Napa Valley Getaway!

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Sonoma Raceway

This week’s post is a photo tribute capturing my trip with hubby to Napa Valley. During our anniversary celebration last year (our 23rd), we agreed to take more time this year to travel and enjoy time alone together. We feel that this is an important thing for us to do to ensure that we check in with each other; leaving day-to-day responsibilities behind. It’s amazing how much closer we feel to each other when we can let our hair down, enjoy a great time, and experience new things.

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Hotel Andaz: Downtown Napa

After this great trip to Napa, I’m even more convinced that these stolen moments are more than worth the sacrifice to make them happen.

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Hotel Andaz: Downtown Napa

Make the effort to set aside time, save money, and plan little getaways to refresh your spirit and your relationships.

 

 

 

While in Napa we visited: Hall Wines,

Hall Winery
Hall Winery

Rutherford Hill,img_3495img_3484 Arrowood Winery, img_3486and Parmeson Wines (more on this winery next week).

Our trip to Napa reminded me of how much I enjoy having Jonathan’s presence in my life. Eric Benet sang it best…

Until next week,

Pernà

In Memoriam: Impactful Relationships!

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Last week I was wrapping up a great vacation with my sweetie when I learned that two of my loved ones had made their transition from this life. I was once again reminded that life is a balance between joy and pain. Learning to embrace these two emotions in the same moment represents much of the work that we have to do on this earth.

I have not mastered this balance, but I keep the following in mind when I am tempted to throw myself a pity party:

  • I have faith that this life is not the ‘end’ of our journey
  • My life has been impacted in a mighty way by relationships and great life experiences
  • Love always wins

Once I am standing straight again, I ask myself, “What did you learn from this relationship or life experience?” That’s exactly where I went in my quiet time this week as I reflected on the impact of my uncle and grandmother’s lives on my own.

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Both my uncle and my grandmother left a significant impact on how I view who I am. I pray that I am able to incorporate their love and generosity into my day-to-day life. Both were great examples of God’s Love and I plan to meet them on the other side in the sweet by and by.

Until next week,

Pernà

Fear and Creativity: How to Live the Treasure Inside of You

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“Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.” Jack Gilbert in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.

I recently downloaded the audio version of this book and had to hit the pause button to examine this question. I repeated it in my head several times and then held a private meditation to quiet all the parts of my brain and emotions that wanted to answer the question on my behalf. After composing myself, I came to the conclusion that there is a 50/50 chance that I will summon the courage to follow the path that leads to the treasures within me. That is, when I look fear in the face, sometimes I just cry ‘uncle’.

I’m going to go and listen to the rest of this book so I can begin developing my ‘do it scared’ muscles. I just got a picture in my head of the Lion from the Wizard of Oz looking for some courage. Well… whatever works; wanna join me on this yellow brick road?

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Source: yahoo images

Take a listen to an excerpt read by Elizabeth. She has made peace with fear; even writing it a welcome letter and giving it some ‘rules of engagement’. I think this one is a must read for anyone who is working to create anything.

Until next week,

Pernà