Father's Day 2018

What a beautifully relaxing day today.  I slept in for a change, enjoyed some coffee then struck out for the gym and had a  fabulous cardio workout.  It was very much needed.   Since closing my studio a month ago, I've managed to gain 4 lbs.  I'm not a vain person at all, but with the history of diabetes and heart disease in my family, I do try and keep on top of my health.  It is quite easy for 4 lbs to turn in to 10 rather quickly.

Laundry and grocery shopping were on the agenda today.  Oh, and I watched a movie (thriller), Shut In, with Naomi Watts.  It was quite good and held me spellbound between trips downstairs to the laundry room.  

As you can guess, we don't have children so there was no Father's Day celebration in our home.   But that didn't stop me from remembering my own father.  He's forever in my heart and on my mind.   I feel his presence with me each and every moment of my life.  I'm forever grateful for my parents and the presence they had - still have - in my life.  I miss them terribly.

It is hard to believe that we're already past the middle of June.  Someone had the audacity to state that there's only 6 months to Christmas!  Shut Your Mouth!   Summer is so fleeting as it is without being reminded that we're already 1/2 way through year.   I, for one, am going to cram as much in to the summer as possible.  I've said it before, but I'll reiterate:  Sun, books, wine, and plenty of family and friends.  

I've been doing well with riding my bike and even put my 500 mile goal up on the board at the gym....if it's in writing, it's going to happen.  

I sound like a broken record....gym, bike, gym, bike LOL   I DO have a life outside of the gym and riding bike.    I think. :)    Serious, I do.   Last night we went out to supper with my sister and her beau, which ended up at our house for more drinks and conversation.  Peggy is going to have a busy month ahead of her as her oldest daughter is moving back to MN and starts her new position at the U of Minnesota as Hematologist/Oncologist.  Peggy turns 70 in July as well.  So there is a "meet and greet" for the family to meet little Miss Iris Grace (my new great niece) and to also celebrate Peggy's birthday.  It should be an amazing time.    But...before then, it's the Stutsman County Fair in two weeks.  I'm So excited!   I've written about the Fair on my blog before.  I'm just like a little kid....I can't wait!  I'm already planning which activities I'm going to enjoy with friends, Blaine (Johnny Holm Band - a Fair Icon) and with T.   Stay tuned, cuz I'm sure there will be more on this to come.

Since my last post was about music and I shared a song that I liked, I'm going to continue the theme and share another song that I heard on my fav. station, Mix93.3 (Jamestown).    I love new music and this one absolutely reached out and grabbed me.  Enjoy

Beyond by Leon Bridges

Soul Therapy

I went on a 15 mile bike ride this morning. Although it was extremely windy, I pushed through it (and the gears) and had a good ride.  It's always good to ride - a way to clear my head - or as I call it, soul therapy.

I can't say that I accomplished much this weekend, which is probably alright.  I find it difficult to give myself permission to chill out and enjoy some down time.   Other than bike riding, I went to the flower shop and bought some more flowers, which I needed like a hole in the head.  But they are ohhh, soooo pretty.  I definitely take after my mother as she loved gardening.   She planted a large vegetable garden and enjoyed fresh eating as well as canning produce in the fall.   She always saw that her family's needs were met and she loved providing fresh produce for our table.  

Now flowers, that was her joy; she would tend them morning, noon and night.  And I find myself doing the same.   There is something so uplifting about seeing the blooms, the aroma, the delicate petals waving in the breeze, soaking up the sun.  I find myself walking around the house just enjoying the beauty.  It is, in its own way, soul therapy.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the DJ's of my local radio station...Mix93.3.  I listen to music almost 24/7.  This station plays the most amazing music and it's due largely in part to the DJ's and the request line.   It's one of the few live and local stations in the region.  The DJ's are hilarious and always entertaining.   I've always wanted to show appreciation in some way.  This past Wednesday, my day off, I purchased snacks and beverages and delivered them to the station.  They were most appreciative.  To show their appreciation, they gave me a behind the scenes tour of the station and even let me introduce a song live On-Air.  Yes, I selected Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."  It was amazing.  I'm pretty sure that I found my calling if I were ever need to start a 2nd career.  To say that music touches my soul is an understatement.   I connect with the songs, the lyrics move me and speak to me, my soul.  I laugh, I cry, I reflect, I dream, I live.  Music is ....soul therapy.

Whatever You Want