From time to time, all of us are lucky enough to get swept up in a magical moment in which time stands still. Whether it’s with someone you’ve known most of your adult life or someone you are just getting know. Those moments can hold plenty of “Ahh – Ha’s” and are certainly times to be remembered and cherished.

Such was the experience I had on Saturday night. As an old woman, I lost my Mother and my Mom over two decades ago. One at the hand of another, the other to the ravages of cancer. I changed after those losses. One left me wondering how in the heck a “skilled” surgeon could so easily take the life of another. The other left me with a gaping hole in my heart that has taken years to heal. One biological. One, my mother-in-love.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the benefit of visiting with a wise Mom. One who birthed five children, raised them to productive adulthood, while managing to remain true to herself. Saturday night, I had the rare treat of spending some quality time with MM and his amazing mom, Miss B. I realized, after our evening spent talking about our respective losses of our spouses, how much I have missed interacting with a mom figure.

Miss B had decided to stay a couple nights with her eldest son, my Mysterious Marine. Now, Miss B and I have something in common right out of the gate. We both happen to think MM is an amazing guy. Of course, she has known him so much longer than I.

Our time together started by enjoying homemade Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms with crab.

HOMEMADE “RED LOBSTER” CRAB-STUFFED MUSHROOMS

INGREDIENTS

• 1lb fresh mushrooms
• ¹⁄₄cup celery, finely chopped
• 2tablespoons onions, finely chopped
• 2tablespoons red bell peppers, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂lb crabmeat
• 2cups oyster crackers, crushed
• ¹⁄₂cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₄teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• ¹⁄₄teaspoon black pepper, ground
• ¹⁄₄teaspoon salt
• 1egg
• ¹⁄₂cup water
• 6slices white cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 400deg F.
• Wash mushrooms and remove stems.
• Set caps aside, and chop half of the stems.
• Saute chopped mushroom stems,celery, onion and pepper in butter for 2 minutes.
• Transfer to a plate and cool in refrigerator.
• Combine sauteed vegetables and all other ingredients (except cheese slices) and mix well.
• Place mushroom caps in a sprayed or buttered baking pan stem side up.
• Spoon 1 tsp stuffing into each mushroom cap.
• Cover with a piece of sliced cheese.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is lightly brown.

Well, it’s impossible to start off on a bad foot with these mushrooms. MM had gone to the grocery store to hand select twelve of the most beautiful mushrooms in the store. Following the instructions to the letter, the mushrooms were delicious. We enjoyed them while folks at the Preakness were enjoying their traditional crab cakes. Very fitting.

Of course, I bet my traditional $1000.00 of imaginary bucks on the long shot, who did not win. There’s good reason why I never really bet on horse races or gamble much on anything, for that matter. I’m not very good at choosing a winner. The horse I bet on WAS very pretty.

As the evening progressed, MM created a fantastic dinner of Colossal Shrimp Scampi and angel hair pasta. Steamed Broccoli completed the dinner. For desert, we shared fresh Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, our new favorite.

As the evening unfolded, I learned of a family member with a pet monkey who loved to play with MM’s hair as a child. I learned that family is all important to this mother and son. And, I learned that some Grieving Gardeners have more in common than we originally knew. Whether widow, or widower, the loss of a spouse is devastating. The only way through the maze of grief is to talk it out. Wait it out. Pray it out. All while continuing to put one foot in front of the other. Keep on, keeping on.

Throughout the evening, as a spring thunderstorm set in, we continued to share the our own inspirational stories. As we talked, we shared thoughts like, “But how did they get through? I could have never done that. I wouldn’t have had the strength.”

Through three very different tragedies, we faced challenges in different ways. We all found courage and resilience to fight the battles we were given in the year of 2020. We all lost the loves of our lives. Yet, here we are, building new bridges across a sea of grief while holding on to beautiful new friendships we’ve made.

The evening ended way too soon. Wookie and Oliver were waiting at my house. Wookie begged and begged for a girl sleepover, so it was only fair that as the sun disappeared behind the mountains to the west, I returned home to the dogs.

This weekend, I learned that we’re all much stronger than we think. Don’t forget all the battles you’ve won while fighting your uphill battles with widowhood or widower-hood. Everyday, you prove to the world you are stronger than anyone would’ve ever thought. There isn’t anything that you can’t handle when put to the test.

Whatever you do today, think of mentors in your life that are examples of strength and resilience. As you spend time with them, remind them of their heroic deeds under the worst of circumstances. We all need to hear that once in awhile as we find our way through the wilderness of grief. You and I did good things in the midst of a sea of sadness and loss. We’d do it again in a heartbeat. Don’t forget that for a minute.

More tomorrow.

Do not be anxious about anything

But in everything,

By prayer and petition,

With thanksgiving,

Present your request to God.

And the peace of God,

Which transcends all understanding,

Will guard your hears and minds

In Jesus Christ.

Finally, brothers,

Whatever is true,

Whatever is noble,

Whatever is right,

Whatever is pure,

Whatever is lovely,

Whatever is admirable

If anything is praiseworthy,

THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS.

Whatever you have

Learned or

Received or

Heard from me,

Put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you. _{Philippians 4: 6-9}

Whatever you do, spend today looking for good. If there isn’t much happiness, try to create some. Your smile is a good place to start. Turn that frown upside down and get with it. Life is to beautiful to waste.

Have a wonderful weekend.

More tomorrow.

I’m so much happier when I have no electronic contact with the outside world. Life is beautiful at Winterpast, the garden of happiness. All day, I can tend to the needs of potted plants while pulling stray weeds under the big blue sky on the northwestern plains of the Nevada Desert. But, just like a moth to a flame, when I drive, I turn on the news. Yesterday’s main topic was troublesome.

Of course, humorous at times, too. Like envisioning THE Prince and Princess being chased to within an inch of their lives over a two hour period in New York City. Now, I’ve never been to NYC, but from what I’ve seen, that would be a little impossible with all the traffic. Maybe 30 seconds? A minute? But then, I’m not royalty. Maybe the entire town was on lockdown so those two could move about with their car chase.

If you haven’t watched the episode on Southpark about their “Privacy Tour”, you can catch some clips on “You Tube”. So funny I had to watch a few of them. Yes. We all want our privacy. Some just want it a little more than others.

Well, after the nonsense about the American royals, the news became more personal. The focus was on computer passwords. The ones we all use every day. In the very beginning, I was at a loss for thinking of new and fun passwords. Over the years, I’ve gotten better.

Now, it seems, the hackers have gotten better, too. A password of eight characters was the norm for 2018 standards. That’s what many companies recommend. Now, with Artificial Intelligence becoming so much smarter, it is recommended that our passwords are 12 random characters long, with plenty of symbols included. Don’t forget upper and lower case letters, numbers, and while you’re at it, throw in a picture of the family dog.

So, yesterday, I decided that I would comply for the bank. I would select a very new, random and personal code. But what would it be?

Being a writer, my brain can be quite creative. Two nights ago, I was enjoying a night at a most beautiful hotel just 46 miles from my doorstep. I was lucky enough to have a room on the 19th floor, which happened to be at the very top. I’ve stayed there many times, but on this occasion, I was lucky enough to be in a suite looking at the second tower across the way.

I had just turned off the lights and looked out once more to see the night view, when I was shocked. Across the way, at another tower (just a few floors shorter), were hundreds of birds reflecting in the lights. Dive bombing, this way and that. Reflected in the lights, they looked huge. They were swarming everywhere. I will tell you, it was unsettling. 10 PM atop a huge hotel, the place was under siege from birds.

Were they owls? Condors? Great Bustards? Trumpeter Swans? Pelicans? Were they hired by the hotel? I went to sleep wondering about random possibilities.

In the morning, still troubled, I Googled to find out what would cause the birds to behave in this way. There was the answer. Bugs and lights. These were seagulls and pigeons, not exotic at all. It’s a nightly occurrence. I’ve just never been on the top floor to witness it.

So getting back to the passwords (I promise it will all tie in soon). It seems that the hackers can now hack any plain jane password of 8 or less characters as if it’s not even there. We should be using 12 random characters. Are you kidding me???? I don’t know about you, but I need to have something to affix these passwords to my brain. What would I do now?

I’ve overused Oliver’s name in many forms. I’ve even used Winterpast once long ago. My name and address are way to obvious. As I sat trying to think of a new password, it came to me.

#SglsEtgBgs52023$.

It had everything. Uppercase. Lower case. It held a memory and the month and year. It even reminded me that a one night vacation can be a little pricey. Perfect.

I discarded my old password entered the new one, careful to write the new one down in my “Sh*t I Can’t Remember” book (Purchased from Amazon and quite useful. Look it up. I use mine several times a day. It’s a lifesaver. Sorry for the name.)

This morning, when I went to enter the new password, it was a disaster. With just way too many variables, I was quickly locked out of my website. At 4:30 in the morning, waiting for my WordPress site to unlock after an unsuccessful password attempts isn’t pleasant.

Don’t even doubt for a minute that everything is now changed back to passwords I know and love. Somedays, I can barely remember to blog. 12 characters, upper and lower case, mixed with $, #, and *** isn’t going to happen here.

The news.

It can take a perfectly peaceful day and invite new worries to our already full brains. I need to take my own advice and unplug. Put on some great music and focus on the beauty of spring. Hackers gonna hack and worrying won’t change that.

Whatever you do today, think of this. Although we all need to have passwords, just try to remember to change yours once in awhile. If you do change it, please write it down. Do check out the notebook on Amazon. Keep organized and carry on.

More tomorrow.

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies:

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love shall follow me

all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever. Amen

Such beautiful words to think about on this gorgeous spring day. Whatever you do today, celebrate life!

More tomorrow.

The blossoms are everywhere here on the high plains of the deserts of Northwestern Nevada. Where there’s water, there’s life. Believe me when I tell you we’ve had more than our share of water this year. Just Sunday, in the middle of the Mother’s Day party here at Winterpast, the heaven’s let loose again. Everything here is green, including the barren hills. Not quite Switzerland-esque, but not desert brown either.

The day after our party was a lovely time to enjoy a party for one. After putting up ten tables and forty chairs, three garbage cans, and a few dishes, Winterpast is ready to host another party. Yesterday was my day to do nothing but enjoy the clean house and weed free yard. It’ll remain that way a short time before I’ll need to do it all again.

In May, it’s customary for Zephyr winds to come up from no where bringing thunderstorms with them. After attending our many graduation ceremonies throughout the years, my mother would refer to “Graduation Weather” in May and June. The kind that would rip a mortarboard right off a Valedictorian’s beehive hairdo. (That will make my younger readers scratch their heads wondering what I’m talking about. Check out hairstyles of the mid 1900’s).

One thing is for sure. The heat will follow these winds. Even though summer won’t officially begin until June 21, high temps are on the way. By Friday the mercury should hover around 90, and that will feel cool compared to the summer afternoons to follow.

Around town, the mustang foals are popping up. Pretty amazing little creatures, they are ready to roam just a few hours after birth. They are as shy as they are cute, staying near their mom’s side. With a birth control program, along with the frequent round-ups, it’s lucky to see a foal these days.

Feeling like a spring dessert in the desert, I tried a new recipe for Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake. Of course, there is the word pound in the name. Just do a few more hours of weeding in the garden and fergetaboutit. Loaded with blueberries and bright flavor, this cake is absolutely delicious and easy to make, as well. I used fresh blueberries and lemon. I think it would also be delicious with raspberries.

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

By Jennifer Segal

Loaded with blueberries and bright flavor, this lemon blueberry pound cake makes a wonderful brunch (or anytime) cake.

Servings: One 9×5-inch loaf cake (8 to 10 servings)

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE

• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, packed (see note)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup blueberries (if using frozen blueberries, do not defrost)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

FOR THE GLAZE

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, packed
• 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, then spray the pan again.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you proceed with the recipe. (It will curdle; that’s okay.)
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining teaspoon of flour. Set both aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or beaters), cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again. With the mixer on low speed, beat in a third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk mixture. Beat in another third of the flour mixture, then the remaining milk mixture, followed by the remaining flour mixture, scraping the bowl as necessary. Add the flour-dusted blueberries to the batter and, using a spatula, fold until evenly combined.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
7. When the cake is cool, transfer it to a serving platter.
8. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add more confectioners’ sugar or lemon juice as necessary to make a thick but pourable glaze (it should be a little thicker than you’d think, about the consistency of molasses or honey). Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Slice with a serrated knife. The cake will keep on the countertop for up to 3 days; store in a covered container or wrap in plastic wrap.
9. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. (Add the glaze after the cake is thawed.)
10. Note: You’ll need 2 large lemons for the entire recipe. Be sure to zest them before you juice them.

Whatever you do today, enjoy the beauty of spring. Get out in the fresh air. Take a walk. Smell the blooms. Watch for the first of many farmer’s markets. Eat some fruit. Be grateful to be alive. The world is such a beautiful place!

More tomorrow.

Belonging

• 1. An affinity for a place or situation.

I belong here in the high desert plains of northwestern Nevada. I belong on my side of the mountain among the mustangs and sage. I belong here with the hundreds of new friends I have made over the past three years. I definitely belong in the garden of friends and family that’s quietly grown and bloomed in this, the spring of my life Quiet simply, I belong here. Home means Nevada.

The snow and rain have finally stopped for just a little while. Thank goodness. Although it rained during the party yesterday, Mother’s Day morning shaped up to be a beautiful day. With the food prepared, a clean house, and groomed gardens here at Winterpast, it was as good as this seasoned old croon could do.

The 2023 bumper crops of apricots, plums, cherries, and blueberries continued ripening. Iris, tulips, daffodils and peonies were on the verge of blooming. The spring days have joined together like pearls, not in any hurry for the summer heat to arrive. The high’s have remained around 70-ish, which is just about perfect when you add beautiful spring breezes.

As the 30 guests began to arrive, I had thoughts of the last time I held a large gathering here at Winterpast. It was for a much more somber and serious event. The memorial for VST, held on July 15th, 2020, in the middle of Covid. People were heartbroken to call with regrets, but at the time, Covid remained a mystery. 40 very brave souls came to celebrate VST’s life without masks or gloves. It was not only a beautiful celebration, but it was so wonderful to see family and friends through tears and laughter. It had been quite some time since I had really gotten to enjoy the faces of others. No one wore masks that day and no one got Covid.

Yesterday’s atmosphere is so different. It was Mother’s Day, and the guest of honor was MM’s mom! The rest of the guests were his immediate family. 30 in all, guests ranged in age from a one year old to two octogenarians. I’m not used to throwing such an easy party. I furnished the venue, plates, napkins, cutlery, and soft drinks. Everything else was provided by MM and his family.

I will say that after a week of continuous cleaning and yardwork, it either made me that much stronger, or moved me closer to “The Home”. One-half acre of weeding is a lot. I sure wish I’d known about the pre-emergent spray last winter when it was the appropriate time to apply it. This summer will be a bit rough, but next winter, I’ll be on the list for spraying.

The corn hole game, which MM insisted on, was set up in the driveway. Approved by the American Cornhole Association, it provided a place to play after lunch. The littles were fascinated by the fountain, getting their little hands in the dirt and then practicing hand washing in the fountain. I’m getting old, because it was about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

At one point, one of the littles in her spring dress took my hand to take me across the “bridge” to see someone. With her little “Cindy-Lou-Who” haircut, she just decided she and I needed to take a walk. Enchanting.

The brisket was wonderful. It cooked for 16 hours rested for two. Melt in your mouth goodness. The first guest arrived at 1:45 and the last left at 7:30. A great time was enjoyed by everyone. I won’t be the last family blowout we enjoy here at Winterpast.

After Mother’s Day is over, there are many projects to tackle. The biggest and most exciting is the assembly of an honest to goodness greenhouse for the garden. I’m excited to send my houseplants there for some R&R. They could all use a spa date with humidity and extra tender loving care.

Yesterday was a wonderful day for us Mom types to remember all the love and joy our children have given us over the years. Life would be very different without the people that lived under our hearts for a time. No matter the distance, the bonds between Mom’s and kiddos are the most special in this world.

Whatever you do today, take some time to enjoy Spring. For me, the clean-up awaits. There are tables to fold up and chairs to place back in the garden. There’s that fountain to rinse, and birds to watch. What memories we made yesterday. I hope you have some mighty fine ones yourself.

More tomorrow.

My Mother kept a garden,

A garden of the heart.

She planted all the good things

That gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine

And encouraged me to dream.

Fostering and nurturing

The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,

She protected me enough.

But not too much because she knew

I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example

Always taught me right from wrong.

Markers for my pathway

That will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden.

I am her legacy.

And I hope today she feels the love

Reflected back from me.

—Unknown

Thank you, Mom, for putting a lifetime of your own dreams on hold while raising your five daughters to become lovely women. Thank you for being a beautiful example of womanhood to us all. Enjoy Heaven! You earned your wings on earth!

Too all the mothers of the world, have a beautiful weekend. Take a few minutes to put your feet up and think of the happy times you’ve shared with your children. There is nothing as precious as a Mom’s love.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with details about Mother’s Day 2023!!!!

At least for today, time is on my side. In four more days I’ll be will be hosting a Mother’s Day celebration for 40 guests. Just a little get together for lunch. Nothing big. Just a beef brisket prepared by MM on the new barbeque. Guests are to bringing the side dishes while we’re planning to have the best Mother’s Day ever!

Let me tell you this. No matter how much you think everything around the house look great, there are always ten more things to do. Up until this morning, there have been days full of pulling weeds and cleaning up the RV barn. Tables are in position, there’ve been numerous trips to the store for tablecloths and cutlery. Even the house plants got their semi-annual spa day complete with a shower and Miracle-Grow treatment.

By the way, the 40 people include immediate family only. One sweet Mom. Five great sons and their wives. Kids. Grandkids. Great Grandkids. And me. I came from a huge farm family like this, so it doesn’t seem strange at all.

The great thing about MM’s family is that they’ll add the FUN to the day! There’ll be littles running around Winterpast. How great will that be? We’re preparing games and activities for them. The adults always have lots to talk about, with the brothers keeping everyone in laughter with their stories and brotherly bantering. Time will fly by all too quickly and by next week, the quiet of the neighborhood will return. Mother’s Day 2023 will be one of the best in the history of Mother’s Days.

I will say that there have been a few shocks on my shopping trips. Since when did soda cost $4.99 a six-pack? I think we’ll offer cucumber water and herbal tea. A trip to the grocery store equals my first house payment back in 1977.

For the next few days, Winterpast will continue to get a good scrubbing. I’ll alert the neighbors if I happen to see them out. We just might be a little loud in the afternoon. Could be problematic if people are napping. They’ll probably want to close the windows. Or, better yet, just come over and get in line. There’ll be plenty.

Mother’s Day will be all the sweeter because MM’s mom, Miss B, will be over with friends. It wouldn’t be a party without her. MM is blessed. She’s the coolest mom who raised her 5 boys to grow up to be friends as adults. Men who have made great lives living with integrity, they are all unique. Time FIVE. That speaks volumes to her motherly qualities.

She called on Tuesday to find out what she should bring. Just like that, I’m one of the gang. One of the many miracles that has happened over the last year. When I moved in to Winterpast three years ago, I knew Miss Firecracker and her husband, Bailey’s and Cream. Covid was still raging so we didn’t get to visit in person. Time wasn’t on our side then, and Bailey’s and Cream died that summer without ever getting to come over for a cup of coffee. And then, there were just Miss Firecracker and Me. Two widows.

Miss Firecracker moved West, leaving the Sierra Nevada’s between us.

And then, there was just me.

Over the months, my garden of friends has blossomed to the best group of girlfriends sprouting all over town. It’s a given that when I go shopping in town, I’ll meet at least one person I know well. Now, with the addition of a huge family to share, my dusty little town at the wide spot off the interstate is my true home.

My children will be celebrating with their own families. From Michigan to Nebraska, from California to Mexico, they’ve scattered with the wind to places they call home. Kids do that once they aren’t kids anymore. I guess VST and I were the first to blow away on a Zephyr Wind to Nevada. We always were the feral parents.

Whatever you do today, it’s not to late to honor your mother or special woman in your life with recognition of some kind. A call. A card. Some flowers. A gift. The mothers of this earth are very special people. Make their day a day to remember. Time is on our side, Yes It Is.

More tomorrow.

IF by Rudyard Kipling

This poem was shared by my friend, Carlene, who is going through some rough stuff right now. She’s actually a great human example of this poem, having done some fantastic things with her life while still remaining “Carlene”. She is one of a kind, living her best life in her mid-80’s. If you’re reading, Carlene, don’t let the turkeys get you down.

Treating triumph and disaster the same important in life. In reality, the highest highs and the lowest lows have a lot in common. We all need to hold on holding on long after there is nothing left in us. And we need to remember sage wisdom from another poet, “Somedays we’re the windshield, and some days we’re the bug.” Hmmmm. Describes “cancer” and “widowhood” for me.

I’m sure this poem isn’t “WOKE” enough for the youngers of the day. Perhaps, for them, it’s time for them to quiet the noise in their brains a little bit. Learn to “Suck it up, Buttercups”, and be quiet for a time Perhaps if they did, they could listen to wisdom from their elders. I wish more people were courageous enough to embody this poem. Our world needs Bold Greatness right now.

Turning the noise off at Winterpast is something from which I find inner peace. Just hitting the off button on the television, or telling “Alexa” to go visit friends in England, (or wherever the heck she’s from), lets the real sounds of nature come through. Birds. Wind. The howl of a coyote. The nay of a mustang. The sound of a distant train whistle.

There is so much noise in the world today, it’s hard to catch our breath and just “Be” for a bit. Commune with your soul while being your own best friend. Now, that’s a game-changer.

Whatever you do today, try silence for 15 minutes. This includes silencing the clickity-clack of the computer keyboard. Just 15 minutes of nothing. Try sitting outside while you try this. Listen to “nothing” and see what you can hear. You might be surprised how loud “silence” can be. While you’re at it, listen to your heart. It has plenty to say.

More tomorrow.