_Simple Gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg:

It's fitting that at this time of "giving thanks," and holiday miracles, that I share this amazing and profound 10 minute video with you from Louie Schwartzberg.  This was shared with me by a very good friend of mine, and it has become my morning meditation.  Tune out all other distractions; listen to the wondrous insight from a young girl; and the profound wisdom from an elderly man, shaped and honed by life experience and an attitude of appreciation. 

It is impossible to watch this video and not feel a new sense of wonder and appreciation for the numerous blessings in your life.  As you see the smiles and sparkle in the eyes of those photographed all over the world, recognize how small and interconnected our world is!  What if, instead of fighting traffic, hunting sales and best prices, you simply shared this video and, perhaps, a donation to a charity of your choice.....  imagine the sense of satisfaction and appreciation within that generosity:  and then pause, and reflect on the true gifts of this time of year.  Resist the impulse to spend more money, and, instead, spend more time......  with loved ones, doing what nourishes your spirit, that unveils the unfolding and becoming that is so vividly captured in Louie's time-lapse photography. 

As we prepare to say good bye to 2011 and enter into 2012, thank YOU for allowing me to share my passions with you;  for taking some of your precious time to read these small epistles, and to share in the natural beauty of our world.  You are a cherished companion and I am grateful for YOU!

God's blessings for the remainder of 2011 and for 2012!
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"Remember this always: The living of your own life writes the book of your most sacred truth, and offers evidence of it. "   Neale Donald Walsch     Tomorrow's God

How many of you have ever seen "The Legend of Bagger Vance?" 

In it, Will Smith plays a somewhat mysterious caddy who coaches Matt Damon to find his "authentic swing."  That golf swing that is his and his alone...... in some respects, one doesn't have to "try" to do that swing.....  you are that authentic swing.....  it is who you are by nature, by purpose, at your core......  and when you do find it, you can feel a "flow" that just happens, and feels great!

I just spent a week discovering and indulging in my "authentic swing."  For me, it was a combination of nature, a camera, some good books (yes, many of them remaining untouched for most of the trip......  but they were my loyal companions), and a journal.  As you will see from the recent Hilton Head addition, I spent time in Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia!  Never did I kinow that Savannah celebrates St. Patrick's Day in huge style!!  I was probably one of the few people actually wandering around the city vs. sitting in a bar, drinking green beer!

I was most struck with how comfortable I was, how safe I felt, and how well I was able to entertain myself and was content to just "be."  I rode a bike on the beach for the first time; saw Dolphin and Alligators... and even an Aardvark!  I saw homes from the 1800s and trees whose limbs were bent in amazing beauty (? Angel trees) that only age could provide.  And, of course, took lots of pictures (only some which are posted here).

My greatest learning from the trip was that there is a great difference between "solitude" and loneliness.....  not once did I feel lonely and being alone, felt great....  I recognize, and appreciated that my solitude was my choosing..... and I had friends and family to come "home" to......  that is not always the case for others.

My challenge to you... is to carve out some time from this busy, demanding world, to discover your authentic swing....  to bask in your own company... and to be thankful and happy with it!  It is a miracle beyond description!

I welcome your thoughts and stories!


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