Yes I returned from the beach a week ago, but my computer decided to get very sick with what was described to me as the worst of the worst virus…Hence I am becoming a MAC user this weekend!  Please bare with me until next week when I resuming writing my blog again.  Thanks for your understanding and I look forward to sharing some fun stories with you next week…Peace be with you.

Listen to a discussion of New Year Resolutions vs. Intentions.  Explore what works best for you and make this year different - one to remember…

We are off to the hot sunshine.  Peace be with you.

This summer I will be blogging less and playing more – Fun, Fun!  We have trips to the zoo, to Europe and oh-so-much gardening ahead…More info.

 May you enjoy this Memorial Day and remember those who have stood before you to make a place for you…Celebrating Memorial Day.

 Let this be the first happy days of a fantastic summer.  Happy barbequing!

A little over a week ago I heard this great story on NPR, http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/episodes/2008/03/21/segments/93888 - it’s about music transcending cultural divides.  Gregory Warner is a reporter in Afghanistan and one day started playing “Those Were the Days My Friend” on his accordion. His translator, shocked, asks, “How do you know Afghan music?” Greg scratches his head and thinks, “But this is just some folk song my mom used to sing to me!”…

 My very favorite part of the story happens when Warner plays Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” to a wild and thrilled Afghan audience.  Warner exclaims, “It was my best crowd ever!”  I love it!  Happy listening.

I am amused to see my previous blog about waiting…I just got my computer back.  The hard-drive failed about 11 days ago and since I work out of my home - no computer, no email, no contact with my site, nothing for 11 days.  Yikes!!!  What to do?  I painted a bathroom and watched the conventions.  Ughh.  Good and bad to be sure…I think next week I will focus on peace in my weekly meditation podcast.  Please, let me know if there are any specific issues you need suuport with as well.  Thank you for your patience as I get back to blogging and podcasts next week.

Blessings and peace, Kelly

Listen to this short, guided meditation to identify and remove a specific block in your life today.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Here are just a few tips to make this summer fantastic…

 1.         Picnic and concert/play.  I began going to outside plays and concerts when I was a kid with my Mom.  I try to go at least once a summer now.  Big blanket, yummy food, setting sun and art – could there be anything better?

 2.         Beach.  Whether you go to the ocean, a lake or even a stream – get to a beach.  I don’t care how old you are – take your shoes off and dig your toes in the sand and suddenly you are a kid again.  If you really want to feel good, build a sand castle and feel the years slip away as you play…

 3.         Book.  Reading is a way to travel and explore without leaving the comfort of your hammock.  If you are looking for an excellent to read this summer – check out my book reviews where you can find anything from hysterically funny (Me talk Pretty One Day) to self-help (The Power of Intention) to lyrical (The God of Small Things.)

 4.         A garden.  Ok, it could just be a small pot with some pansies or a massive vegetable garden, but grow something.  Digging in the dirt is calming your nerves and your soul.  And best of all – it’s addictive…I check on all my flowers every morning just to see who has bloomed today and this year, I am even going to grow lettuce on our deck – my own economic recession garden…

 5.         Camping.  Try going camping for a night and don’t forget the smores fixings!  A camp fire is good for anyone’s soul and if you are a newbie at camping or haven’t been for a very long time – you are guaranteed to create memories that last…Just setting up the tent can afford opportunities to laugh for hours…

 6.         Forgive.  Learn to forgive someone this summer – make up with a friend or family member that you feel estranged.  Guess what?  They feel just as crappy about having you missing from their life as you feel having them out of yours.  So send a funny card, make a phone call or even send an email – almost everyone longs to be forgiven and bought whole again.  Make it happen for you and maybe you will now have someone to camping with…

 7.         Summer Music.  I listen to IZ during the summer or any time I want to feel like I am on vacation.  If you haven’t started already, begin listening to “happy” music – anything that makes you feel light inside.  Reggae is always a happy choice.

 8.         Go skinny-dipping.  Nothing says summertime more then skinny-dipping.  Find a secluded spot and jump in – your body will thank you by feeling completely and joyfully alive.

 9.         Pot Lucks.  I love getting together with friends, but can’t afford to throw as many parties as I would like – answer: pot lucks!  Everyone bring something and the party has begun with little financial investment from you.  Best of all – your guests will love it.  Instead of bringing a hostess gift, they can skip the flowers and bring something they like.  Everyone’s happy.

 10.     Fall in love.  Falling in love is not just reserved for singles, I have been married almost ten years and joyfully I fall in love with my husband over and over…Maybe as we have a picnic or lay in the hammock entwined and reading or dig our toes in the sand or even, when we forgive each other our imperfections and enjoy the beautiful life we have created together…

May these tips spark your own heart and help you to create a wonderful summer ahead.  Enjoy! 

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Go see the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and enjoy the laughs.  I can honestly say I howled watching this movie.  In the opening scene when the main character Peter Bretter is getting dumped and stands there with all his bits and pieces bare for all the world to see – oh my god.  I definitely squirmed in my seat.

When I go to the movies I like to be entertained by some adventurous story or laugh.  This was the laughing movie.  The characters were all sympathetic and real.  Don’t expect anything too heavy and be surprised as you giggle uncontrollably throughout…And they go to Hawaii - who doesn’t like listening to IZ and the beach?