Author: MJ

I feel like this is a continuation of my last blog- “Caring enough to share.”

Recently, i was heading home after a full day & found myself slightly annoyed that people who didn’t have their blinkers on were in my turning lane. Then I saw a Suburban pulled over with a police car behind it- I thought it was an accident involving a Mom & her children who were on the hillside nearby. My thoughts shifted to if I were in her shoes what would be helpful.

Thus, I went into my apartment & quickly grabbed some suckers & a bottle of water before going back to where they were waiting. After the Mom assured me they were just out of gas, I asked if anybody needed to use the bathroom. Since nobody did, I sought permission to give the children a “s-u-c-k-e-r”( spelling it out to make sure it was ok). Turns out there was a 3rd child in the stroller so I was grateful that my intuition prompted me to grab 3 suckers. The Mom seemed to appreciate the distraction.

Shortly thereafter, when I looked out my window they were gone. I was pleased to have had the opportunity to put smiles on the family’s faces. It reminded me that sometimes the little things in life can make a big difference. Thus, I challenge myself & you to fill voids where we can & “sweeten” others life experiences.

I think most of us have been encouraged “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” I discovered that it also applies to our water when hiking; especially, if your destination is unfamiliar & doesn’t include a 7-11/refreshment stand. I was recently hiking in the Julian Alps of Slovenia up to the summer pastures for the cattle. The wooden “huts” that the herders live in are quite unique/picturesque. The trail I was on was not only steep but also covered with rocks & roots so I needed to strategically plan every step I made. I took several breaks during my ascent. Unfortunately, one time I didn’t get the lid on my water bottle screwed on right so the net time I bent over a significant amount of my water spilled out. Ooops!…Thus, I found myself rationing my water.

Read more: Caring enough to share… Continue reading “Caring enough to share…”

I was recently enjoying a beautiful day exploring along the Opatija Riviera on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia. The area is known for some of the wellness options available including a 12 km promenade carved into the coastline from Volosko to Lovren. The path seems to hug every cove as it offers scenic views all along the way. This well maintained path was built in 1889 & designed to be user friendly so those with strollers or wheelchairs are able to enjoy it along with the rest of us. Speaking of user friendly, a significant part of the path is shaded which was very welcome as it was quite warm the day I was there.

As I came around a curve on the path, there was a good sized group of people coming my direction. Before I realized it was a group of mentally challenged individuals & their support staff, one of the gals came charging at me with open arms. Spontaneously, I reached out to receive her hug as well as give her one in return. Everyone, including myself, seemed pleased by our embrace. I believe it was the highlight of both our days.

Over the years, I have come to recognize & appreciate these benefits of hugs as revealed via research:

• Hugs boost your mood by releasing oxytocin- the “feel-good” hormone….

• Hugs reduce stress levels and in turn lowers cortisol production.

• Hugs enhance feelings of safety and security through physical touch.

• Hugs strengthen social bonds and improves relationships.

• Hugs may lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

• Hugs provides comfort and support during difficult times.

I hope you experience the same benefits keeping in mind that a hug is one of the best “stretches” we can do to enhance our quality of life…

I’ve been dreaming of this trip to Croatia & Slovenia for the past 8 months. I am a week into my venture & have been delighted by how my venture has unfolded . 

First of all, I had a delightful seat mate for my overnight flight from New York City- Vanessa was born in Croatia; however, she has resided in the US since she was 5 months old.  Over the years she & her family have spent significant time in Croatia so she was interested in my travel plans; plus, she gave me some additional ideas for my travels. All in all, she provided very positive vibes for my upcoming jaunt.

I am grateful that Vanessa continues to be a resource for me. In turn it makes me wonder, how I might be a resource to others in a manner that enhances their life experience(s).

…shortly after surgery……so far so good

less than 24 hours later…there’s no place like home…

Please, don’t report me for removing my ankle bracelets…

…and today felt really good as I made my first snowshoe picnic venture since the surgery…

I decided to not attend church on Sunday as I was anticipating a wireless pacemaker implant the next day and didn’t want to get exposed to whatever might be floating around. Instead I opted to go for a picnic snowshoe yearning for the nurturing power of nature. I figured that the river would soothe me as well as remind me to go with the flow.

Enroute I saw a bald eagle fly down to perch on a pole just off the highway in front of me. It was so unexpected; however, it reminded me of the song “On Eagle’s Wings.” Thus, I sensed the eagle was a messenger relaying to me that all would flow well with my procedure the next day as the words “And He will raise you up on eagle/s wings” reverberated in my mind. Then, I had an after thought; maybe it was “and He will lift you up on angels wings” which indicated a different outcome/destination. It was nice to find myself concluding that it was an angel disguised as an eagle.

Glad to say, i’m still here following a very positive experience that hopefully continues for years to come.

• On Eagle s Wings : You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Who abide in His shadow for life, Say to the Lord, My Refuge, My Rock in Whom I trust. And He will raise you up on eagle s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand. The snare of the fowler will never …youtube.com6 years ago

Recently, a friend invited me to join her for the Beach Boys concert at Deer Valley. I enthusiastically accepted her offer. Thus, I quick stashed some picnic supplies in my pack, grabbed my foam folding seat, & headed to the nearby bus stop for the Park City free bus service.

The bus was pretty full so I grabbed a pole for stability & braced my legs. Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a young mother who was with her daughter. She offered me her seat next to her daughter. I was touched; however, turned her down as I wasn’t sure how her daughter would react. The mother insisted so I took her seat & promptly struck up a conversation with her young daughter about her unicorn. It was only a few stops later & they got off. I thanked the Mom again realizing that I had almost deprived her of the opportunity to be a gracious giver even if it was just her seat on the bus.

Later, I joked with my friend at the concert recognizing that I needed to “act my age” now & then; especially, when someone is intentionally being kind. This also reminded me to “play it forward” whenever I have the opportunity. I encourage you to do the same as the price tag is usually minimal for the positive vibes you receive in return.

My father passed on when I was 12 so we moved into town from a large farm in Iowa owned by 4 brothers. My father was herdsman for Woodland Farms. Some of the owners sons were younger than me; however, they got to drive tractors- back then, the tractors were a lot smaller than they are today. Anyway, I have had driving a tractor on my bucket list till just this past week.

Fortunately, my latest trip to the Midwest included dinner at my cousin’s farm. Before I arrived, I shared with Steve my desire to drive a tractor. Thus, he had the one pictured above handy for me to drive- of course, he was in the cab with me.

This experience reminded me to be an opportunist & always be open to new experiences; especially, those on your bucket list. Thus, you can transfer it to your chuck-it list.

Meet my buddy, Harlie. She is really smart & not only rings the bells hanging on the door when she wants out, but she’s realized that the doorstop on the door coming in from the garage works as a knocker. During my stay with her she has utilized both as a means to communicate with me.

Actually, there is a scripture in the Bible that encourages us tp do this. Through her actions, Harlie has reminded me that sometimes when I think my life is falling apart, a door will open- not always the one I knocked on. Other times, I find myself needing to be flexible & go in through an opened window. Thus, every day,I strive to incorporate activities/exercises that enhance my flexibility & I encourage you to do the same.

After all, life is unpredictable & hopefully we can be optimisitc opportunists no matter how our life unfolds.

Simply put, respect & admiration, sum up my feelings for nature. I am blessed to live in a community that has habitat where wildlife can still thrive.

Yesterday as I was biking along in a neighborhood with lush landscape, I was started by a deer who was going to cross the street right in front of me. It pivoted just in time to avoid a collision. As we made eye contact, I spontaneously said to the deer, ” Sorry, buddy” as I sensed that I had scared it.

Continuing down the road, I admit I marveled at my interaction with the deer. I realized how my spirit was uplifted by the connection with the deer even though it had just been for a few seconds. In turn, hopefully, this reminds us all to not only be respectful, but also that we each have a responsibility for creating an environmentally friendly planet for all God’s creatures- that includes all of our fellow human beings.

BTW; On my ride today to the post office, I encountered a wild turkey just wandering around & snacking on whatever it found delectable.

PS…The picture above of the deer is from another outing when I had a chance to pull out my phone…