August Blog 2023

 SummerTime And the living can be easy...

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As I sit in the courtyard of our backyard writing my blog for the month of August with Barney sitting close by under the shade of the umbrella, I can't help but think about how I yearn for days like this...a 10 on a scale of 1-10 in my opinion. Blue skies, low humidity and not too hot! I yearn for the summer months during the dead of the winter here in New York. It makes me chuckle to think that I will complain on the hottest of days, which we experienced last week with temps hitting close to triple digit numbers, yet I'll wait all winter long to feel the warmth of the sun in the summer months and complain that it's too hot!
​Am I ever happy!?

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I'm not alone.
I've talked to many people who feel exactly the same way I do.
​So, what is it that makes us happy? I think that if we really contemplate on what it is that makes us truly happy we will see that it's the things that aren't expensive, to me, they are
the simple joys of life such as, taking a walk on the beach, playing with or going for a walk with your dog, bird watching, creating a work of art, watching the sun rise or set.
​I could go on and on.

My husband, Denis, loves to surf. He says that as he's sitting on his surfboard waiting for the perfect wave he can feel the strength and power of the ocean. He watches the sun rise and takes this time to meditate and pray. 

For me, the summer months have always been a time of reflection and growth. I may not be a surfer like Denis, but I've taken the time in the summer to meditate by sitting in my backyard by the pool listening to the birds and enjoying the beauty of the flowers. Even the puffy white clouds against the azure blue sky portray various images to me. It's beautiful! I read and crochet too while sitting in my backyard. I love it!  So does Barney!

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There are many ways to take advantage of the Summer Time. Here are some of the ways I've been able to reflect and grow:

• Devote time everyday for quiet meditation. Just sitting doing nothing for a few minutes is a great way to become rejuvenated. It could be done in the morning, during the day or at night. Whenever you have a few minutes. Think of a mantra word that you can use during this quiet time. I find that when I repeat a positive word I'm immediately brought back to a positive place.
• If you pray, pray. I find prayer very soothing. You can recite formal prayers or just talk to God or whomever you choose.
• Summertime is a wonderful time to catch up on your reading. It's a great time to read the books that you wanted to read all year long, but didn't have the time to. 
• And, finally, by all means, take time for YOU! 

Whatever you do...
Enjoy every minute.
Stay safe.
Be well.
and
Please...
take some time to Relax and Rejuvenate.
​The Summer Time is great for that!
Happy Tales to you,
xoxo
Yvonne