A friend and I were supposed to go to an informal cocktail hour last week. She called me at the last minute, sort of wriggling her way out of it. I asked her if she still wanted to go and she said she'd rather go to yoga.  Instantly I let her off the hook, and said "Go to yoga!" And in that moment, I saw myself for who I am.

 I'm an exercise evangelist. I am instantly excited and on the bandwagon for any one who begins to express and interest or commitment to fitness.  It's not something I do because I know I should be supportive, or they need encouragement, it's a genuine response from my soul.  I know that adding  physical activity can change your life, and nothing thrills me more than to see that spark lit in someone. Another convert! Hallelujah!  I'll cheer, cajole, nag, accompany, affirm, push, pull, if I know it will help you along the path to fitness. 

What do you need? C'mon with me. We can do this! 

Dependable Daylily

This is a daylily, or Hemorcallis from my front yard. I love daylilies. Look at the patterns of colors on this one. Exquisite! And since every bloom only lasts a day, they are a delight every time they appear.  

Since I am a very undisciplined gardener, I get a huge return on my inconsistent invesment in my day lilies. 

That's because daylilies:

•  Tolerate a wide range of conditions


• Thrive with very little care, and are drought tolerant.


• Resist disease and pest problems.


• Produce unparallelled flowers.

While daylilies will tolerate poor soil, you'll be rewarded for giving it the best conditions you can. Here's how to have a happy daylily:

• Plant in full sun, or mostly sunny locations


• Plant in well drained soil.


• Improve your soil with compost before planting.


• Once plant is established, use a balanced fertilizer


• Mulch to retain moisture, and keep down weeds.

I went out for a walk this afternoon, with life weighing heavily on me. So many choices to make, no clear path, but I will have to make some decisions soon, and I don't like any of the options. I fear I am suffering from "paralysis by analysis."

On my way back to the house, the mountains were spectacular. The light is just right today to make them look about 10 steps away, speckled with light and shadow, mesmerizing. I complimented God on His fine work, and immediately, and clear as day He answered, "I know, they're amazing. So, don't you think I'm qualified to take care of YOUR problems?"

It was startling and comforting and powerful all at once. I was unable to do anything but answer in absolute truth "Yes, I know you are." And in that short statement what I also knew and acknowledged is that He is not only capable, but He knows and understands fully what I am going through AND He wants to help me through this. I felt so understood, so surrounded, so cared for. He will not leave me alone, He will see me through. I am not alone.

It's Spring. Yes, spring officially arrives this morning, and even though this was the coldest morning we have had at my house in over a week, I am very encouraged.

Because it is going to get warmer

the days are going to get longer

the leaves will turn green

the grass will grow

and the gardens will flourish.

It may feel like winter at your house today, it may even look like winter, but take heart! Spring comes every year, and it will come this year too.

Happy First Day of Spring!

Obsession

Obsession gets a bad rap. I've used it myself in the negative, "I'm obsessed" "she's obsessed" in a judgemental critical tone.  As though being obsessed by something is pathological, crazy, dangerous.

I'm seeing obsession in a new light. A person who is obsessed lives in the present moment, completely absorbed in the one thing that matters at that very moment. There is no dwelling in the past, or fearing the future, there is only now. Most of us spend so much time either in the past or the future that we miss a lot of NOW. The obsessed person lives fully in NOW. Only now matters, and only one thing matters now. 

What is your obssession? Find it, live it. Now is all there is.