My Mother is Still Teaching Me!

As I get older things are different that I never expected. I have always heard other women complain about their body's changing but I never thought much about it. I felt I eat right and exercise so I should be okay. Well as usually with me I am eating those words! I do, do all the right things but nature is taking over to some extent. I was feeling down and becoming very nit picky about different aspects of my body and getting a little down.

The other day, as I was cleaning and getting ready for my friends to come over for our bi-weekly breakfast club I came across a folder of my mother's. (Now for those who may not know this my mom passed away from leukemia 3 years ago and I was one of her main caretakers.) Well the folder I found was her notes dated before she was diagnosed with her cancer. These notes were written in her own hand, notes for her doctor because she wasn't feeling well and wanted to know what was going on. They were very detailed and as you can imagine brought tears to my eyes.

My mom is still teaching me to be grateful every step of the way and these notes reminded me how blessed I am and that health is the greatest gift of all. So even though my body is changing as I get deeper into my 40's, it is healthy and strong and really what could be greater than that?
Namaste.

They Say it's My Birthday!!!

Timmy, Nick and I on my Birthday! What a beautiful day! I started my day out at 5:00 as usual for a Friday. Today I actually broke the 10 minute mile. I did 1 mile is 9minutes and 50 seconds, I was thrilled! Now I will need to work on sustaining it! Maybe that will be next year goal! After I ran I taught yoga, got the kids off to school, walked the dog then I took a heated yoga class at my favorite studio - "Breathe" here in Pittsford, NY. After cleaning up I volunteered at Timmy's class for their "Write-O-Thon", what a blast!!!! after grocery shopping, I started to watch "Leap Year" my favorite movie at the moment but I fell asleep. When I woke up we all decided to go to "Aladin's" for dinner then when we got home the boys put on a "French Horn" concert for Mike and I. It was wonderful! All in all a beautiful day.
Namaste.

Let the Beauty of What You Love Be What You Do

My morning started out at 5am as usual on a Friday. I ran 3 miles on the "ProCor" machine which should be named "The Kick you Butt" machine, then I taught yoga for an hour, and all along I was thinking "How lucky am I?", and I mean that sincerely.

Fast forward...I got my boys off to school, kissed my husband as he went off to work, walked the dog, chatted with some neighbors I saw along the way and am now enjoying a steamy cup of coffee. As I was writing my "To Do List" which includes errands that need to get done and artwork I have to finish for clients, I had a small "Aha" moment as I got side tracked - daydreaming - about what I'd love to do today.

My "Aha" moment was pure gratitude - I am doing what I love. Then I saw this quote and thought I need to share it with you, "Let the Beauty of What You Love Be What You Do" by Jalal ad-Din Rumi.

"Aha" moments for me are small and tend to build upon each other. Nothing major by themselves but added together can make quite an impression on the soul. Some people may have huge life changing "Aha" moments but that is not me so far. I used to be saddened that I hadn't experienced that but now I am glad they come when they do and keep me appreciating all that I have.

As we all head into this "Mother's Day" weekend let me wish you all joy, happiness and to remember, "You're only limited by your imagination" - Marcia Ceppos. So dream BIG and remember that the small things in life bring great comfort.

Namaste.

Opening Day!

Opening Day in Penfield, NY was this past Saturday. We had so much fun! The weather was amazing, the kids were electric and the friendships awesome! All in all a blessed day!
Namaste.

Need Your Help

Happy Monday everyone. I have a huge favor to ask-here it goes. As you may know I have been organizing "Donation Yoga" classes with the hope of helping Haiti. 100% of the money raised has been given to the Red Cross here in Rochester for this cause. This Saturday I will be hosting another donation class and need your help. Please come and also pass this information on to all your friends. Together we can make a difference.

Date: Saturday May 8th.
Time: 11:15am-12:30pm
Where: Eastside YMCA here in Penfiled, NY - 341-4000
Donation: $10
Teacher: Me!!!
Reason: Because I care
Who can attend?: Everyone - members and non-members
Please pay it forward!!!!!!!

Let's be the change we wish to see in the world.
Namaste.

Gearing Up For Mother's Day

As I continue to create new work in time for Mother's Day I wanted to put out a quick reminder of where you may find and purchase my work.

In Rochester, NY: "Craft Company #6" has a large selection. They are located at 785 University Ave.; Phone number is 473-3413; Website is http://shop-handmade.craftcompany.com/Joan-Nichols-Jewelry.html

In Penfield, NY: "Wendy at Work" also has a great selection. They are located at 1867 Penfield Road; Phone number is 249-9777; Website is http://www.wendyatwork.com/

Feel free to contact me through my blog by commenting or you may go to my ETSY site which is www.nicholsforpennies.etsy.com

Thank you for stopping by and more new creations will be posted early this week, along with the next of the "Four Agreements".

Make it a peaceful day - it is your choice!
Namaste.