A quick shout out and a heartwarming thank you to my blogger buddies for checking in on me. 
I am looking forward to reading and catching up on everyone’s blog posts!! I have been away for a bit. I need to get back into the swing of things.
So what did I miss??
A few small words of kindness can have such a gigantic impact on your day. People come into your life and sometimes they don’t know how much they mean to you. I am lucky to have a dear friend – Anna.
Anna helps to operate The Granary Whole Foods in Orange Park, Florida. The store has been successfully owned by her family for 37 years. This unique grocery store specializes in nutritional supplements, organic fruits and vegetables, organic herbs, natural pet foods, non-gmo foods, environmentally friendly household items, books and natural skin care. More importantly – is how the business operates. As you walk through the door of the little yellow house built-in circa 1887 – you will step back in time. The energy and passion of the knowledgeable, friendly staff are key to The Granary’s success. If you are ever in the Orange Park area, you must check out this gem.
Anna, along with some of the blogs I follow, helped to inspire this post. This is the first edition of Monthly Mingle. In each Monthly Mingle, I will share a list of blogs that I think Anna and YOU will enjoy reading. Each of their posts brings an assortment of colorful distinctiveness. I am grateful for the creativity of each and every blog I follow.
Lisa Sell – Reader, I Wrote It
Muddling Through My Middle Ages
I hope you will be able to visit some of the blogs I have listed. I think there is something for everyone to enjoy. Feel free to share your blog in the comments. I would be delighted to check them out. Stay tuned for next month’s edition of #MonthlyMingle.
Secrets to Shine Through the Noise is Akasha Garnier’s journey from “starving artist” filmmaker to brand expert – with lessons from her first mentor and promo partners along the way. These lessons helped amplify her personal and professional brand value. Akasha was invited to write this motivational book based on her branding expertise, love of travel and ability to inspire with the right blend of business and creative skills.
Akasha also enjoys giving back and is proud to partner with Teen Cancer America. Teen Cancer America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer. Akasha will donate 10% of the proceeds from Secrets to Shine Through the Noise to Teen Cancer America.
In this book, you will gather the tools needed to work out the glitches that have you stalled on your life’s journey. You will believe in yourself and create your new soundtrack. Akasha provides the inspirational foundation needed to create a plan of action – with your own playbook.
I devoured the book, although that is not the intention of this book. I began doing some of the writing prompt exercises, but I will return to them and put forth the effort that is needed. I appreciate that I can reflect on my writings, while coloring in a meditative state – with the carefully chosen pictures the book provides. What an unexpected treat!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone – Secrets to Shine Through the Noise – will give you the elevation you need to sail forward with your own personal and professional growth.
We instantly dash to a friend in need of our help. We quickly scramble, if a family member needs our assistance. Our children and our pets – ALWAYS come before our own needs. Feelings of guilt can set in IF or when we put ourselves first. Self-care is necessary – not a luxury. We can and will run out of steam.
Before the heat of the day was upon us, and the heat index made it less than enjoyable to be outside – I chose to have ME time!
I headed to my favorite yoga studio – Bliss Yoga and Wellness – in Orange Park, FL.
My usual routine goes something like this –
I tried a new approach for a simple morning. I left the house early and detoured a few blocks from the studio, along the St. Johns River. Ahhh. A picturesque walk. I can feel the stress melting away. Maybe that isn’t the stress melting, maybe it is getting hot outside – with a quickness. Time to head over to the studio.
The studio is set back from the street, just past this enchanting wooded habitat. Instead of racing into class, I mindfully walked this peaceful pathway – watching the squirrels play in their stomping grounds, taking it all in with purposeful breathing.
This, sublime atmosphere, is a place to let go of worries and to-do lists and JUST BE! You can observe for yourself. It is effortless to see that Bliss Yoga and Wellness can become your hOMe – away from hOMe.
Honor yourself. If you are in the area of Bliss Yoga and Wellness – do yourself a favor and partake in a class in this tree house for all ages. Find your ‘bliss‘! I know this day will now be accompanied with a whole new perspective.
Did you take time for yourself today? What will you do – FOR YOU?
Self-care is NOT selfish. It is necessary. We all need time for ourselves.
195 Saturdays until Paris
This post is for The Blog Tag’s Health and Fitness theme.
200 Saturdays until Paris began – one month ago. I have spent countless hours researching different blogs, writing posts and working on social media. The amount of support I have received from family and friends has been so heart-warming. A giant THANK YOU to everyone who takes the time to read my posts. Your support and comments are truly appreciated. I am humbled by your choice to take this journey with me.
The kindness of so many people was unimaginable. My life has been touched in a way – I never expected. Allow me to introduce you to a few fun findings.
The first blog I discovered during my research was Paris Adèle. She will take you on adventures – exploring the City of Light. She is my hero! I may have convinced my new hero to take us on a private tour when we are in Paris – superhero cape included!! Ce serait incroyable !
Another wonderful find – an exceptional food blog – Full Fat Diet . Julie is my food soul-mate. She has incredible recipes – you are sure to find something for any occasion. Julie, save us a seat at the dinner table. S’il vous plaît et Merci !
Roslyn from Earth and Moon Design – is a sweet soul – who creates amazing custom jewelry. I spy, with my little eye, some pieces perfect for Paris. Magnifique bijoux!
Carlie from A Cajun in Cali, reached out to share a must read Paris prep book. You will be delighted to step into her world for some amazing photography . California here I come! J’ai apprécié la livre recomentdation!
A MASSIVE shout out to Enricoh from Alfonzo Words. The guidance I received from Enricoh has been astonishing. The social media guru has such phenomenal work ethics and is talented on so many levels. I am inspired by his determination. Je serai toujours reconnaissant!
Find a few moments and visit these blogs and show your support. I want to focus on the good in the world. What I have been gifted during my research is kindness and generosity – from all over the world.
We need to unite and choose peace.
I choose gratitude. I choose kindness. I choose peace.
What will you choose?
196 Saturdays until Paris
200 Saturdays until Paris 