“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.” – Emma Goldman

My spark of inspiration today is from the warmth of friends we visited this past weekend in Virginia.  With roots in Columbia and Venezuela, their lives are enmeshed in the cultural tradition of strong family connections.   Their three daughters are kind-hearted and gentle spirits who enjoy doing yoga and meditation with their Mom.  Although we haven’t seen them much over the years, we are their extended family. When the youngest asked her Dad, “What are you doing Papá?” he replied, we’re sitting outside talking with our friends.”   She corrected him and stated, “You mean our friends.”

We were all able to let go of life’s hustle-bustle and relax for three days.  We stayed up late and slept in even later.   We feasted on eggplant and zucchini lasagna, chilaquiles, and tortes made together at home, then dined by the river side in the shade of willowy trees.  I helped make granola for the first time and later smiled watching the girls bake cookies while singing a Venezuelan love song.   Walking around the neighborhood, we kept track of the number of squirrels, birds, butterflies, dogs, and different states license plates.  At the park, I ran for the swing and floated high in the sky as if I were a little girl again. We jiggled on the wobble ride to the Beach Boys’ Fun, fun, fun song.  We meditated, contemplated new opportunities, and focused on the importance of mindfulness. It was refreshing to just enjoy simple pleasures of life.