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!
The Wonders of Watermelon
The Benefits of Eating Watermelon Click Here to View Length: 20 Minutes See also What Happens when You Eat Watermelon Everyday Consider Eating healthy, clean, and nutrient-rich food fills your body with energy, nutrients, and antioxidants. Imagine your cells smiling back at you, saying thanks. Anonymous Succeed and Soar’s Thrive! offers insights into foods and practices that can heal and improve life. This post explores the wonders of watermelon. Beyond pretty pink slices with white and green borders, cooks have developed delightful ways to enjoy this fruit, from Watermelon Sorbet to Watermelon Gazpacho, plus Watermelon Blueberry Sparklers and Dark Chocolate Watermelon to Watermelon Olive Salad and Watermelon Pizza. This “Watermelon Carving” video shows how to sculpt the fruit into amazing art. In addition to refreshment, beauty and low-calorie sweetness, watermelon: Contains Carotenoids, and cucurbitacin E which can combat cell-damaging free radicals. Has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. The chemical gives watermelon its red color while being linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, reducing summer colds, and supports glowing skin. The high water content helps the body regulate temperature, deliver nutrients to cells, aids digestion, assists bowel regularity and helps organs function normally. That said, over-indulging can be too much of a good thing. As with other fruits, watermelon contains sugar, a concern for diabetics. Allergic reactions can cause hives, swelling and difficulty breathing, requiring medical attention. For more information, check out my resources: Top 10 Benefits of Eating Watermelon The Wonders of Watermelon 9 Benefits of Eating Watermelon That Surprised us Watermelon Benefits and Risks COMMENT Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. NEXT WEEK: Special Short Video The Wisdoms Collection Beautifully illustrated encouragements and inspirations from Succeed and Soar posts are available as canvas and framed prints, yoga mats and journals, tee shirts, shower curtains, iPhone cases and much more. Shop the Wisdoms Collection Thanks for your support!
Autumn Treasures
“Memories are the treasures locked deep within the storehouse of our souls; to keep our hearts warm.” — Becky Aligata A Meditation Once upon a summer, I played tag and softball and ran races with Madeira Street’s other ten-year-olds. Lunch was chipped ham and sweet pickles on Miracle Whip-slathered bread chased with Tropical Punch or Pink Lemonade or Cherry Kool-Aid. We played Tic-tac-toe, hangman and checkers on porches and watched television cartoons until dinner. At sundown, the ice cream truck’s jingle promised sparkling shaved ice drenched with pineapple or watermelon, strawberry or grape syrups. Now sometimes as leaves fall at eventide, I think of playmates running under streetlights, calling through the twilight. “There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place, where colors are brighter, the air is softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” Elizabeth Lawrence The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here