Send Off to Summer
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. – Winnie the Pooh From this marina, I watch yachts bob gently from eastmost to western horizon [click on video below]. Behind me, muted music bounces beneath a hundred conversations. Before me, green hills and the Allegheny River refresh the wind. Allegheny River. Depending on source, the name means, “best flowing river of the hills” or “fine river” or other lovely names from various First Nations [Algonquin, Lenape, Seneca], who lived along this waterway thousands of years before Columbus left Europe. In 2008, nineteen-year-old, Katie Spotz was the first-known person to swim the 325 miles from Warren, Pennsylvania, into New York State, and past this Fox Chapel Yacht Club. A few miles west, this water joins the Monongahela. The mingling creates the Ohio River that, 981 miles later, becomes the Mississippi. It flows into the Gulf of Mexico that becomes the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, mists becomes clouds that rain, perhaps onto the hills in Warren, Pennsylvania and the river begins again. The third Wednesday of August, I enjoyed the Pittsburgh Business Exchange’s annual “Send Off to Summer.” As with that’s summery, I think of Brooke Davis’ words, “So for now I say goodbye to this chapter of my life, and I look forward to what comes next.” Next was a short drive to Bob’s Garage, a colorful bar twinkling with thousands of little white lights. As folks sing karaoke, I consider attempting Prince’s “U Got The Look.” How much worse could I be? [Okay, a lot.] As the thought that summer will return after autumn, winter and spring, I wonder about voice lessons. I embrace these anonymous words, “Set your Goals High and always Dream Big. Because you’re only as big as the dreams you dare to Live..” See you next year relaxing by the yachts and, later, at Bob’s Garage [photo above]. Until then, Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Vivid Journals Record your dreams, hopes, plans and achievements in these beautiful, inspiring notebooks. Details: 6” x 8, spiral notebook 120 pages, ruled on both sides Art printed on front Cover is thick paper stock. Back cover is medium gray Inside front and back covers have pockets for storing extra paper and pens Price: $17 View All Notebooks Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 9: Kindness
You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. – John Bunyan On an end-of-summer evening beside the Allegheny River, as twilight settled over yachts docked at the Fox Chapel marina, I chatted with members of Rotary International, an organization I thought focused on business development. Turns out the profits Rotary members seek come from bridging cultures and connecting continents. They champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, help people get access to clean water and sanitation, and fight disease. Rotary’s newest cause is to protect our planet and its resources. Wow! How exhilarating to meet people who prioritize the 9th Path to Joy, Benevolence: good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. An old saying advises, “Everything that goes around, comes around.” The Bible’s Galatians 6:7 adds, “What a man sows, that he will also reap.” The Mayo Clinic finds that sowing benevolence does reap a joyful harvest. They report, “Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.” Read more. Everyday Health lists seven ways being kind improves health and well-being, by: Reducing anxiety and depression Improving heart health Managing diabetes Read more Succeed and Soar’s Original Path to Joy #9 post stated, “Benevolence is good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. Beneficence is the joy of putting those intentions into action.” How? In “Practicing the Art of Benevolence,” Purposeful Habits suggests, “Never hold back in a moment when you can show kindness.” And remember, When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou Succeed and Soar! Gifts from One Big-Hearted, Benevolent Gift of a Man Length: 2 Minutes 35 Seconds Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Hooded Sweatshirts As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more With autumn’s arrive, snuggle up artfully. These fine quality hoodies are: : 75% cotton, 25% polyester blend Five sizes [Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2X Large, 3X Large] Two Art Locations [Full Chest or chest patch] Double-opening waist pouch Colors: White, Heather, Charcoal, Black, Navy Machine washable Price $48 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Hooded Sweatshirt View All Hoodies Thanks for shopping!