t think of anything else that depicts as much of me and my life as what lies within those large cardboard boxes marked “Xmas.” Grandma … Continue reading →

Rebirth and Close Encounters With Death: Trust in the Process

A literal rebirth of the body is about as fine a lesson I can think of about being appreciative, overcoming fear, and living each moment in the present. I’m always of the mind that I meet people in my life, at varied points in my life, for a reason. An important message needs to be … Continue reading →

I’ve Been Blessed

I just came home from a very long day which started with a funeral–for a young woman who was stripped of the rest of her life by cervical cancer. Even though the entire ceremony was delivered in the Romanian language, I got the message loud and clear: I am blessed; If I am standing here … Continue reading →

OBITUARY: Mayberry, RFD

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Prepare to be Moved by Gratitude

Louie Schwartzberg’s heart-warming, eye-opening nature videos are finally getting the recognition they deserve. This week he was featured on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday series. His superb slow-motion, time-lapse films capture the wonder of the tiniest members of nature’s society, but there is a deeper hidden message. Louie’s close ups of the life of flowers, bees, … Continue reading →

I Do It for Them: Debbie, Harry and Bob

More than once in a while, I am reminded my personal catastrophes are not so catastrophic. More than once in a while, I am reminded of my friends who died young and can’t weigh in their thoughts on my so-called problems. More than once in a while, I pay these friends my respects and give … Continue reading →

Here’s to Two!

Today is exactly two years since I started the blog Swimming in the Mud. My thanks to WordPress for providing a nice platform on which to do so and for sending me a Happy Anniversary love note. I actually appreciate the reminders every so often of the milestones of my blogging life. More importantly, I … Continue reading →