Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Pink Palace of the Pacific

Our Hawaiian Home was The Royal Hawaiian Resort. It is referred to as, The Pink Palace of the Pacific. For four girls...I mean, princesses...it was perfect, and it was gorgeous! I found so much beauty every time I walked down a new hall, or went around a different corner.


One of the Verandas

This walk-way to and from the pool area, was a favorite of mine. It is also a favorite backdrop for bridal pictures, and we saw several brides doing just that!

Potted ferns perched on the rooftop.

Beach side Pool area

I fell in love with the copper accents!

The view of our room, from the beach. Our room is the second one down from the top...right in the middle.

Pink Arches

The entry

Our morning view of Diamond Head

Our beautiful suite! The pink, brown and green inspired me!

A beautiful little gift. Banana Macadamia Nut Bread.

"The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived."

The Tale of An Ordinary Girl Who Becomes A Pampered Princess In Hawaii

A'loha, and welcome to my story. This is the beginning blog about how ordinary me, ended up on an airplane bound for the Island of O'ahu, in Hawaii.

Several months ago, our friends, Jodi and Jolene, invited my mother and I to join them on a trip to Hawaii. When they first asked us, I was in shock...never believing that I could make it happen. In the next few days, and a few visits with my hubby and my mom, we decided to go for it!

Thus began our Journey to Hawaii. We dreamed and planned...and I waited too long to shop for Summer-ish clothes...and we dreamed and planned some more. We went on a day-long shopping trip, where most of our time was spent trying on bathing suits. Yes, that was about as much fun as getting my tooth drilled for a root canal.
About 3 weeks before our departure date, I decided that I had to figure out what to do about clothes for Hawaii. Setting aside my terrible procrastinating nature, I started scouring the clearance racks at Target, Marshalls, Old Navy and TJ Maxx....and low and behold, I found some really great bargains. I think that my traveling partners were a tad jealous that I found white linen Capri's for $9.99, while they spent much more, months earlier.
The night before our trip, around 9:00 p.m., we found out that our flight had been cancelled! It was rather stressful, as Jodi's travel agent (God Bless Her!) came to our rescue and booked us another flight, this one sending us through Denver, instead of San Fransisco.

We boarded our plane early the next morning, and after making our connection in Denver, we took off across the Southwest side of North America, then it was out over the Pacific Ocean for about 5 hours. I know for you World Travelers, that is small potatoes, but for this Ordinary Idaho Girl, that was my first trip over the sea!
We landed at the Honolulu International Airport, and stepped out onto the walkway. I have two words to describe this moment:

1. HUMIDITY!!
2. AROMA!!

At first, I wondered if I would survive for six days in that humidity, but then when the aroma of Hawaii hit my senses, I was convinced that I had arrived in paradise, and I was up for whatever the humidity had to offer!

While still in the airport, Jodi snuck off and purchased gorgeous Plumeria leis for us.
We found our rental car, mapped our course, and headed for Waikiki Beach.
Upon entering the circular drive for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Resort, my breath left me, as that stunning pink hotel came into view!
We drove up to the entrance, stepped out of our car, and were immediately surrounded by doormen, dressed in black pants and pink jackets. They unloaded out luggage, parked the car, draped black wooden leis around our necks, and said, "A'loha Princess, and welcome to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel."
We were escorted to the front desk for check in, and then immediately served Hibiscus & Guava Lemonade in petite glasses.

That was the moment I knew, I was going to LOVE Hawaii!! And we hadn't even seen our room, or the ocean yet!
Stay tuned for more........

Monday, October 18, 2010

Make a Wave

It happened last night. Our family had just finished our Pepper-jack Cheesy Nachos, and the kids were watching a show in the next room...a Disney channel show. I heard a catchy song playing and just as it was coming to the last chorus, I heard this phrase:

Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion....

It stopped and said to Ashley, "I love those words!" She went on to tell me who was singing (Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas), and more about the song. The song was written in response to the clean-up efforts on the gulf coast, and the video shows Disney kids working to clean up the beach, while animals jump in and out of the surf.

I love that kids are being encouraged to make a difference, in their world...on any level.


They say the beat of a butterflies wings,
Can set off a storm a world away
What if they're right and the smallest of things
Can power the strongest hurricane?
What if it all begins inside?
We hold the key that turns the tide

[Chorus:]
Just a pebble in the water
Can set the sea in motion
A simple act of kindness
Can stir the widest ocean
If we show a little love
Heaven knows what we could change
So throw a pebble in the water
And make a wave, make a wave
Make a wave, make a wave

The single joys that you take and send
And reach out your hand to someone in need
Don't fool yourself and say you can't
You never know what can grow from just one seed
So come with me and seize the day
This world may never be the same

How often have I felt like my little contribution to this world, wasn't enough to matter? Often in God's Word, we are encouraged to give what we have, and let God take our gifts, to multiply and distribute as He wisely chooses. But I frequently struggle with faith here.
Last week, when we met Melissa, the homeless, pregnant girl in Oregon, I left her feeling like what we did, probably wasn't going to change anything for her. I prayed that it would, but felt like it was just a drop in the bucket.

I doubt I am alone--when I have a chance to be part of changing something big, we tend to think that we don't have enough to make a difference.
But it really is! Especially if it is done from a heart of kindness, love, joy...
As Christians, we have the fruit of the Spirit in us, empowering us to make a difference in our world...one pebble or person at a time.

It might be that kind word; that $5.00 bill. It might be that compassionate touch, or a warm friendly smile. It might be that 2 hours that we spend helping out with a community project, or the bag of clothes that we donate to The Closet.
It might just be that big hug we give our child, or the time we take to play their game. Maybe it's spending some time in the world of our teenagers, and making sure they feel like they matter to us. What about our spouses...there are so many ways we could show mercy and love.

Then there is the thought that while what we do may not necessarily change the world, it can change the world for that person.
When the old man began picking up starfish, one at a time, and throwing them back into the water, a passerby said, "Sir, you will never be able to save all the hundreds of starfish on this beach. Why bother?" He replied as he continued to gently toss one back, "But I can help this one, and this one, and this one......"
God knows our hearts. He sees our efforts-our contributions, and He promises to bless them.
I am challenged in my heart today. Maybe it's a renewal of a passion. To leave each person's life better for my having been in it...one pebble at a time. No telling what that little stone could stir up!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Salsa Day

Today was Salsa Day here at our house. I used a new recipe that seemed to make the process much less complicated, and we love the results!! Yes, we have already tasted the fruit of our labors tonight!
I don't know why I felt the need to make this into a photo opportunity, but I love taking pictures of veggies...all the colors make me smile! Plus, it made this chore seem more....entertaining!
The recipe I used, calls for roasting the tomatoes before making them into salsa. Because I had such an abundance of Roma, Big Bertha's, and Cherry Tomatoes, I decided to use them all.





My most favorite herb...Cilantro!



These will all take a little whirl around the blender!

Simmer


This is the handy little thing that I just got, so that I don't burn my fingers, while taking the HOT jars out of the canner!

There is always a big mess!


In jars and sealed tightly!


Thank you, God, for my garden this year. It has been a gift to us! Now, tomorrow, I will freeze all the Zucchini. After that...it's apple time!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Melissa


We were on our way home from Women of Faith in Portland, Oregon, when it all happened...a moment that would change four hearts forever.

We had pulled over to get gas and use the ladies room, in The Dalles. We split back up into the two separate vehicles (I was driving my friend's Denali) and once again made our way back toward Interstate 84. As we came around a corner, there at the intersection of Cherry Heights Rd. and West 2nd Street, stood a young girl with a sign that read,

"Pregnant and hungry. Even 1.00 would help."

I see signs and "homeless" people like this all the time. I know that in our society, there are fakes and posers out there. I know that most of these people take any money they are given and buy alcohol or drugs with it. I know all of that....but this one was different for me. It made me feel like someone had stabbed me in the abdomen, and I felt physically sick.
Maybe it's because the sign said, "Pregnant and hungry"? Maybe because my job involves being with pregnant women, a lot? Maybe because none of my pregnant clients are ever hungry...well, for very long?

Whatever it was, I knew I had to stop...but I didn't. I had 3 other friends in the car with me, and no one was saying anything. As I followed the rest of our group in the other vehicle, we made a wrong turn and ended up going through the heart of The Dalles. I kept thinking, "Sheila, go back!" But I kept going.

As the entrance to the Interstate came into view, God spoke, "Sheila, go back!" So, I said to my very quiet passengers, "I can't let this one go. I have to go back to where that pregnant girl is!" They all replied, "Yes, we have to!!" I called the other group and told them our intentions, and made a U-turn in the road.

As we backtracked our mistaken route, my friends, without hesitation began digging into their purses for cash, and gathering any good food we had with us...Oranges, granola bars, Sun-chips, water....even a napkin.
As we made our way back to that intersection, I heard whispers of prayer in the seats behind me.

We parked up the road a little way, and then the four of us, clean and abundantly blessed women, walked toward this young girl, who was announcing with her sign, that she had a baby inside, and she was hungry.

As we walked up, she gave us a look of despair. I said to her that we had some things we wanted to give her, and individually began to hand her money. She choked up, and let her face fall. Then one of my friends said as she handed the bag of food to her, "We want to tell you that Jesus loves you." She shook her head in silence. I asked her if she knew Jesus, and she shook her head yes, again.

We began to talk to her and asking if she was alone in this world, to which she replied, that she wasn't. She said, "My husband comes around once in awhile, but I never know when he will be back."

She told us that she was a month and a half along. That is 6 weeks. Her baby already has a heartbeat, arms, legs, and nostrils. Her baby's birth should come sometime around next June.

I asked her if she would be willing to share her first name with us, so that we could pray for her, and she said, "Melissa".

Having asked her if I could pray with her right there, I laid my hand on her back, and prayed for God to come very near Melissa, and wrap His arms around her. I asked for protection and peace over her. I asked for God to bring people into her life, that could guide her and help her. I thanked God for letting us see Melissa. I asked Him to show her how much He loves her.

She thanked us, and we hugged her goodbye.

We walked silently back to our car, and drove towards I-84.

This wasn't about what will be done or bought with the money. This isn't about if she was faking it. This isn't about what society or Christians are doing right or wrong.

What this is about...
GOD! And I know that He told me to go back. I know that He told all four of us, that we needed to help. I know that we gave from our hearts. I know that those were the emptiest eyes I've ever seen--completely void of all hope. I know that her body is used and abused. And, I am confident that she has a baby inside.

I haven't been able to forget those eyes. I saw them in my sleep last night, and I did what I can do. I asked God to stay very close to her. I asked Him to be her Shepherd and come to her rescue.

And, I named her baby, "Dot"....another story.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Autumn's Favorite Things

Fall has arrived! I noticed this morning, as I was watering my plants in the front, that the leaves are falling off of our little maple tree, that stands beside the mailbox.
I was born in the Fall, so I've always reasoned that it was my favorite season, because of that simple fact. Being an Idaho Girl, I am blessed to live in a part of the country, where we have all four seasons, so I have reasons to love all the them. But Fall is still my favorite!
I think it goes along with my personality the most. My idea of a dream day, is to be in something comfortable, and then snuggle up with a cozy quilt, a captivating book, and a hot mug of chai tea or coffee! Does that sound like something you can do in the Summer?
I will soon crawl under the stairs and drag out my boxes of Fall Decor, then I will set about dressing my house up for the season. I will make a trip to Wissell's Fruit Market for a batch of pumpkins, then I will go to Williamson's Orchards and get apples.
Next week, after celebrating Nikki's birthday, I will make Apple Sauce and Apple Butter. (that is, if I get my Salsa canned first)
There is something about this season that beckons me savor the simple, and create a atmosphere of calm in my home. All it takes is lighting a cinnamon candle, and the kids smile when they walk in the door...feeling that coziness in the air!
Walking into a fruit market, driving by an apple orchard, opening the door to Heritage Reflections, and smelling those 'good-enough-to-eat' candles...or just taking a walk on a gorgeous fall evening...all of that triggers my love and desire to welcome Fall with open arms!!

This is not my home, but I would live here in a heartbeat!

Nothing like a Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Front Porch

Taking a day trip to see the beauty in the mountains, by Idaho City!

Baking Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!

This would be a fun place to sit, but I wonder what that can is really used for??? Hmm?

God made us all very unique and different, just like these gourds! Look at that bumpy one!!

Serenity!

Can you smell it?


Psalms 34:8....Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!


**some photos are taken from freefotos.com, and some are from my personal collection.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I Choose Joy!


This morning, in our bible study, Dr. Catherine Hart admonished us to combat the stresses of life by laughing a lot. I immediately thought of the Gaither Children's video, where George Younce sings, "The Laughing Song" ("Oh, hahahahahahahahah.....) and found myself singing it most of the day. I believe being able to truly laugh, comes from having a heart full of joy!


Life is tough. Life hurts. Life is not fair....that is just the way it goes. Barbara Johnson authored a book years ago entitled, "Pain Is Inevitable, Misery Is Optional...Stick A Geranium In Your Hat and Be Happy" I read the book, and the message has stuck with me since. Although life hurts, and pain comes unbeckoned, we can either choose to be miserable, or we can choose joy.

I choose JOY!
Webster gives joy, three definitions, and they are as follows:

1. the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
2. a state of happiness or bliss
3. a source or cause of delight

In my life....

I deal with the stress of being a supportive wife to my wonderful husband. I deal with the stress of raising three children, in this crazy world. I deal with the stress of parents and grandparents who are fighting physical issues. I deal with the stress of loosing loved ones. I deal with the stress of meeting the needs of my family and friends. Cars break down, tires blow, keys get lost, toes get stubbed, or in my case, broken. I burn my arm on the stove, my kids get sunburned when Mom forgets to apply enough SPF 50, and the grass burns brown when we don't get enough water on it.
My heart breaks with hurt, misunderstandings and unforgiveness. I say things I regret, and don't say things I should. I fall....I get back up....I go on. It's life.

But also in my life...

I find a love letter from the man who chose me above all others, to be his wife. I hear the sweet words from a child of mine, saying, "Hey Mom, you are the best!" I sip my coffee from a mug that says, "Lord, You fill me with JOY in Your presence." I walk outside and hear the sounds of morning, and smell the freshness of growing tomato plants and heirloom roses. I open my Bible, and read God's words to me. I witness the first breath and cries of a newborn baby, and feel the closeness of God in that very moment. I spend precious time with friends, laughing and encouraging each other to keep going. I hear my children pray. I have a personal relationship with my Father God. I sing His Praise, I worship, I love, I delight....I laugh!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said,

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is success!"

In the end, I know that success is not measured in things or accomplishments, but in how we lived and loved, how we impacted the lives of others. I want to be remembered for loving well, and laughing a lot...not for being the most stressed out woman on the planet!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Empty Cups and Early Morning Prayers


Picture in your mind with me...

You awakened this morning in your warm, comfy bed; you stood up, stretched, and reached for an empty cup that sits on your nightstand. You walked out your bedroom door and into your day...with your empty cup. You walked downstairs and your husband is sitting at the kitchen table, eating his breakfast. You went to him and said, "Is there anything you can put into my cup?" He smiled at you, and said, "Good Morning, Sweetheart!" (and dropped a coin into your cup) You walked away, happy that your cup had something in it.


You got into the car with your kids, to take them to school, and asked, "Can you put anything into my cup today?" They smiled and said, "Bye Mom! Love you!" (and each dropped a coin into your cup)

You called a friend on the phone and in your neediness, you asked, "Can you add something to my cup today?" and your friend told you what a good mom you are, or how adorable your new haircut is. (and dropped her coin into your cup)

You opened the fridge and ask the food to fill your cup...or in my case this morning, I asked the coffee-pot.


The rest of the day went along much the same, and by the end of the day, there were a dozen or so coins rattling around in the bottom of your proverbial cup....but your cup is far from full, and you ended your day, unsatisfied and empty of soul. Tomorrow morning, you will start all over again, with the begging; hoping for a fuller cup.


Humans can't stand a feeling of emptiness...we will find one way or another to satisfy our souls."


In Luke 4:18, Luke states that "I have been sent to preach the good news to the poor..." This word "Poor" has the meaning, "Subsisting on the alms of others"

He was sent to tell those who are going around with empty cups, that the good news is, there is only One who can fill their cups to satisfaction!


"Until we find satisfaction in Christ, we will wear others out with our needs."


When I heard this, I thought of all the people in my life, whom I have drawn all my satisfaction from, and worn completely out! Poor people...God bless them for sticking it out with me...and for those who gave up, Bless them too, Lord!


I wake up every morning, with human needs. I need to feel loved. I need to feel significant and like I matter in this world. I need to know that what I do is noticed. I need, I need, I need....and much to often, I go around hoping that I will have those needs met by other humans...flawed and just as needy.


Psalms 90:14...Satisfy us in the morning, with Your unfailing love (love that is not given according to how I lived my last 24 hours), that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."


Psalms 63:1...."Oh God, you are my God, early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You..."


This is what I pray will soon by my reality...

I wake up and before I even get out of bed, I pour out my heart to God. Emptying myself of foolish thoughts, bad attitudes, selfish needs---myself. Then ask him to redeemingly fill my empty cup with His unfailing love--so as I go about my day, my cup will be so full of Christ, that any affirmation my family and friends shower on me, becomes the overflow of a truly satisfied soul...a full cup!


"Yes, we are meant to AFFIRM one another, but we cannot FULFILL one another."


Did you just hear all the people who know me, breathe a sigh of relief?? I did.


All quotes are from Beth Moore's teaching on "A WOMAN'S PRAYER LIFE...THE SACRED ROMANCE"

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Let The Camping Begin!

One of the best things about living in Idaho, is the opportunity to go camping in some of God's most gorgeous creation! We were invited to join friends for a Memorial Weekend Camping trip, to Stanley Lake, Idaho. I had never been there before, and was stunned at the beauty!

We arrived on Friday night, in a heavy snow/rain storm, but woke up Saturday to a beautiful, chilly, mountain morning. The air was fresh, the snow-covered peaks were showing their splendor, and the coffee and pancakes tasted better than ever!

While all seven boys and Nikki grabbed their guns, to go out into the forest to fight off enemies, the rest of us relaxed, played games, and enjoyed the time together. The men kept the fire going, while the girls played many rounds of Dutch Blitz. The next day, the Pa French, Pa Taylor and Pa Renfrow helped the warriors build a log-fort for a day-long game of Capture the Flag.

Evening found us sitting around the campfire singing funny songs about swimming pools and bears in Tuallome's, while we enjoyed S'mores.

We hope this is the first of several camping trips this Summer. Great memories!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Gold Stars & Gray Dots


There is a children's book by Max Lucado called, You Are Special. I have never read that book to my kids, without tears streaming down my face. I would recommend it to anyone of any age...timeless truth!


In this story, Punchinello, a Wemmick (wooden boy) from Wemmicksville, is struggling with his identity. He spent much of his time looking around at his fellow Wemmicks, thinking that everyone was better than him. (sound familiar?)

Although his maker, Eli, the Woodcarver, reminded him frequently, that he was special, just the way he was made to be, he listened to the voices telling him he wasn't.

The Wemmicks spent their days doing the same thing, They gave each other stickers. If they did something amazing, or if they were particularly beautiful, they would get gold star stickers. If they tripped on their feet, said something silly, or just didn't have their act together, they got gray dots.

This practice left Punchinello covered with gray dots, because he was a clumsy Wemmick, who frequently forgot his hat, or scratched his paint.

After awhile he didn't want to go out in public because he had so many dots! (yep, this is sounding like my life. What about yours??)


One day, Punch goes to talk to Eli, the Woodcarver, about his dots.


This is how the conversation went:

"Hmm...looks like you have been given some bad marks, Punchinello."


"I didn't mean to Eli. I really tried hard."


"Oh you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."


"You don't?"


"No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."


Eli goes on to explain to Punch that he was made to be special for who he was. He tells Punch that the only reason the stickers stay on him, is "because they only stick if you let them."

Punch didn't understand, and asked how to not care what others think about him. Eli told Punch that he needed to walk up the hill everyday and visit His maker. The more time he spent talking to the One who made him, the one who thought he was special, the less it mattered what the other Wemmicks think.

I share this, because it is so similar to our lives...my life.

Instead of stars and dots, we give and receive "labels". We get up in the morning, look in the mirror and label ourselves as "Fat/Skinny/Cute/Ugly". We go to work, school, to Bible Study, and say something we regret, and we label ourselves as "Stupid/Ignorant" or on the flip side-we are praised for giving a good speech, and we label ourselves as "Brilliant/Smart". We bump into someone as we walk out of a door, knocking their coffee everywhere, and we label ourselves as "Clumsy/Accidental". Or we are complimented on those cute shoes we are wearing, and we label ourselves as "Adorable/Fashionable". We find out that someone we hung the moon on, has let us down, and we label ourselves "Abandoned/Unlovable/Rejected"

We spend much of our time walking though life, giving and receiving Gold Stars and Gray Dots.

My stars say things like, "Creative, Wordy, Happy, Likes To Have Fun, Caring, Merciful, Hospitable (Betty Crocker)...."

My dots are, "Chatty Kathy, Procrastinator, Fat, Terribly Clumsy, Misunderstood, Unorganized...."

Some dots and stars are self-stuck...meaning that I give myself plenty of the labels to carry around. But I am consumed way too often, with the dots and stars that others stick on me.

I am reminded that in order for me to not "let them stick", I have to walk up the hill, and get on my knees before my Maker, and Redeemer. I have to talk to him about my dots and stars. I have to get quiet, and let Him tell me that He finds great delight in me...and then it starts to make sense.


What if instead of Stars and Dots, when others look at me, they were to see God's Truth? What would my life look like, if that is all I sought after...what God says about me?


I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am forgiven (Eph. 1:7-8)

I am complete (Col. 2:9-10)

I am secure (Rom. 8:31-39)

I am free (Rom. 6:18)

I am sheltered and protected ( Col. 3:3)

I am dearly loved (Col. 3:12)

I am God's treasure (1 Peter 2:9-10)

I am God's friend (John 15:15)


and last but not least....


I am God's Workmanship-Ephesians 2: 10


"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I think it is high time, that I live and act (and believe) as if I am God's Masterpiece! Does anyone care to join me...it could be an adventure!



"You Are Special" by Max Lucado, 1997

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Spring into Everyday Living!




I am always looking for new ways to enjoy God's world and creation, that are simple and can be enjoyed over and over again. I found these in my Life: Beautiful Magazine and thought my blog friends might enjoy them as well.


BRINGING SPRING INTO EVERYDAY LIFE:

*Plan an outdoor sunrise breakfast and Bible reading for yourself and one or two others.
Pack a wicker basket with fresh fruit and cheese, a thermos of tea or coffee, bottles of juice and water, a few croissants and a blanket or two, then head to the beach (I wish) or park. Share what God is doing in your life, currently!

*Go for a leisurely bike ride or walk on a path lined with blooming flowers and trees.

*Fly a kite with your kids and don't worry about what time it is.

*Sort through your closet and sell, donate or discard what you don't use or need. Then organize the rest by color, style, use, ect.

*Plant a garden. If you don't have space, plant a window box or patio planter.

* Visit farmers' markets for locally grown produce. Pick out a bouquet of fresh flowers while you are there.

* Take a trip to a local nursing home or assisted living center. Make someone's day with a pretty bunch of tulips or daisies.
*Sample new vegetables and fruits. Check farmers' markets for food you have yet to try, and ask the seller for ideas in perparation. Jicama, artichokes, various peppers and a host of heirloom tomatoes may be a few taste pleasers you have yet to enjoy.

*Learn a new sport or craft.

*Re-arrange your furniture for a fresh new look on a limited budget. Switch furnishings from different rooms for a more dramatic effect.

*Host a neighborhood seed exchange.

*Send and email or note to someone you haven't talked to for some time. Let them know they are in your thoughts.

*Go for a walk to clear your mind and enjoy the moment. Make this a daily habit.
*Go to a local park and play a pick-up game of basketball or H-O-R-S-E. The kids would love this!

*Start a daily journal.