Finally received the draft design of my next book, “DIY Solo Retreats,” today. A few things to adjust, but it’s getting closer to publication time! Weather-wise, couldn’t have been more perfect: 70s, light breeze, clear skies, low humidity. The only drawback was that I spent most of it inside, as usual. I had meetings and seminars from 8:30 AM until 6 PM, with a two-hour break in the late afternoon, which I used to catch up on all the work I missed because of the meetings and seminars. During a four-hour seminar about mindfulness, I came away with the understanding that all these techniques I’ve been using over the years to improve my mind and spirit remain tried and true. (Is there irony in spending four hours staring at others on a computer screen while discussing mindfulness?) I also realized, as one of the older—if not oldest—person in attendance, that for many people these meditation and mindfulness tips, tricks, and practices are yet new and untried. In the past year I’ve attended a half-dozen of similar-themed seminars and ended up sharing much of my experiences and coping mechanisms (inching toward the Old Crone phase of life). I work for an employer who attracts a lot of millennials, so maybe it’s inevitable. Unabashed, I’ve used the opportunity to pitch my books and blog on self-care—hey, they ask me to share the titles! Here’s hoping my new book will be of use to them.

The carpet stretchers made their timely appearance just as the long seminar was ending. After they left, I was mindful of how much I appreciate people who do these types of jobs well. Now that they’ve fixed the carpet in the room where I meditate, I won’t have to be AS MINDFUL of the tripping hazard that presented itself at the entrance to that room. Namaste, dear carpet experts.

Got out on the bike to enjoy what was left of the day, harvested a few things in the garden with Hubby (kale, peppers, tomatos, celery, blueberries, chard), and then spent the evening on our beautiful porch as the sun went down.