Hi there 🙂 We have spent some time over the last few months, out on the coast of Washington, visiting the Kalaloch beaches, and the Rainforests both north and south – the Hoh, and Lake Quinalt. Soaking up the sun (ha), and smelling the salty ocean air of the Pacific. Looking at these photos reminds me of all the fun times we share as a family.. Writing this now reminds me just how adventurous we can be, how we romanticize the idea of exploration and dive head first into the ideas we share. Also, though, that pictures conceal as much as they reveal.. I’ll show you some of the fun we had, but know that these trips are truly a challenge. The challenges are rewarding, though.. We have great memories to share, and I’m grateful our children are growing up outside.

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Happy Tu B’Shevat everyone (New Year of Trees). This holiday has always been one of my favorites, as a child and an adult.. Planting a tree on this day and reminding ourselves of the likenesses of man and tree, and gaining spiritual insights as to how we can learn from this reminder and be more aware of our roots, trunk, branches, leaves and fruit.. Of our readings this week, what has stuck with me the most is something the Baal Shem Tov said:

“Just as the earth conceals the greatest treasures beneath its surface — both in the form of precious metals and gems that lie buried in the depths of the earth, as well as in the productive energies locked in its soil — so, too, each one of us has the capacity to discover huge reserves and potentials of good and holiness hidden within him or herself. We simply need to mine the spiritual treasures hidden beneath our mundane exterior, and “dig up the earth” of our surface selves to plant the seeds — the good deeds — that will take root, blossom and multiply.”

I’ve had many moments of stillness this week, allowing me to reflect on my actions on this earth.. Towards others, and others actions unto me. I can’t help but wonder if there is a correlation, and if so, should there be? I’m learning..To really ‘tap in’ to what we all have to offer, we need to continually nurture ourselves, and each other. There are so many opportunities to find meaning and give meaning to our everyday lives, and for this I am grateful. I look forward in this coming year, to unearthing the bits of myself that need some actualizing, to live up to my potential – creatively, ethically, and spiritually.

Thanks for your visit  ❤