Bits and Pieces

1)    Can anyone point me to a wonderful pilates exercise video? I’m looking for the most fabulous one there is of course. It would be especially nice if it had different lengths of workouts, and didn’t require a lot of fancy-schmancy equipment. Anyone?

2)    I’ve written before about my sisters. We got together last recently for our annual sisters weekend and to attend a book signing for Ree Drummond’s cookbook “Pioneer Woman Cooks”. Ree has written a hilarious tale of how she met her Marlboro Man husband and went from being a city girl to a ranch wife living nearly in the middle of nowhere in Oklahoma. Her story, her photos and recipes are here. I grew up on an isolated cattle ranch in Oregon, and her posts and fabulous photographs really take me back. Highly recommended.

3)    I’m starting a Gratitude Journal and am interested in reading others. Please leave me a link in the comments-thanks!

4)    I have a family member and a dear friend who are both suffering from depression. I recently read this beautiful post. Can it really be as simple as doing the next thing? Go read it.

5)    Business is slow at work, concern and anxiety are mounting. Hours have been cut back since September. I pray daily for economic recovery and for all those who are without work.

6)    We are putting our boat in the water this Friday. It’s been “on the hard” for over a year, for some extensive renovation. It will be so good to get out among the islands this year, dropping our hook in some quiet little corner, sipping hot coffee early mornings in the cockpit, dumbstruck with the beauty and peace.

7)    "There are moments on most days when I feel a deep and sincere gratitude, when I sit at the open window, and there is a blue sky or moving clouds."  --Kathe Kolliqtz