For part of our fitness regime at the beach today, a few of us checked out a nearby health studio called BALANCE (www.BALANCE30A.com) to attend a seventy-five minute YOGA class. Now this was interesting for me as a newbie, because I am known (especially by these girls who knew me as a high school cheerleader!) for my lack of coordination. :~)
If you go to THE BALANCE HEALTH STUDIO website you will read the following:
MIND. BODY. BREATH.
Developed in India, yoga is a physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, this unbroken tradition can be found all over the world. Most yoga practices in the West focus on the physical postures called "asanas", breathing exercises called "pranayama" and meditation.
However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go, the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes.
At BALANCE we believe in movement because we understand that movement is LIFE!
With regular practice, yoga can create flexibility, build strength and develop stamina.
This class was led by Melissa and she did a marvelous job helping me, and a few others in the class that were new at this, to feel comfortable. Two of my FFs were there with me and they, as accomplished yogis, were also very encouraging. We also had a 20 year old niece with us who has told us that this group of 50 something friends has "inspired her" to work out more! And yes, the rest of the group took their morning walk or run for today's fitness...
I found this experience to be inspiring, cleansing and therapeutic for both my body and my mind. When I return to Georgia, I plan to attend a local class and maybe even pick up a yoga DVD to use at home.
How about you? Have you tried this for fitness and well-being? Why not try something today that is new and inspiring, like yoga?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FOREVER FRIENDS
Yesterday, five of my FFs ~ friends that I have known since my childhood, thus known as FOREVER FRIENDS ~ traveled through Georgia and Alabama, arriving here on the sandy beaches of South Walton and Scenic 30-A just in time for a sunset over the bay. A sixth will join us later today. The other two have family vacations that will keep them from joining us...this time.
Yes, there are eight of us in all, graduating from Druid Hills High School, in Atlanta in 1976. When we are together, it is like stepping into a time machine because we see each other through thousands of shared memories.
And this morning, we have already power walked 4 miles, collected the "kitty", monies for the provisions, and stocked the pantry and frig. Our beach picnic is almost ready and the cooler is packed , so I better finish this up!
This group is linked by more than forty five years of experiences and memories, eight women from Decatur, Georgia. WE are a lesson in the power and lifelong benefits of friendship. We remind each other about important health appointments.
We commiserate, console one another about unique issues in our lives and we solve the problems of the world.
GIRLFRIENDS, and SISTERS, TOO, add so much to a life journey, whether they have been around for years like my special group of FFs, or they are a new addition in my life.
GIRLFRIENDS understand better than anyone else around.
YES, FFs are a gift I hope I will never take for granted.
I just read this aloud to this extraordinary group of girls....Have you told you your special girlfriend how much you care about her? Why not call, write, text, or email her today?
Yes, there are eight of us in all, graduating from Druid Hills High School, in Atlanta in 1976. When we are together, it is like stepping into a time machine because we see each other through thousands of shared memories.
And this morning, we have already power walked 4 miles, collected the "kitty", monies for the provisions, and stocked the pantry and frig. Our beach picnic is almost ready and the cooler is packed , so I better finish this up!
This group is linked by more than forty five years of experiences and memories, eight women from Decatur, Georgia. WE are a lesson in the power and lifelong benefits of friendship. We remind each other about important health appointments.
We commiserate, console one another about unique issues in our lives and we solve the problems of the world.
GIRLFRIENDS, and SISTERS, TOO, add so much to a life journey, whether they have been around for years like my special group of FFs, or they are a new addition in my life.
GIRLFRIENDS understand better than anyone else around.
YES, FFs are a gift I hope I will never take for granted.
I just read this aloud to this extraordinary group of girls....Have you told you your special girlfriend how much you care about her? Why not call, write, text, or email her today?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
SAND IN MY SHOES
"Life is either a great adventure or nothing." Helen Keller
My Mama used to always claim to have sand in her shoes, claiming to be on the ready for the next adventure in her life. I am becoming more like this with each passing day and the past 24 hours is proof of that. Last night, I was sleeping with family on the lake in the North Georgia Mountains and tonight, I am spending the night with friends on the coast of Florida. Yes, I, too, have sand in my shoes.
One of the things that I am realizing is so important as a 50 something woman is to connect with others, friends and family alike.
These girls I am at the beach with have been my sidekicks for more than forty years! How blessed I am to be here for the next several nights with these bosom buddies.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944), a French writer, pilot and author of The Little Prince said: "It is in the compelling zest of high adventure and of victory, and in creative action, that man finds his supreme joy."
So what about you...what adventure are you looking forward to in your life?
Do you have sand in your shoes?
My Mama used to always claim to have sand in her shoes, claiming to be on the ready for the next adventure in her life. I am becoming more like this with each passing day and the past 24 hours is proof of that. Last night, I was sleeping with family on the lake in the North Georgia Mountains and tonight, I am spending the night with friends on the coast of Florida. Yes, I, too, have sand in my shoes.
One of the things that I am realizing is so important as a 50 something woman is to connect with others, friends and family alike.
These girls I am at the beach with have been my sidekicks for more than forty years! How blessed I am to be here for the next several nights with these bosom buddies.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944), a French writer, pilot and author of The Little Prince said: "It is in the compelling zest of high adventure and of victory, and in creative action, that man finds his supreme joy."
So what about you...what adventure are you looking forward to in your life?
Do you have sand in your shoes?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
SUNRISE, SUNSET
Last night, the sunset over Blue Ridge Lake was awe-inspiring, a real masterpiece!
My sister, Laura and our husbands joined me as we gazed at the close of another day quietly for a good 45 minutes...beautiful... another day in our life journey and a cause to look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation for what a new day might bring.
"His mercies are NEW every morning." Lametations 3:23
This reminded me of the words to a song that was sung during our wedding reception nearly 27 years ago:
SUNRISE, SUNSET
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember getting older, when did they?
Whe did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise, Sunset. Sunrise, Sunset.
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers.
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise, Sunset. Sunrise, Sunset.
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears...
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears.
Yes, the seasons of our lives come and go, but our kinship, our bond with friends, family and God are what make these moments in time all the richer.
"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."
Psalm 113:3
As a 50 something woman, I suppose I may have more than 10,950 more sunsets, possibly 120 seasons...if I live as long as expected...
In what ways are you making your seasons memorable?
My sister, Laura and our husbands joined me as we gazed at the close of another day quietly for a good 45 minutes...beautiful... another day in our life journey and a cause to look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation for what a new day might bring.
"His mercies are NEW every morning." Lametations 3:23
This reminded me of the words to a song that was sung during our wedding reception nearly 27 years ago:
SUNRISE, SUNSET
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember getting older, when did they?
Whe did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise, Sunset. Sunrise, Sunset.
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers.
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise, Sunset. Sunrise, Sunset.
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears...
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears.
Yes, the seasons of our lives come and go, but our kinship, our bond with friends, family and God are what make these moments in time all the richer.
"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."
Psalm 113:3
As a 50 something woman, I suppose I may have more than 10,950 more sunsets, possibly 120 seasons...if I live as long as expected...
In what ways are you making your seasons memorable?
Monday, May 25, 2009
A LIVING HERO
Memorial Day Weekend at Blue Ridge Lake in the North Georgia Mountains has been amazing as we have reflected on the truth that ...FREEDOM IS NOT FREE...
As a 50 something woman, I know some heroes that have died for our country in Vietnam or other conflicts and I know many others that have survived their time spent serving our country in some United States Military capacity.
My own brother, John, is a retired Marine that was emergently flighted off the battlefield in 'Nam in need of appendectomy surgery. Thankfully, his commanders sent him back home to America for recovery. This was a very trying time for our nation as our communities' young men, age 18, were drafted, badly injured or even died in this horrific combat. After Vietnam, John continued as a United States Marine serving in many future U. S. conflicts, including the Gulf War. My brother is the father of three incredible children and the husband of a beautiful and talented woman. John is truly a living hero!
SEMPER FI!
Another living hero joined us for our cookout yesterday. We had 17 people in all, and eleven of these were students between the ages of 17 and 21. We decided to ask this living hero, our brother-in-law, Jim to share his personal military experiences with us. In particular, we wanted these young people to hear from Uncle Jim to help them develop more of an understanding and appreciation of the reason for this Memorial Day holiday that we all look so forward to.
Jim graduated high school in Tennessee in 1964 and went onto complete his college degree in 1968. Our country was in the height of the Vietnam Conflict at this time. Jim knew it was just a short matter of time before his draft notice would appear in his mailbox, so he worked at miscellaneous jobs as he waited. On December 8, 1968 he received his draft notice and was sworn in to the U. S. Army. Jim went through basic training, AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) and then onto OCS (Officer Cadet School for Engineering) On February 13, 1970, Jim graduated as a 2nd LT, top of his class as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the privilege of a choice of where he wanted to serve his tour. He chose 3rd Army Headquarters at Fort McPherson,
GA, which followed his Vietnam Training School.
Later, in April, 1972, Jim was promoted to Captain with orders for Vietnam. At this same time, the U.S. started the cutback of troops and President Richard Nixon asked if anyone wanted to get out of the service early. Uncle Jim raised his hand and the rest is history... Jim went onto meet my beautiful sister, whom he has been married to for over 35 years and they raised two wonderful children together. Jim has lived his life with noble purpose, generous service to God and man, and a work ethic beyond compare.
Jim's final message to us this Memorial Day goes like this:
"Thank you, America, for allowing me to serve a country to protect the freedoms that we have now and the freedoms for generations to come. GOD BLESS AMERICA. "
And one other living hero, whom I have never met, was recognized on Good Morning America on March 5th back in 2003. Charlie Gibson was interviewing General Earl Hailston, the commanding general of Marine Forces Central Command. The general was waiting with his troops just a few miles off the border of Iraq...waiting to go to war. Toward the end of the interview, Charlie asked him if he had any hobbies.
The general said, "Yes, I love photography, especially taking photos of my men."
He shared that while he had been waiting for the past few days he took photos of his men, and at night he would email the photos with a brief note to their mothers back in the USA. Charlie asked if he could see a sample of a letter and the general walked into his tent, turned on his computer, and read the last letter he had sent.
It said:
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I thought you might enjoy seeing this picture of your son. He is doing great. I also wanted you to know that you did a wonderful job raising him. You must be very proud. I can certainly tell you that I am honored to serve with him in the U.S. Marines.
Sincerely,
General Earl Hailston
What living hero have you been honored to share your life journey with?
As a 50 something woman, I know some heroes that have died for our country in Vietnam or other conflicts and I know many others that have survived their time spent serving our country in some United States Military capacity.
My own brother, John, is a retired Marine that was emergently flighted off the battlefield in 'Nam in need of appendectomy surgery. Thankfully, his commanders sent him back home to America for recovery. This was a very trying time for our nation as our communities' young men, age 18, were drafted, badly injured or even died in this horrific combat. After Vietnam, John continued as a United States Marine serving in many future U. S. conflicts, including the Gulf War. My brother is the father of three incredible children and the husband of a beautiful and talented woman. John is truly a living hero!
SEMPER FI!
Another living hero joined us for our cookout yesterday. We had 17 people in all, and eleven of these were students between the ages of 17 and 21. We decided to ask this living hero, our brother-in-law, Jim to share his personal military experiences with us. In particular, we wanted these young people to hear from Uncle Jim to help them develop more of an understanding and appreciation of the reason for this Memorial Day holiday that we all look so forward to.
Jim graduated high school in Tennessee in 1964 and went onto complete his college degree in 1968. Our country was in the height of the Vietnam Conflict at this time. Jim knew it was just a short matter of time before his draft notice would appear in his mailbox, so he worked at miscellaneous jobs as he waited. On December 8, 1968 he received his draft notice and was sworn in to the U. S. Army. Jim went through basic training, AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) and then onto OCS (Officer Cadet School for Engineering) On February 13, 1970, Jim graduated as a 2nd LT, top of his class as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the privilege of a choice of where he wanted to serve his tour. He chose 3rd Army Headquarters at Fort McPherson,
GA, which followed his Vietnam Training School.
Later, in April, 1972, Jim was promoted to Captain with orders for Vietnam. At this same time, the U.S. started the cutback of troops and President Richard Nixon asked if anyone wanted to get out of the service early. Uncle Jim raised his hand and the rest is history... Jim went onto meet my beautiful sister, whom he has been married to for over 35 years and they raised two wonderful children together. Jim has lived his life with noble purpose, generous service to God and man, and a work ethic beyond compare.
Jim's final message to us this Memorial Day goes like this:
"Thank you, America, for allowing me to serve a country to protect the freedoms that we have now and the freedoms for generations to come. GOD BLESS AMERICA. "
And one other living hero, whom I have never met, was recognized on Good Morning America on March 5th back in 2003. Charlie Gibson was interviewing General Earl Hailston, the commanding general of Marine Forces Central Command. The general was waiting with his troops just a few miles off the border of Iraq...waiting to go to war. Toward the end of the interview, Charlie asked him if he had any hobbies.
The general said, "Yes, I love photography, especially taking photos of my men."
He shared that while he had been waiting for the past few days he took photos of his men, and at night he would email the photos with a brief note to their mothers back in the USA. Charlie asked if he could see a sample of a letter and the general walked into his tent, turned on his computer, and read the last letter he had sent.
It said:
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I thought you might enjoy seeing this picture of your son. He is doing great. I also wanted you to know that you did a wonderful job raising him. You must be very proud. I can certainly tell you that I am honored to serve with him in the U.S. Marines.
Sincerely,
General Earl Hailston
What living hero have you been honored to share your life journey with?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MAKE A NOTATION
One of the things I love to do when I have a few minutes is to peruse a cookbook or some other book that I know for sure my Mama held in her hands at one time or another.
My Mama was really good about having a pen in hand whenever she opened a book, whether it was her Bible, a favorite cookbook, or an inspirational read. I love finding a notation in her own unique handwriting. Often, along with her note would be a date as well as her initials, indicating that "I was here, in this book, on this day and here you will read my very thoughts about what I was reading."
The written remarks are mostly brief..."delicious! perfect for a crowd" or " I want to do this more," she might have written next to a devotion that spoke to her heart on a particular day.
I, as a 50 something woman, have developed this same habit and I love it! I enjoy using a dictionary (or dictionary.com!) to look up words that I might run across in a devotion, not because I have no idea what they mean, but because I want to have a greater understanding of how the writer intended to use that particular word to get his/her message across. I nearly ALWAYS date and name the event that I took the time to prepare a special recipe for. It is fun to look back, and remember those times when we sat around the table laughing, loving and yes, enjoying that favorite recipe!
And, my Bible is full of dates and thoughts and notes that I have dashed off through the years. These, too, bring back fond memories of days gone by...a baby dedication, a particularly inspiring message from the pulpit, a date for my reading of one chapter PROVERBS each day. These notes remind me that I am on the right and best path for me at this time.
Just as my mother took the time to make her notations along her life journey, I want to give this gift to my children and grandchildren, as well. I want them to read a jotted note by me, smile, and say : "That was important to my MOM on that day!"
How about you....what notation will you make today?
My Mama was really good about having a pen in hand whenever she opened a book, whether it was her Bible, a favorite cookbook, or an inspirational read. I love finding a notation in her own unique handwriting. Often, along with her note would be a date as well as her initials, indicating that "I was here, in this book, on this day and here you will read my very thoughts about what I was reading."
The written remarks are mostly brief..."delicious! perfect for a crowd" or " I want to do this more," she might have written next to a devotion that spoke to her heart on a particular day.
I, as a 50 something woman, have developed this same habit and I love it! I enjoy using a dictionary (or dictionary.com!) to look up words that I might run across in a devotion, not because I have no idea what they mean, but because I want to have a greater understanding of how the writer intended to use that particular word to get his/her message across. I nearly ALWAYS date and name the event that I took the time to prepare a special recipe for. It is fun to look back, and remember those times when we sat around the table laughing, loving and yes, enjoying that favorite recipe!
And, my Bible is full of dates and thoughts and notes that I have dashed off through the years. These, too, bring back fond memories of days gone by...a baby dedication, a particularly inspiring message from the pulpit, a date for my reading of one chapter PROVERBS each day. These notes remind me that I am on the right and best path for me at this time.
Just as my mother took the time to make her notations along her life journey, I want to give this gift to my children and grandchildren, as well. I want them to read a jotted note by me, smile, and say : "That was important to my MOM on that day!"
How about you....what notation will you make today?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A LIFE EXPERIENCE
I had the chance to meet seven pretty incredible women at the new Women's Extension Center tonight. I am truly still reeling from this life experience. This center opened in our community on May 1, 2009 to house women who desire a change in their life. Women who are addicts of some sort. I realized tonight that the drug or drink of choice is not what matters. Instead, what matters is that an addiction of some sort has taken over a life. And these women have decided to face their fears and deal with an addiction that has literally taken over their life. This center will house up to twenty women at any given time and this home already has 10 women.
The eyes of each lady were glued to me as I shared from my heart, reminding them that courage is simply fear that has said its prayers. I praised them for the courage they were showing by facing the truth of their addiction.
The difficulty, the hardships that were shared with me took my breath away..."I've been raped six times..." "I was smokin'crack cocaine up until I came here on
May 5th." ...and more.
As I embraced these women, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the life that I have been given. Yes, I have had some rocks in my path...but no boulders or potholes, like these women.
After our meeting, the ladies invited us to join them for a spaghetti dinner. The cool thing was that the dinner was provided by a local AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) group. A man who was part of their group shared with me that this is one of the ways that they stay sober is by helping others who want to recover from addiction...
This reminded me of something my Mama used to always say...ËACH ONE REACH ONE."
And this prompted me to reconsider the story about the young boy that was on a beach one day.
The beach was covered with live star fish that had been washed up onto the sand. One by one, the boy threw the starfish back into the ocean to save them from sure death on the hot beach. A man came by, and observing the young boy, said "Young man, what do you think you are doing? You can't make a difference here. There are just too many starfish on this beach."
The young boy picked up another starfish and hurled it out into the sea, saying, " I made a difference for that one!"
And so it is with each life experience that we find ourselves in. We share, we encourage, we laugh, we cry, we love and we live each day and when we choose to make a difference in another's life, then our life experiences are all the richer for it.
The eyes of each lady were glued to me as I shared from my heart, reminding them that courage is simply fear that has said its prayers. I praised them for the courage they were showing by facing the truth of their addiction.
The difficulty, the hardships that were shared with me took my breath away..."I've been raped six times..." "I was smokin'crack cocaine up until I came here on
May 5th." ...and more.
As I embraced these women, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the life that I have been given. Yes, I have had some rocks in my path...but no boulders or potholes, like these women.
After our meeting, the ladies invited us to join them for a spaghetti dinner. The cool thing was that the dinner was provided by a local AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) group. A man who was part of their group shared with me that this is one of the ways that they stay sober is by helping others who want to recover from addiction...
This reminded me of something my Mama used to always say...ËACH ONE REACH ONE."
And this prompted me to reconsider the story about the young boy that was on a beach one day.
The beach was covered with live star fish that had been washed up onto the sand. One by one, the boy threw the starfish back into the ocean to save them from sure death on the hot beach. A man came by, and observing the young boy, said "Young man, what do you think you are doing? You can't make a difference here. There are just too many starfish on this beach."
The young boy picked up another starfish and hurled it out into the sea, saying, " I made a difference for that one!"
And so it is with each life experience that we find ourselves in. We share, we encourage, we laugh, we cry, we love and we live each day and when we choose to make a difference in another's life, then our life experiences are all the richer for it.
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