The Mind🐶Body🐱Spirit🐠 connection - Monday

Cathy, thank you for keeping us up and running! What is the time difference in Lebonon? I am so thankful for skype also. It is not at all the same to me, but better than nothing. I had better get used to it, as I will be a skype grandparent.
Where do I want to be? My heart is on the west coast. Southern California. I would take Oregon coast as a second, Colorado as a third, New Mexico as a 4th and North Carolina as my fifth choice. Need to make a decision soon, as DH is thinking of retiring soon. Beach is my number one hands down. Mountains is second. 

Suzanne - I like the idea of getting back into fitbit and using the extra activity as a counter for extra calories. I've had a 12 day respite from all news and I cannot tell you how refreshing it's been. I don't think I'd ever watch it if it weren't for him. 

Michelle, what kind of puppy? How fun! We saw so many cute dogs in Portland. Dogs are allowed in stores and restaurants there. Really strange, but nice, too. We went to a little farmers market, and they had dog sitters near the entrance so people could concentrate on shopping. So cute! Lots of Chihuahua's and Irish Setters.

Pat, I'm glad you had some time with Al on the trails. You have such beautiful scenery so close to you, you lucky girl! NE coast is one of my future trips. I have never been to Arcadia, and would really like to go. Only been to Boston once, but that was beautiful, too. And the seafood factor is awesome!

Gotta get going, have a client appt in an hour. Vacation is officially over!

Good morning ladies! Sorry to be MIA over the weekend - it was jam packed My DS came home for his belated birthday visit and we caught up. He had a lot of photos to share from his two week camping/hiking vacation at Olympia National Park in Washington. What an amazing place!

We also went for a long walk at the local trail. Well, actually we got kind of lost and I ended up hiking 5.7 miles. Ouch I was sore. I did some qigong for back pain and restorative yoga, but am still sore.

Cathy, best wishes to your husband on his travels to the Middle East. Where do I go to escape? At work, I love to get outside and walk, it is a beautiful location. At home, I love to sneak away to nearby coastal areas and absorb the ocean, rivers, tributaries.

Lisa, it's good to see you back after your visit with your beautiful grandson. ♥ Yes, we have wonderful seafood this way - though my son said the salmon and Dungeness crab in WA are stiff competition.

Carol, your weekend walks sound so nice. I love seeing those graceful egrets and herons.

Suzanne, your sanctuary garden must be glorious - you deserve to enjoy it, you work very hard on it.

Michelle, your desert location is indeed beautiful. I've been longing for a trip back to New Mexico.

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Daily Affirmation - walking in the forest renews me.

Fitness Report - therapeutic yoga to recover my poor back from that hike.

Health Goal - eat clean today.

Spiritual Goal - cherish the "blue mind" the weekend gifted me with.

Gratitude - always thankful for a visit from my beloved son.

Here is more on Blue Mind - experiencelife.com/article/blue-mind/

I don't see why a person can't have a "green mind" from enjoying inland areas with beautiful foliage.

Suzanne, I'm copy catting 50% of your goals today.

Daily Affirmation: I take responsibility for my own happiness
Fitness Goal: Take a walk
Health Goal: Throw away leftovers that I left for DS3, stock up on fresh, clean foods
Spiritual Goal: Figure out a strategy to change my mindset about fragmented families
Gratitude: my growing family

Pat, your son sounds a lot like mine. Loves hiking and camping. DS and I  did an afternoon hike in Washington, too! That river gorge is such a beautiful area. We hiked on the Oregon side a different day. Lots of waterfalls, so pretty. I love the hikes along the creeks the best. That sound of water is so nice. 

I got lots of walking in during our trip. We did 3 day hikes, one day walking the city and River that runs through Portland with the baby, and 2 days of walking coastal beaches. We ate out a fair amount, so it's a good thing!

So, I tried Bebimbop. A Korean dish, just fabulous! I'm going to try and re-create it this week. 

I am in la-la land. So hard to get back into working after vacation!

I read the article on winter blahs and I have to say, I can deal with it most days just fine. I've always looked at it as a hybernation period. Slow down the pace, play indoor games, and go with it instead of against it. I love the snow sometimes. My problem is the length of darkness mostly. 

My DS3 is toying with moving to CA. I know in my heart he would be happier living near mountains and lakes. He is a nature lover, too. And loves skiing, snowboarding, fishing, camping, yada, yada. I am so melancholy thinking of my family split up all over. I've put so much effort all my life trying to keep our families close, I would never have guessed this to be the outcome.

I have some serious jetlag today. Spent the whole day regrouping, food shopping, errands, etc, and still not even close to being caught up! Sheesh!