catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Embracing the Last Remnants of Fall

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.

~Catnip of Life
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The Heart Has NO Wrinkles

Heart-has-no-wrinklesIt is inevitable for the wrinkles of life to show their ‘ugly’ signs throughout the aging process. For some, the signs of aging appear much earlier than others. How soon they appear and the deepness of their appearance depends upon life itself…its ups & downs, as well as detours along the way. 

“Wave the magic wand!” we might say at some point. Ah-h-h-h, if only that would work but then we could find ourselves in the midst of a global storm! Yet, if we were without those wrinkles, what would that say about our lives? Would we have truly lived? Would we have smiled and laughed, as well as frowned and cried? Or, would our faces look pasty without any indications of former emotion?

Reflect back on times in your life perhaps when a wrinkle might have first appeared. What was your reaction? Did signs of any wrinkling change the love and compassion you feel in your heart?  To love and to be loved never ages regardless if wrinkles appear!

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
Sophia Loren   

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CATNIP OF LIFE on the ROCKS (Literally)

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!

http://www.catnipoflife.info

#jetties #beachlife #nature #fun #photoshoot

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Live from the Catnip of Life

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.info Click 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!

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Life, Decisions, Paths and Choice

Life is busy!

Yes! Life is very busy and full of noise. It’s essential to find moments of stillness and reflection. 

Today, I invite you to reflect the power of choice and its impact in your life. Choice requires decision making.

The Power of Decision

Whether we choose to act or not to act, making a conscious decision is powerful. 

To choose = to have power. 

It’s a declaration of ownership over our lives and an acknowledgement of our ability to shape our future. 

Each choice we make, big or small, contributes to the person we become and the experiences we have.

Two Paths

In every decision we face, we can imagine our options as two distinct paths

One represents action, and the other, inaction. 

Yes, or no. 

Both paths lead to different experiences and opportunities. 

By acknowledging the consequences and rewards of each choice, we can trust our intuition and make decisions that align with our deepest desires.

Embracing Choice

As you continue with your day, let the power of choice guide you in your decisions. 

Remember, you have the power to shape your future, one choice at a time. 

Whether you choose to act or not to act, know that you have control over your destiny.

You are powerful. 

Take a moment to reflect on the choices you’ve made in your life, and consider how they’ve shaped your experiences and who you are today. 

Embrace the power of choice, and know that each decision contributes to the rich tapestry of your life.

Note: Credit for this post goes to the inspiration provided by Mike Knott, Life Coach, Spiritual Advisor, www.AttractingGrace.com

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Friends vs. Friendship

Piggies1

Piggies can be our friends!

During a lifetime, each person will encounter innumerable friends. They will come. They will go. Some will be remembered. Some won’t. Many will be real. Thousands will be virtual. Yet, we call them all friends. There is really no separation. Some we see. Some we don’t. These are our circle of friends.

What makes a person a friend? Can someone be called “friend” yet not truly be a friend, only act friendly? Everyday conversation occurs during which someone will reply, “Oh, he’s my friend!” or “I know her. She is a friend of mine.” Has this happened to you? Have you ever paused in wonder as to what made you identify a person as a friend? Each of us will have different thoughts and answers to that question.

We have work-friends, buddy-friends, intellect-friends, fun-friends, the talker-friend and the listener-friend. There is the big brother or big sister and of course, the friend who is like a mom or dad. Some even earn our trust as we accept them into our hearts without question. Each plays a significant role in life.

Now turn to friendship. Any difference?

Friendship is a form of love, passionate in the sense of caring and understanding but not erotic. It is resting your head on someone’s shoulder and crying out of sheer happiness or sobbing uncontrollably in times of sorrow. It is that person holding you so tight you do not want them to let go for you are no longer capable of separating one person’s tears from the other. It is disagreeing and finding harmony in disagreement. Those are the personal lasting friendships.

Today, with the advancement of social networking, friendship does not get applied to many situations. The friends in this environment are acquaintances that people do not even know and probably will never know. Yet, comfort can still be found, it is simply within written communication, rather than in person.

Each of us can be a friend, associate with friends, and form lasting friendships. Those that last are the ones which we truly celebrate. In other words, a celebration of friendship is when you are not only told you have dirt on your face but your friend helps you clean up your mess! This is our blessing of friendship.

Angel of Friendship

friendship_angelstar-divider-lineA cloud floats from Heaven
To rest upon a shoulder
A soft, billowing pillow
Where an angel abides

Quietly, gently resting
‘Til needed to leaven
Heaviness like a boulder
Laying worries aside

Who is this angel?
Quintessence of loyalty
Bearer of charity
Who offers companionship…

Listener with quiet understanding,
Sunbeam smiles radiating harmony,
A messenger of amity
Ensuring a lasting relationship

Who is this angel?
This angel is the angel of friendship!

Echoes©2004 Echoes
Sharla Lee Shults

 

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The Pulse of Life

heart_beats

From the first heartbeat to the last, there’s a rhythm to life known to us all in the form of music. . . slow beats, rapid beats, beats out of sync, skipped beats, irregular beats, beats that make the heart flutter. The pulse of life changes as moods swing and bodies sway in accordance with the sequence of stressed and unstressed beats until the final beat falls silent.

Remain on-beat thwarting those off-beat moments that attempt to set you off balance. Keep upbeat with a pep in your step as you reach out for the sun or walk in the rain. It’s all in the music…the music called life

And, what better way to enjoy life than hand in hand with Mother Nature. That is the Catnip of life. . . reel with excitement or relax in tranquility! Just like the music, ride the waves like dancing the Jitterbug or flow along with a mountain stream like the Vienna Waltz. 

Music-Heart-Beats

Heartbeats

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties,

Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

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The Essence of Poetry

Do you consider yourself a lover of poetry or have you always shrugged at the thought of having to read poetry? Unfortunately, poetry carries with it the possibility of misunderstanding or totally not understanding at all the intent of the poet. It is deep within a matter of perception.

Poetry written with vision presents pictures/scenes with words. As you read The Essence of Poetry, create not only a vision in your mind but a feeling in your heart. Listen to the rhythm of the words in the same manner as you would a song.

Poetry is rhythmic
A melody like song
Striking the heartstrings
As life moves along

Tones are soothing
Loving sometimes
Words are healing
Calming the mind

Verses of visions
Paint a picture
Share a moment
Incite a venture

Lyrics that sing
Summon caressing
Pulse with rhythm
Become a blessing

With nature’s embrace
Spirits unfold
Laughter amid tears
Capture the soul

Poetry is art. The canvas is the mind. Thoughts are the paintbrush.
Catnip of Life

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From Tears to Smiles

A true story. . .

Today has been exploding with energy! On my early morning walk, I encountered Lily, a little girl about 5 or 6 years old, standing at the corner sobbing. I stopped and asked if she needed help. Was she hurt?

No, not physically. Her brother was on his bike peddling up the sidewalk and had left her standing at the corner. She said her father told her she could go no farther than the corner where I found her. So, there she stood with tears streaming down her face all alone.

I reached out with open arms and offered that we quieten her tears with a big hug. We stood there embracing as time seemed to stand still. I explained to her that her father was only trying to protect her.

I took her by the hand and we walked to her house where her dad was vacuuming the car. I asked if it would be okay for me to walk Lily to where her brother had stopped. He recognized me so I was no stranger and he said yes.

I told Lily we were going on a short journey and she needed to hold my hand tight. When we crossed the road leading to where I lived, I explained that was a river flowing with energy. Then, when we came to a bicycle bar along the sidewalk, I told her that was the bridge to a beautiful garden and for her to picture her favorite flowers.

We met her brother and then, turned around and headed back to the house. Along the way, we stopped, gathered and gave energy to a large tree. With both our arms, we could reach all the way around the tree’s trunk. When her brother passed by, he asked why we were hugging the tree. I explained that the tree is life that thrives on love, giving and receiving energy throughout the day and night.

We continued on our way and had I had a rearview mirror, it would have been interesting to see if the brother stopped to hug the tree.

I left her with her dad smiling, instead of sobbing feeling left out and alone. I continued on my walk knowing I had encountered the two kids that would be instrumental in listening as I write and complete my most challenging writing. . . a children’s book connecting a child with nature.

What a glorious day! We never know who or what is going to cross our path on any given day. Be grateful for all blessings received and give thankfulness in return.

Note: The photo was taken a while back when visiting family in South Carolina.

#writing #help #love #energy #grateful #streaming

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Before I Fall Asleep

Dreams . . . fantasies, awakenings of hidden memories, desires. . . occur only once REM is achieved. This usually happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. That’s an hour and a half! 

Question is “What happens in that time of pre-REM? or What do I do before falling asleep?” Is there a key or magic dust, which allows me to fall asleep calmly, enhancing the possibility of an oncoming dream and restful sleep? Wish I could provide THE answer but of course, I can’t. What I can do is think about what I actually do perhaps finding the trigger to falling asleep without counting sheep (or in my case, cats!). Um-m-m-m?

Let’s see…

  • Do I have a glass of warm milk? NO! (I don’t even like milk, let alone warm.)
  • Do I have a nice warm bath? NO! (Not sure I could get out of the tub. LOL)
  • Do I watch television? NO! (I hate TV these days. Same-o, same-o. Mostly bad news and as for movies, I know what is going to happen before it happens. Get some NEW material, producers!)

What do I do?

  • I thank my body for carrying me through the day.
  • I listen to meditative music 10 to 15 mins. Thank you, Alexa.
  • I read 10 pages in a book of empowerment and inspiration. 
  • I close my eyes in prayerful gratitude for all the daily blessings.

sleeping_cat1

Of course, the flip side is I am a writer. Usually after having fallen asleep at the computer, I decide to shut it down and head to bed. Once nighty-night preparations are in order, I wiggle my body under the covers and complete my 4-step ritual. Foxie, my calico cat, pounces into bed landing either on my chest or abdomen. (Glad I recently had her claws clipped!) Foxie kneads and kneads and kneads, then gives herself a bath and finally snuggles against my side. I give her a usual love pat and she purr-r-r-r-rs softly while settling down for the night.

I turn out the light, sighing softly to myself how grateful I am for my nice warm bed and I am ready to go to sleep. . . or so I think!

Can'tSleepMy brain won’t stop! I barely close my eyes when “words of wisdom” begin fleeting in and out of my mind like a swarm of bees flitting from flower to flower seeking pollen. I grab the ever-ready pad and pencil (or my cellphone) readily available on the night table sometimes turning back on the light, other times not. In earnest haste, I jot down as many thoughts as I possibly can but inevitably miss many in the process of writing them down or getting them into my notes on my cellphone. At least some are saved! But, now I am wide awake!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

What is your secret to a good night’s sleep?

How do you turn off the mental noise at the end of the day?

Nighty-night! Sweet dreams. . . z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z. . .

Notice Foxie is asleep on my laptop! Busy day for her, too! Meow!

Foxie_Lap1

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