Beneath My Feet

  At the BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, California. March 2017 It was 100+ degree heat, and we were sitting on the sunny side of the stands. (We Canadians switch to Fahrenheit when it's REALLY hot!) Neither my husband nor I are big sports fans. However, as occasional players and 'avid' tennis watchers on TV, we were thrilled that a series of fortunate events led us to this stadium, and this match between our  favourite  male superstars  -- Nadal and Federer!! The odds of this pairing happening so early in the tournament were rare, and made the last-minute nosebleed seats affordable. You could hear a pin drop before serves. Aside from golf, I don't know of another sport that is so proper; it even uses the word "love" to tell your opponent they are losing! I politely placed my foot on the railing for this photo.  When an unexpected opportunity comes your way, act quickly and decisively. Or, oh well, forget about it. Life isn't quite like tennis ......

 A fabulous foot massage in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 2016. Ahhhhh... Either you are a massage person, or you aren't! For me, there is nothing like a massage to relax, melt away stress and ease those aching muscles -- or tired sore feet!  Massage is a way to care for and treat myself.    I'm lucky to have experienced many unique modes including Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Shiatsu, Mayan, Balinese, Hot Stone, Reflexology -- each special and wonderfully healing. There is a powerful energy in being touched. From hugs to pats on the back, we crave touch. Babies can't thrive without it. It is one of our most important senses. If you can, give out a hug or two today! Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last.  It always tells the truth. ~ Margaret Atwood. This week's blog is dedicated to my dear momma bear, who would have her birthday soon. She shared some wisdom with me before she passed away, in saying "Remember to be gentle with yo...

  Winter watering some of our rooftop plants that were moved indoors to our stairwell.  I'm eager to tend to our rooftop garden, but appreciate the many indoor plants that surround us -- some are in bloom!   According to Dr. Nicole Ardoin, who studies 'biophilic' design, "w e have an innate desire to connect with life and life-like organisms." When we align with Mother Nature we just feel good!  She also says it is a myth that we must go out to a big park or a far away place to experience nature and to receive its positive benefits.* We can connect with nature from a  window with a sky view, watching the snow fall, the sunset, or birds in a  backyard feeder.  A fish bowl, pets, a fountain or a bundle of supermarket tulips can bring energy into a room.  For me, watching short nature videos increases feelings of awe, joy, amusement and curiosity.  Even looking at paintings or photographs of natural environments can lift a mood or motivate....

  Hiking Peninsula Trail, Prince Albert National Park, SK. March 2021 Hiking a secluded trail in the pines and snow, the steep, sometimes icy slopes made the walking stick a necessity! Monks in training are known to take the same 30 minute walk on the same path at least once each day. They keep their eyes open for something unique -- something they've never seen. The idea is to do the familiar with awareness, being mindful of freshness in routine. Se eing is not the same as noticing. Noticing keeps our brains from shifting to autopilot. I appreciate their saying, “To walk down the same old path and find a new stone is to open your mind.” Time spent in the trees will connect you with nature and its natural biorhythms. The Japanese call it "forest bathing*". On this incredible wilderness hike, I noticed something I'd never seen before... a large, perhaps wolf paw-print in the snow! So I decided to follow the zen wisdom of ... "when you find yourself in the mid...