Friends of Lake Wilderness Arboretum gathered in the gardens for the third annual Fuchsia Festival, an evening of celebration in honor of the hardy Fuchsia. Guests mingled among the beautiful displays, enjoying food and refreshments -and of course, fuchsia blooms. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and a fun time is had by all – as is the tradition, all in support of Lake Wilderness Arboretum.
After spending more than half a decade covering the children’s market as editor of HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review, (the magazine ceased publication with the Oct/Nov 2011 issue; recent attempts to re-enter the market remain unsuccessful) –I’ve come to appreciate its unique and inspiring nature. The world of children’s apparel and accessories, juvenile products, gifts and best business practices captures the imagination. And it’s like no other.
I keep in touch with treasured childrenswear contacts –and have been introduced to so many more- with Children’s Retail Today. It’s written for anyone with a passion for children’s fashion!
Parents, grandparents … gift-giving aunties, coaches, teachers and friends can learn about new products and where to buy … better yet, they can convince their favorite shops to carry them. Store owners, manufacturers, designers … mompreneurs and inventors can get inspired reading fresh posts about apparel and footwear collections, product launches, nifty services and best practices to take their business to the next level.
I’m delighted that Children’s Retail Today is growing strong. Take a peek – at the site and my Facebook page, if you like (pun intended here!).
I’ve also been developing content for my yoga studio, Maya Whole Health. This is a precious work in progress for me – I’m having so much fun writing the Maya Currents blog. I am so happy and grateful now that I’m part of the Maya community (I’ve been practicing there for a little more than a year). The teachers are beyond the best, and I’m meeting such incredible, loveable people. In June, I’m expanding my role there – and I can’t wait to see what happens (that’s what Bravo says, isn’t it?!)
“It’s a blessing to work at a job I truly enjoy doing, one that uses my creative talents and abilities, working with and for people whom I love and who love me.”
Each morning I say this affirmation softly to myself (thank you, Louise Hay).
At dusk,
when Bright Eye gazes across the distance, her luxurious lashes light upon the surface. The warm air stills. The tide moves. Blue herons soar and deer venture forth.
This is when they assemble. Unseen.
They breathe in. Deeply.
As,
one by one, they sing their note, chorus vibrates on the shore, sound waves circle up and up, crescendo in the clouds …
One long, luscious Ohmmmm … As each becomes their note.
Then,
just as suddenly as they begin, the singing frogs of Coos Bay release, look inward, reflect. Breathe from the soul.
Ohmmmm again.
It’s not in my purse or my wallet or my pocket; left in the car, upstairs or downstairs – in the garage.
I’ve spent hours Searching through papers, junk drawers, computer files- Googling for links, clicking through and back. Checking the cupboards, the kitty litter, the soap bubbles in the dish water. Calling my contacts, my voicemail, my mother. Consulting my horoscope, tarot cards and tea leaves. Retracing my steps, practicing asanas, asking the questions.
I’ve examined my heart, read my own words and hoped for a sign. Maybe it’s still in my dreams, because I woke up with neither a thought nor a smile.
I’ve looked everywhere, exhausted the possibilities –for today.
Tomorrow, I’ll look some more.
I’m watching the pines sway with the wind. I think it’s the blowing that causes their branches to glide through the air … but I actually catch those trees moving on their own. Yes, those pines are enjoying themselves. They’re stretching their limbs, curling around the wind, allowing their skirts to billow. Trunks bending beautifully side to side in slow motion; pine needles flicking up and down, devil may care.
It’s as if those pines are stealing a moment of bliss, one camouflaged by Heaven’s breath. Most days, a mere mortal doesn’t notice tree energy coming from within.
Those pines, towering around me, tall enough to see the bigger picture of a world beyond, are revealing their little secret in plain sight. From my window, I cannot hear the wind’s whisper, but I’m listening to those pines giggling.
Today is Fat Twozday… that’s all I got.
Janet Muniz is an award-winning professional writer known for informative profile articles, inspiring blog posts and effective video content. To hire her, contact her here.
I have been meditating on the words of Rumi all day:
“There is one thing in this world which you must never forget to do … human beings come to this world to do particular work. That work is the purpose, and each is specific to the person … Give your life to the one who already owns your breath and your moments … If you don’t … you will be wasting valuable keenness and foolishly ignoring your dignity and your purpose.”
I’ve been meditating on this … and forgiveness.
Janet Muniz is an award-winning professional writer known for informative profile articles, inspiring blog posts and effective video content. To contact her, click here.
Photo by mikeyskatie
On a clear day like today, it’s so easy to see why folks are drawn to Seattle. Out beyond, like the world hidden by the mists of Avalon, you can finally look at the mighty Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascades to the east, cradling the low lands with scallops all around, dusted in white and mystery. On one side, Mt. Rainer rises quietly at the horizon, so motionless … it’s usually your heart which takes a leap after you spot it.
The sun warms the air just enough to allow for a little heat in your belly, too -firing up the energy to reach that much further.
On a clear night like tonight, the full moon shines through the pines and the stars shimmer in a sky the color of elegance, illuminating a hint of what lies ahead … instead.
Photo by brianteutsch
Janet Muniz is an award-winning professional writer known for informative profile articles, inspiring blog posts and effective video content. To contact her, click here.
Sageland Creative 