It’s been just over a month since I’ve written. I’m still here. As I reflect on the month gone by, I give thanks for the wonder and joy of this life.

July, for me, is a minefield of emotions. Three of my favorite folks have birthdays in July. Two dear friends celebrate their love and commitment each July. This celebration falls just 4 days before Rick and I celebrate the first time we saw each other and the day we celebrated our love in marriage. Don’t forget Independence Day, the 4th of July. I love the sparklers, fireworks and celebration of it all. I think we all understand a possible mix of emotions when we consider this country’s history, its current course and its possibilities for the future.

Then there is Independence Day… the 5th of July. Independence Day for Isabella; the day that I walked away from the world of health administration, pay checks, politics, stress and a wonderful group of people that I still love today. (Wave your sparklers then, please, pass the tissue.) As to shake me out of my selfishness, somewhere in the month, our world caught on fire! My prayers flowed for those who have been harmed and for the strength and forgiveness of Mother Nature.

That was my month of July, a roller coaster and minefield: happy, happy, joy, doubt, fear, laugh out loud, flop, joy, pause, reflect, fire, water, travel, breathe, question, love, love, gratitude, success. Like a movie or good book, it had it all.

To quote my dear Rick (provider of love and support), “That was then, this is now.” Welcome August. I am back in the studio, heart full of song and wonder. Lots of fun things headed our way so please stay tuned.

For today, I leave you with a joyful bit of July:

The Tree House

To be amongst the rustling leaves and

birdsong, a joyful gift from heaven.

I stretch and the sun kisses my cheek.

Good morning, I welcome the new day.

Birds dance in the air above me and

watch from the branches that surround. Light

and shadow dance on the leaves to the

music of the morning. I balance.

I breathe. I am filled with gratitude.

Oh, to dance among the tree tops and