Fall has arrived! Everything nature has worked all year to produce is either in full fruit or has been harvested. It is the finale of the symphony. Both thrilling and nostalgic, as it all comes to a close. Not unlike life, we work so hard to finish something very important to us and upon completion we celebrate and then go into a funk realizing the next challenge is on the horizon. Nature sets a better example. She rests.

The fiery early fall sunsets and this dahlia have a lot in common. A celebratory symbol of a spectacular summer and a bountiful harvest. This corner of the planet has so many special gifts: Water, forest, mountains, and rich ancient alluvial soils left by our glacial and volcanic past.  We have it all. Savor every moment in our blessed region.

We are approaching the grand finale of summer. Trees are heavy with fruit, flower gardens filled with riotous color and even the smallest vegetable garden can feed a family of ten or more. If you are looking for something to be grateful for this might be it. Nature in all her glory. And in the Pacific NW, I don’t think it gets any better than this visual symphony. There is so much joy to be found in this remarkable state of grace.

Summer is here! This is why we live here. The beauty is breathtaking. There is a lot going on in our world but to ignore this gift would be folly. I always feel that we are in a state of grace during these months of warmth and bounty. So, let’s all take a breath and be grateful for all that is good in our lives, today and always.

It looks like our early summer has arrived in a chariot of fire! We are desperate heat seekers at this point of the year and yet, even we NW natives have our limits. The U.N. said this morning we are approaching the key warming limit for our precious planet. So, as we remodel or build our new homes let us all keep energy efficiency top of mind, plant trees in our yards to absorb carbons and maybe even do a little vegetable garden for an adventure. It will never be one thing or person but the collective effort of all that will move us forward. Happy Summer!

I would call this a reluctant Spring. All the signs are there as the trees bloom and the green shoots erupt from the earth. However, the temperatures don’t match the season. It feels like we are mimicking Mother Nature. The economic climate has been less than attractive but people have decided to get on with their lives having faith that things will normalize while moving forward with their hopes and dreams. The human spirit is a glorious thing to witness.

Why are we so anxious for Spring? Hope, renewal, rebirth, green, delicious scents and sun! Reading on a warm bench outside, planting our gardens, cooking with fresh vegetables, leaving the door open for fresh air. Walking ourselves and the dog with only one layer on and greeting our long hibernating neighbors. It is often the simple luxuries in life that are the most wonderful. Happy Spring! 

"Where there is love, there are always miracles.” - Willa Cather

It seems that through our acts of kindness and love our hearts expand and our lives get bigger.

Sometimes it isn’t the easiest thing on the menu but we all sleep a little easier having risen to the occasion. Cheers to all of us for stepping up to the plate when called.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year! I’d like to begin with this quote from the Dalai Lama: “Let us recognize the precious nature of each day.” We all go fast and it’s hard to remember to take a breath sometimes. However, we have a new year in front of us and, if nothing else, we can pledge to embrace this gift called life and do our best to engage in what we are called to do. So, cheers to us all living our best lives!

We are approaching the end of a challenging year. Health, politics, and each of our personal stories. And as bumpy as the ride seems at times, I find the engine that always keeps me going is the magic of gratitude. I am blessed by the love of my family and friends, wonderful colleagues, and incredible neighbors. And, I get to call the magnificent Pacific northwest my home. Lucky me. I sincerely wish you all a glass full of joy and gratitude! Happy Holidays!

As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I am reminded of a quote by the great warrior Seneca: “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.”

To be grateful makes us all more tolerant, more kind, and ultimately more loving toward one another. This is the perfect time of year to reclaim those attributes we all have but sometimes forget. I am so grateful for my wonderful family, colleagues, and clients. Lucky me! Happy Thanksgiving!

The Endless Summer is coming to a close. A sense of relief as the air cools. We are so blessed in the Pacific Northwest as we hold fast to our emerald green spot on the planet. The rains will come and aren’t we lucky? I was asked in an interview what one of my favorite things was about our region and I answered, “The smell of wet dirt.” It speaks of abundance and assurance that spring will, in fact, come again with all its beautiful promise. When in doubt about life, always be grateful. It is the antidote for most concerns.

We are in the midst of summer’s bounty. Gorgeous fruits, vegetables, and armloads of garden blooms. It is the redemption and reward for the winter months we endure. And for this, I am very grateful. Gratitude is key to a more joyful life, and we all deserve more joy! May the summer be with you!