Breathe In, Breathe Out

Beautiful video from the International House of Reiki:

The Breath of Reiki from International House of Reiki on Vimeo.

* o

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Spring

Happy Easter. Welcome Spring, which I think is finally arriving here.

After a long dry spell, I'm hoping this Easter season to resurrect some creativity. The lack of it has decidedly left me in a funk.

Bought these tulips at the grocery store this weekend, and love how vibrant and alive they are. There is nothing quite like a bunch of fresh flowers on the table to cheer you up! * o

Spring

Summer Reads - Murder in the Pit

"Murder in the Pit" is the latest novel from Erica Miner. Erica's first novel, "Travels with My Lovers"" is a sensual, romantic romp through Europe. "FourEver Friends" is the coming of age story of four girls growing up in Detroit in the 1960's. And her latest, "Murder in the Pit" is a mystery/suspense (with a touch of romance) that takes place in the Metropolitan Opera House.

You might think it would be difficult for an author to switch genres with each novel, but Erica manages to pull it off and each novel is actually tied with a common thread - something I've come to think of as Erica's signature style - her knowledge and love of opera and classical music. One can't help but be absorbed in opera when reading one of Erica's novels, and it's the kind of learning you don't even realize is taking place!

Maybe it's because a murder mystery is one of my favorite reads, or maybe it's because of Erica's maturing talent as a writer, (or both) but "Murder in the Pit" has to be my favorite of Erica's books to date. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The characters are interesting and well developed and there's just enough plot twists to keep the story moving along. In fact, I so enjoyed the main characters that I would love to see a sequel or follow-up novel featuring the heroine, Julia.

You can pick up a copy of "Murder in the Pit" from Erica's website or from Amazon. Enjoy a little opera with a twist of murder in your summer reading! * o

Summer Reads - Murder in the Pit

The Next Chapter - Happies!

She sells seashells by the seashore.......

"Happies" arrived this week in the form of a box of seashells, sent all the way from Florida by a dear friend. I love the ones that look like angel wings.

From Random

For a dose of giggles and overload of cuteness go to The Next Chapter and watch the video of the golden retriever pups. Absolutely adorable! * o

The Next Chapter - Happies!

The Next Chapter - Happy Book, Happy Update

I seem to miss the Friday timeframe for posting my happy updates for the week, but the weekend is good enough I guess!

The Bliss groups copy of the Happy Book is now in Alaska, so it is most definitely putting on the miles.

Happy bits from me this week include my new backyard labyrinth, that I started working on last weekend:

From Random

Wrapped up the week today with a great day in the city shopping with the Teen!

What made up your happy moments this week? * o

The Next Chapter - Happy Book, Happy Update

Eye of the Heart - Week Five - Images of Self

This week's theme was self-portraits and receiving images of ourselves. Not an easy assignment for someone who dislikes their photos!

I'm still working up to the "face" self-portraits, but for now I offer this self-blessing - connecting to heart....

From Random

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Eye of the Heart - Week Five - Images of Self

The Next Chatper - Happy Friday - the Saturday night edition

It's been a busy week, and I'm a day late in posting this. The happiest thing about Friday was that it WAS Friday and at least a long work week was over!

A happiness highlight for me this week was having time to create today. I spent the better part of the afternoon working with my watercolor crayons and creating this:

From Random

It was great to have some creative time.

Stop by The Next Chapter and check out the happy's from around the world this week. * o

The Next Chatper - Happy Friday - the Saturday night edition