Life's Garden of Loved Ones

Two tropical storms have moved through the Washington, DC area recently and we are getting more than our usual dose of rain.  Not complaining because I like the rain.  It's good for our gardens and everything feels clean after a good downpour.

 

This summer I am trying to pay more attention to the plants in my yard which I guess I think of as my garden even though they are not all planted in one contained space.  I planted some lettuce, rosemary and basil along with geraniums and marigolds.  Watching things grow is hopeful!

 

As you wake-up and embrace today's events, here's a good thought about life's garden of loved ones:

Photo Courtesy of French Essence

"Let us be grateful to

people who make us happy;

they are the charming

gardeners who make our

souls blossom."

 

          ~ Marcel Proust, French Author

 

 

Earth Day -- Big Yellow Taxi

Today is Earth Day and I give thanks to Mother Nature for her endless gifts.

 

As we turn our focus on cleaning up and protecting the environment, events in Washington, DC (cleaning up the Anacostia River) and communities around the globe are being held today to remind us that our natural resources are precious and finite and shouldn't be taken for granted.  When we take better care of Mother Earth, she takes better care of us, giving us tranquil beauty and continual inspiration.

 

Nature also has the incredible capability to heal us: the fragrance of a flower, the cleansing sound of the ocean and the glorious rise and set of the sun.

 

When I spend time outdoors, I de-stress and relax and start to feel connected and much better almost immediately.  Whether its a leisurely stroll or an aerobic run, I take deep breaths and notice and try to enjoy whatever is around me.  Right now that would be the smell of freshly cut grass and deep pink azelea buds ready to burst open.

 

The first April 22 Earth Day was held in 1970.  I don't think it's a coincidence that the multi-talented and award-winning singer songwriter Joni Mitchell wrote and originally recorded "Big Yellow Taxi" also in 1970.  It's a great song that is known for its environmental concerns.

 

Do something green today, such as walk, buy locally grown produce in season, recycle, use cloth totes for shopping, or garden and sing along loudly to  "Big Yellow Taxi:"

 

 

 

A Valentine Message

 

 

Photo Courtesy of French Essence

 

 

You don't love someone for their looks,

 

 or their clothes,

 

 or for their fancy car,

 

 but because they sing a song only you can hear.

 

                          ~ Oscar Wilde

 

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Take Good Care Of My Heart

Courtesy of United States Postal Service

Decades ago, the presidents of florist, chocolate and card companies must have been having a long liquid lunch and launched the ingenious idea of a fun holiday called Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day happens to be one of those holidays that has never been a big deal to me because it always feels forced.  I don't want someone to give me chocolates, flowers or a card because they feel they have to do what everyone else is doing.  It means a lot more to me when the person I'm romantically involved with comes up with the idea of flowers, chocolates or a card all on their own, not because the calendar says February 14th.

That said, I understand that today is a sweet day, dedicated to romance and full of cupids and hearts.  It's a day for those in love to go out of their way and show the person they love how much they care about them.  Loves truly does make the world go round so embrace your Valentine and also embrace your memories, good and bad.

Allow yourself to remember the happy times, when you were crazy in love and couldn't bear to be apart, not even for one second, and allow yourself to laugh.  If memories bring about sadness, then allow yourself to cry.  Life is precious and acceptance is essential in overcoming a loss.  Your heart may feeling as though it's splitting but it eventually will mend and be good as new for the next love of your life.  Right now it feels as though you will never love anyone else ever again but you will!

Happy Valentine's Day! Take it away Whitney:

Take Good Care of My Heart

Lyrics by Whitney Houston

Time can pass so slowly, when you feel so all alone

Love can strike like lightning, when you find your heart a home

I've seen it in the movies, read about it in a book

I've never feel it, but your touch was all it took

[Chorus:]

Take good care of my heart

Take good care of my heart

Baby you're the first to take it

You're the only one who can break it

I love you more than I should

But it keeps me feeling so good

I've waited for your love for ever

You're the one to take good care of my heart

Come and make you're magic, til you have me hypnotised

If we get any closer, I'll be drowning in your eyes

You're the one I needed most, when my love was on the line

I'm so glad you gave me yours, when I gave you mine

Aloha! 2012 Philadelphia Flower Show

If it's February it means people are ready for a change in the seasons.  The promise of spring is close at hand but not close enough.  It hasn't been a terribly cold or snowy winter but the blahs have set in and it's time to get out and see some color.

If you're experiencing cabin fever then sign up for Sibley Hospital's day trip to The Philadelphia Flower Show, the world's largest indoor flower show, on Wednesday, March 7.  The 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show theme is the exotic "Islands of Aloha."

Visitors will be able to enter through a giant wave of orchids and towering waterfalls and also have a chance to participate in a traditional Hawaiian luau, featuring hula dancing, music and chants.  Expert gardeners will also be giving talks and offering advice about gardening basics and design.

Travel Itinerary -- Wednesday, March 7, 2012

8:00 am             Bus departs from Sibley Hospital
11:00 am           Arrive at Philadelphia Flower Show
                         Free time to enjoy the flower show & lunch on your own
4:00 pm             Depart for Washington, DC
7:30 pm             Arrive at Sibley Hospital

Cost per person: $79 (includes ticket to the show, transportation, tolls taxes and all gratuities).

Please call Kim Grizzel at Eyre Tour & Travel for reservations at 1-800-321-3973 ext. 3224