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Good Saturday Morning!
From the beginning of my Encouragement Only Substack newsletter – and my decade of blogging, I have chosen to bring positive words and healing to my readers.
Some weeks are a bit more difficult – but I believe looking for the good helps one find it. And we all know the opposite is true.
First, allow me to invite locals Mojave Desert dwellers to attend my art opening TONIGHT 6-8 pm at Soul Connection 61877 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA.    continue reading

  M I N D        B O D Y      S O U L     S P I R I T
August Greetings! 
We are finally experiencing some beautiful weather. Sipping my morning coffee on our back patio, I enjoyed the 75° temp with a slight breeze. Even the colorful, gently waving laundry on the line looked picturesque.
It has been a long and lively summer.
There is some good news out there. The Paris Olympics were spectacular, the pandas returned to the San Diego Zoo, and school is in session safely (so far). Congratulations to the 10,500 Olympic athletes (coaches, parents and families) who competed in 48 sports disciplines!
But, really, it’s our personal news that is dear to us! Visits with and good news from family and friends bring joy.
I have been painting and received the happy news that my painting “Prescott Palms” was accepted into the juried Art Expo at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center “Water in the Desert.”
Recently, I began to contemplate the good in my life, to appreciate quiet, and even to ponder my existence. Who am I to be?  Who am I not to be?
What is your role in the universe?
If that seems too daunting, I urge you to
Just make a list, as I did below, of things going well, working….
Creating spaces/creative encounters where the miraculous has happened – since 2020—both Art Zoom and Bible Study
My painting and small business.
My routine – morning coffee in a French press (no wasting filters! Or worrying that I left it plugged in!)
Small items which can make life easier—a new garden hose.
Family/close friends - think about their best qualities!     
Home, job, transportation (if these are not running smoothly, don’t think about them right now)
By the time I made a list, I definitely felt better! And I do not advocate ignoring trouble. It’s just that sometimes it is calming and positive to recognize what you are doing right!
Acknowledge “I can’t do it all!” and love what you admire in the skills of others.
I often think I need to do all the good things I see others doing. Nothing could be farther from the truth or more anxiety inducing!
When I think of friends, view social media, and attend functions, I encounter many brave, talented and compassionate people.  My life is better because of them. They have a role in the universe-which is not my role. How can I appreciate them and not try to upstage or pass by their beautiful talents?
This week, I honor people who make my world a more beautiful place:
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