The “catnip of life” IS Mother Nature! Like the effects of catnip on the cat, nature provides us excitement on one hand, tranquility on the other.
Nature is fertile ground for creativity and imagination. Often the simplest views of nature spark the most profound thoughts of thankfulness and gratitude.
This image reminds me of Robert Frost and his reference to the road less traveled. Even though this presents a single road vs one that forks affording us a choice, this too opens the door to choice.
While it appears quite simple in its view, it is powerful in meaning. It invites you to travel along the road of simplicity, leaving the busyness behind.
Would you travel this road or seek a more profound view?
As the crisp air gradually approaches winter’s chill, let’s reflect on the last remnants of fall that surround us. Nature, adorned in its warm hues, has already begun its graceful farewell to the vibrant season we’ve cherished. The trees, once ablaze with the fiery colors of autumn, stand almost barren with their leaves carpeting the ground as nature’s welcome mats.
I encourage you to step outside and immerse yourself in this transitional phase. This could be as close as out your front or back door. Witness the leaves dancing in the gentle breeze, feel the cool air on your face, and let the rustle of the remaining foliage be a soothing soundtrack to your day.
Observe. Listen.
Perhaps, take a moment to walk through a park or nearby woods and capture the rustle of leaves beneath your feet, inhale the earthy fragrance lingering in the air.
Embrace. Breathe.
It’s a poignant reminder that change is an inevitable part of life, and each season, like chapters in a book, has its own unique story to tell.
Savor nature’s abundant beauty.
Let’s capture this fleeting moment together through time and space, whether a leisurely stroll, a cozy cup of tea by the window, or simply pausing to admire the sunset’s warm glow. As we transition into the coming winter season, let’s carry the essence of fall with us—the memories of pumpkin-spiced moments, the sound of leaves crunching beneath our steps, and the feeling of warmth in our hearts that autumn always brings.
Wishing you a cozy and reflective season as we soon prepare to voice our gentle goodbyes to fall.
If you ask me about autumn, it is leaves dancing across the ground—Elements of a former life wherever nature’s spirit abounds.
Most interesting is the Bee Dance, aka, the Waggle Dance.
It’s a fact. . .
Honeybees perform a “waggle dance” to tell their nestmates where to go for the tastiest food. Bumblebees have stinky feet and can tell who’s walked on a flower before them.
Life Lessons from the Bees
‘Bee’ the best you can be Play together in love Join hands in fellowship Under the sky above
Seek the sweetness of life Filled with smiles and laughter Flit and flitter outside Morning, noon, thereafter
Capture rays of sunshine Sparkling on stems and leaves Marvel at wildflowers As they sway in the breeze
Look around you for signs Listen before you speak Life lesson from the bees ‘Bee’ yourself, ‘Bee’ unique
What would you label as being more important than your HEALTH and VITALITY? That should be an easy question to answer: NOTHING! Why? Because it would be difficult to live the life you love with your well-being simmering, sometimes barely simmering, on the back burner.
From the United States EPA (2023), Americans spend 90% of their time, not OUTdoors, but INdoors. Over half of American adults report spending 5 hours or fewer outside in nature each week. Over three-quarters spend 10 or fewer hours outside each week. (NATUREOFAMERICANS.ORG) Fox News reported recently nature deficit disorder as a problematic health issue. Negative health effects include obesity, cancer, heart disease, stress, anxiety, and depression.
The age of technology and the aftereffects of COVID have placed more and more demands on sitting at home or in an office staring at a computer screen. Then, there is also the cellphone which often times seems to be glued to people’s faces.
My challenge to you today: Step OUTdoors! Feel the energy of the earth beneath your feet. Listen to the soothing melodies of the wind and the birds. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. And, find comfort among the trees. In other words, BE outside. Trees are alive with energy flowing upward from the roots embedded deep within the earth as they gather their energy from the sun to grow and survive. The wind brushes the branches and leaves upon which the birds perch gracefully sometimes in joyful song.
HUG the TREE! Yes! Hug the tree! With your body tightly against the tree, offload all your emotional pain, absorbing the tree’s life-giving energy. The tree in return absorbs all the negative energy surging throughout you own body. The benefits of hugging the tree include reduced stress, improved immunity, lowered blood pressure, and quicker recovery from trauma or illness. (The Wilder Route. The Incredible Benefits of Tree Hugging) Thank the tree with love and move on about your day leaving any stress and anxiety behind you.
There is no age limit to hugging a tree. Make it a family and friends affair!
Even when skies are gray, the sun is still shining. It is in the background but it is there. Shining as brightly as ever beyond the clouds, it is the center of our solar system.
Savor life to its fullest! BE the difference that makes the difference!
Last week I had a photoshoot along the jetties at Panama City Beach, FL. This was scheduled to accompany an article I was asked to write about the Catnip of Life, which will be published during the month of June (Stroll Grand Lagoon – Delivering Neighborhood Connections). The photo shoot was an absolute blast! There are always stories to tell and of course, there is a ‘doozy’ behind this photo.
There were quite a number of photo shoots going on the day we were at the jetties. Some photographers had their professional equipment set up in the sand, while others were shooting with their phones. Mandjo Brokaw had just finished a shot when I turned around and spotted a young man standing tall on top of the same rock as depicted below. Another young man was snapping pictures with his phone.
Without even thinking twice, I turned to Mandjo Brokaw and exclaimed, “I want a photo on top of that rock (pointing to the young man as he stood proudly upon the rock, which was about 6 ft above the sand)! In an instant, I approached the young man with the camera after he finished snapping pictures.
Yes! I introduced myself and asked a favor. “I want a picture on that rock but need assistance getting to the top.” He grabbed me by the hand and up we went! I was barefoot so had to be careful because the sand was slippery on the rocks. He was steady as could be and led me right to the top, stepped aside, and I raised my hands to the glory of our Heavenly Father! (The young man’s name is Colin and very handsome!)
My only regret is that I didn’t have more pictures taken while I was there, perhaps sitting, instead of only standing, and on one foot, instead of both feet! hahahahaha Tomorrow IS another day and the jetties are surely not going anywhere soon!
Observe. Listen. Embrace. Breathe. Savor. Life to Its Fullest!
This is a FB live I completed on Thursday, May 11,2023. Even though wishes are expressed for a Terrific Thursday, the message holds fast any day of the week: Marvelous Monday, Thrilling Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Terrific Thursday, Fabulous Friday, Super Saturday, and Splendid Sunday.
Step outside into the catnip of life! Need help in learning more about this catnip? Visit catnipoflife.infoClick the tab Books & Contact for the new release Catnip of Life! Grab your copy today! You can walk hand in hand with Mother Nature regardless of a bright sunny day or amidst grey clouds and stormy weather. Like the effects catnip has on the cat, reel with excitement or relax in tranquility!
On one of my morning walks, I glanced upon the sidewalk and noticed a clump of bird feathers. The vision captured in my mind produced. . .The Last Flight. With today being the anniversary of 9/11/2001, timing seemed appropriate for sharing.
Think about your plans for the day. Is Mother Nature part of the mental picture? If you are in a area of sunshine, take a brisk walk. Observe. Listen. Breathe. No sunshine? No worries. Stand in your doorway or look out a window. Marvel at what you see for behind every cloud or within each raindrop is a degree of sunshine.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Life is too short to let a day go by without a smile and saying, “I love you!”. . . out loud! To yourself!! Love yourself so that love will be spread to others!
To all my friends and family – past, present & future – I am back where I belong, in the writing world! After three years since its completion, I have pulled to the forefront and removed the dust from the pages of Catnip of Life. The manuscript is complete, 200+ pages of poetry, times for reflection, musings on life and famous quotes that make a personal connection to each poem.
catnipoflife blog is ready to reawaken your senses to the world around you! Today, more than ever, we need to remain thankful for the beauty of this earth that brings abundant gratefulness for simply being alive. Whether you followed me in the past or are new to catnip, welcome to my world that offers insight to help you “keep a smile on your face, joy in your heart and optimism on your tongue” (Lou Vickery, former New York Yankees, Author & Radio Show Host)
It is time to take Catnip of Life manuscript off the shelf, remove the dust from its pages and share its presence with all who desire to examine life through a personal lens and ponder what is or has been missing or gone unnoticed. The essence of Catnip of Life is 200+ pages of poetry, time for personal reflection, musings on life, and quotes that make a connection of the verses to real life.
I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?
—James Thomson (Scottish Poet, 1700–1748)
Note about catnip: Catnip targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain.
To inevitably understand the catnip of life requires opening your senses to the world around you: Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest! The sky, the hills, the sea, the birds, the blossoms—each takes you to its own unique world. Captivating moments are right before your eyes, music to your ears, within your very grasp, under your nose waiting to be enjoyed.
Catnip of Life exposes nature as a diamond in the rough with its power to heal, outwardly in addition to inwardly. The verses reveal openness to the world, how simple everyday observances make a difference in your life, furthermore allowing you to touch the lives of others. From reflections where happiness is found in the darkest of times to sunshine easing innermost fears to experiencing life being given a second chance, there exists lightheartedness, along with heaviness of heart.
Keys to the catnip of life: beauty, imagination, nature, reflection, wonder!
First up is Diamond in the Rough. You have the option to read or listen to the audio (see below).
Diamond in the Rough
Awaken to the raw power of nature When crashing waves, lightning cavort Embark on a journey of pure imagery Where the mind’s eye is the transport
Blend the defiant power of nature With wonderment amid fascination Draw on the earth’s primordial spirit Charisma amongst imagination
Succumb to nature’s wilder places Mysticism within self-awareness Become lost in nature’s miracles Healing, transforming consciousness
Evoke visions of pure impulses Those of unbridled natural power Peaceful before quite overwhelming Surpassing any meditative hour
Observe nature untouched, unpolished Like finding a diamond in the rough Leave with a better understanding Of yourself interestingly enough
Proclaim the exhilaration A freedom deep within your soul It’s observing life at its best Totally under mind’s control
Quote of the Moment:
The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear. —Daniel Defoe (Journalist, 1660–1731)
AUDIO is for your Listening Pleasure! Close your eyes and enter the visionary mind.
Don’t leave yet! Time for observation and reflection…
As you go through the days ahead, focus on observing life at its best.
Observations—
On a scale of 1 to 10, right now in the moment, leave a comment rating your catnip level in observing life at its best. With the mindset of observance in the next few days, elevate your awareness of the world around you. Remain alert to capture something new or become more deeply acquainted with something familiar. Then, return to this post, leave a smile and add comment upon something you feel you never truly noticed…until your observance through the lens of the catnip of life.
Posts are prepared daily for catnip’s sister site Awakeningssince that site is tuned into what’s happenin’ on a daily basis, foodie fun and sounds of music, facts and trivia, of the past. Such has not been the case for catnipoflife, which is more inspirational. It is most important before going any further with today’s post to express thoughts of gratitude to those of you who have faithfully followed catnipoflife since its inception in 2011. Of course, that also applies to new followers and visitors. Because of YOU, I am still here! Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
Often posts from Awakenings are scooped onto catnip. Today’s post, however, needs to be showcased on both sites equally. Are you ready? More clearly – are you ready for Autumn?
The hours and days of summer relaxation have come to an end. But, the ending of summer signifies changes in seasons and anticipation of crisp, cool mornings, the bursting forth of bright oranges, reds and yellows as leaves intensify in brilliance during their own change. Within this anticipation is yet another eager time of awakening. The change in color announces the coming of falling leaves.
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There is music set to the theme of falling leaves…
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There is poetry where the falling leaves represent soldiers on the battlefield…
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There are childhood memories surrounding the falling leaves…
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With the falling leaves comes the time for the yard rake. While no one probably LIKES to rake leaves, there is the envelopment of a very special atmosphere. As the rake moves back and forth in rhythmic motion, leaves cling to its ‘fingers’ before being deposited in a pile. The pile keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. All the while children laugh and giggle in anticipation of what’s coming next.
It only takes is a few seconds to say, “Get ready, get set, go!” for each child to jump right smack dab in the middle! As your child becomes acclimated to the change in season, plant the seed of anticipation. If yours is an area of few or no trees, look around for your ‘pile of leaves’ – whatever brings on the smiles, laughter and giggles that will be long remembered and treasured.
Posts are prepared daily for catnip’s sister site 
catnipoflife 