For me, this 52nd year of circling the earth has been encircled by caring and loving souls. For me, I dub this year: The Year of Kindness.
Each year, I pause to recall the many generous acts of loving kindness I have been gifted. This year granted me the opportunity to publish a book I have considered for several years. The process to take this book to fruition will stay imprinted on my soul because I will hold dear the support of the kind village of people who made it possible.
Life is a gift and this year I recognize 52 of those gifts.
- My health
- Donna Lou, my mother who was the first kindness I knew
- The Bryan YMCA YogaDawgs
- Altina Layman who illustrates the reality that talent and kindness are interwoven
- Jeri Rowe’s words and encouragement that travel longer than the page
- Betsi Robinson with wisdom and guidance
- #Wearewriters, Gaye and Heather and together we believe, encourage and celebrate the written word
- John’s unending belief in me and my writing dream
- Tina and her yoginis and their west coast embrace and love
- Sitka Community that reaches far beyond an island
- Sistah Cindy whose heart always has room for one more sibling
- Kara and an unfailing ability to be there and there and there
- Angie and her letters of 1000 pieces tied together with humor and honesty
- MaryMac and Phil whose home and heart are open wide and kind
- Alice, my wise friend and teacher
- Jerry and Terry and their beautiful Triad Yoga Community
- Heather P who teaches me to embrace life fully
- Michiko’s honest way and sincerity that never wavers
- Scuppernong Books and Brian and Jeff for belief in community support and goodness
- Sarah D who reminds me to trust it all
- David Heggie for embodying the beliefs of the Y community
- Naomi B for endless encouragement and celebration that thankfully knows no end
- Greg P, my wise and caring mentor who makes my being possible
- Tara who shares love, adventure, honesty and laughter- a perfect life long concoction
- The kiddos who continue to shine their light in my direction: Lillian, Adeline, Brian, Matthew, Celia, Annie and Emma
- Austin and Dylan, the caretakers of the Sherwood retreat
- Julia and Grant for presence at the table and in our hearts
- Msr. Look, the best two-wheels that carry me and get me stronger
- My brother, John who won’t give up on me
- Becky and Cliff who keep me connected
- Two legs that still run
- The classes I am honored to teach and the student who come
- The publications that rejected my submissions, you teach me: It’s not No. It’s just not now.
- Tate Street Coffee and 25 years of shaping and caffeinating my life
- Aunt Ann and Uncle Howie, the supportive love and inclusion that’s lasted longer than any others
- Lindy who supplies love and kindness every year
- My plane-pen pale, Lisa for letter from all elevations
- Runner pals Alaska: Bridget, Val, Lisa and Cindy Bea
- Kristen who keeps space in her life and room in her heart
- Ryan and your lessons of love, gratitude and intentions that continue to guide me
- Isaac because you have to keep the ones that get you best close by
- Adventures that open me to the unexpected
- Morning coffee and cribbage with the kind soul that greets my day
- The full moon
- The Redwoods, the Spruce, the Oaks and all the trees that save me
- Beautiful hikes that take me out and bring me back in
- The sunrise
- The California quail show
- The NC Cardinal calls
- The desire and ability to say: Yes!
- The blessing of John
- Good friends far and wide who connect with my heart and feed my soul