My neighbor George passed away this week.  He was buried on his 89th birthday, May 24th.  George was successful in business and retired early.  By the time we moved into our house 30 years ago, George was in the process of retiring.  Almost all of the time I knew him, George was retired.  Our kids anointed him the Mayor of our street.  George would hold court on his front porch.   If the weather permitted, that is where George spent most of his time, sitting in the chair on the front porch.  I spent many hours sitting with him, solving the worlds problems and listening to his stories of life (many from his time as a U.S. Marine in WWII in the Pacific Theater)  Fitting that he should pass so close to Memorial Day.

George was born when Calvin Coolidge was President of the United States.  1924 - 2013.  He did a lot of living in that 89 years.  I was blessed to have known George these 30 years.  I will miss him.  I will celebrate and remember him this Memorial Day Weekend. We'll be together again soon...but not yet.

Just returned from a week on the beach in Florida.  Perfect weather, white sand, beautiful sunsets. Paying attention to my body during this time, it took two or three days to wind down from the high speed pace of day to day living.  Just when you get to that sweet spot of relaxation, it's time to leave.

On my first day back to work, it seem as the world was moving at a much faster pace than I was going. It was surreal...and I don't want to go back to that hectic way of life.  How do I stay centered and not get drawn in to the craziness??  Centering prayer and yoga, take me to that peaceful place.

I can sense your presence in my Heart although you belong to all the worlds. - Rumi