why, hello spring!

Hello, Spring!

I don’t know about you, but I COME ALIVE during Spring time. I mean, I’m always “alive” but my spirit really soars when the weather gets a little warmer, the flowers start to bloom, the smell of honeysuckle tickles my nose—the way it stays light later, the breeze, the smell of fresh cut grass and cook-outs. MAN ALIVE—I LOVE IT!

I always fall in love during spring time. And I mean, not just with a guy (although there is usually one involved—at least one, I might add)…I fall in love with everything. Kind of like Valentine’s Day all over again!

And today was no exception.

The first day of Spring was utterly amazing and fantastic for me.

and to think it fell on a Monday!

I woke up with an over-whelming feeling of how awesome it is to be alive. To be alive and loving life. Wow. Words can not really express the state of my soul and spirit today because it was just completely other-wordly.

I went to school with an unusual skip in my step.

I went to the grocery store, came home, unloaded groceries and got a call from one of my favorite people—Malcolm. We walked down the street to eat at Basil’s in Belhaven.

We sat outside and enjoyed our salads. We laughed and talked and laughed some more.

Then we walked down the way to Belhaven University to see the Student Art Exhibit—seeing as it was the last day to view the show and my dear and beloved, Lydia Gamble, had a piece in there—I definitely had to see it.

I was absolutely amazed! It was a WONDERFUL show! Such talent very much quality work. I also loved visiting with my old friend Bob Pennebaker. Bob and I go way back from the time I was a student there and I just love him to death. He’s a rare man and I am so glad Belhaven has him!

 Check out a few of the pieces below! 

This one is Lydia's. 

We visited with the painting class—who was, of course, painting outside on this glorious day!

After our walk I went for a jog about the neighborhood.

I really can’t express how happy I am to be back in Belhaven! I just love it here. It truly feels like I am “home”. I am so comfortable in my skin and with my life. It’s a good feeling.

I listened to music and left my doors open to let the breeze come in.

I went to yoga and had my ass kicked but boy did it feel good! It feels good today to be passionate about life and to be able to fully participate in life; To be fully present and engaged in the moment.

I hope that each of you had a marvelous first day of Spring.

As you can tell, I certainly did;)

Here’s to a full week of Spring Time Bliss!

Lucky Dog Rescue

It’s FRIDAY!

Time to do a Happy Dance!

But more importantly,

It’s time to give to those in need.

I want to introduce you to someone who is changing the world with not just her words but with the way she lives her life.

I’m working on a blog called “The Movers and the Shakers” and she was the first person I thought of when I thought about who inspired me, who makes me want to be a better person, and who is challenging me to live my truth!  She is leaving a legacy of love and hope and fearce determination with every step she takes.

*She* is none other than Ashley Owen Hill.

Ashley and I hail from the same home-town.

She has a passion.

Her passion is animals. Especially doggies;)

She rescues dogs. Everyday.

She selflessly takes them in her home.

And tries to find “Forever Homes” for them.

She has dedicated her life to saving these animals.

WOW!

What an amazing little lady!

She is as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside.

Please take time today to visit her site.

And donate either your time or money to her cause.

And if possible, please think about fostering or adopting one of her angels.

We need more people like Ashley in our lives.

People who remind us that we shouldn’t be asking what the world can do for us,

But what we can do for the world.

 This weekend, take a few minutes to get out of yourselves and help somebody in need.

The feeling and knowledge that you helped another living soul is priceless.

So,

Hop to it!

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again

 Stephen Grellet

 Click HERE to follow Ashley's Blog! 

Click HERE to donate money!