I just got back from a trip to the supermarket and once again, going through the produce section was frustrating.  I do my best to buy organic whenever I can, and whenever possible, I try to buy organic anything (kind of!) from the supermarket to help move the product there so that they will continue to offer it.  Not that I buy that much, but I figure every little bit counts.  Anyway, I see signs for organic bananas; the bin is full of bananas, but not one of them is organic.  (I know, because if any produce item is organic the reference number for the item will begin with the number 9; not a 9 in the bunch!)  I then spot a sign for organic broccoli.  Again, the end cap is full of broccoli, but not a 9 in that bunch either!  I did end up with some organic grapes and apples, but I can’t help but wonder how many people see the organic signs posted, make their selection from what is under that sign, and go home thinking they have made a healthy purchase for their family.

This also brings to mind some ads I have seen lately for other organic offerings.  How about an organic hair salon, that specializes in keratin hair straightening?  Or the organic spa that offers chemical peels?  No kidding, no joke; real ads!  Again, I can’t help but wonder how may people will read these ads and buy into the premise that the keratin treatments and chemical peels offered are actually safer because the ad implies they are organic (the salon or spa is organic, so the treatments are also, right?)

I guess it all comes down to being a conscious, informed consumer.  Buyer, be aware!

Today is my birthday, and I catch myself wondering where the time has gone.  It is inconceivable to me that I could possibly be 59 years old.  I remember my parents at that age; not me.  Intellectually, I know that I have to be.  My children are 34 and 32.  My parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.  My high school reunion, which traditionally would have been last year (we tend to procrastinate!) would have been the 40th; and yet I cannot wrap my head around this age thing. 

I think birthdays are another New Year’s Day of sorts; an invitation to take stock of who we are, perhaps more than where we are at in terms of social success because your birthday is about you.  It is your day, to acknowledge, and hopefully to celebrate the day you were born into this world.  It is a day to look in the mirror and, in spite of the reflection you may not recognize, ask yourself if you like the reflection of who you see in that mirror. The gift of your birth lies in that response.

On Shifting Perspective

I really had a nice summer. When I think back over it, I can’t help but smile remembering the high-lights; those days, and moments that will linger beyond the sunshine and warm temperatures. I think that what made all the difference for me was shifting my perspective on summer. The child in me always longs for a summer that is 2 months long; the adult in me longs for a summer vacation, a week (or two!) of no responsibilities and an opportunity to taste of that endless summer. And every summer, I seem to end up saying, “maybe next summer…” as life seems to get in the way of the dream. 

This summer however, was different. I knew very early on that there would be no real summer vacation, and after about a month into it, I also knew that I had to do something about it. What I ended up doing was shifting my perspective on what I thought a summer vacation should look like. Instead of having a week of days, I arranged to have one more day a week (two days in a row!) off. Bruce did the same, and we were able to have a real taste of summer for several weeks. We also scheduled a full week at the very end of the summer, to really unplug from the work world and even though our timing coincided with hurricane Irene, we were able to relax and enjoy our family and home.

As we move into cooler weather and life gets even busier, maybe a shift in your perspective will provide you with a little more time to enjoy the simple pleasures and joys that will last beyond the next season.  

For me, I am glad for the memories of beach babies, beach walks and beach bikes; for sunglasses in the ocean, mahimahi turned grouper, and laughter with friends; and for my front porch partner at the beginning and end of the day.  I know that next summer will be even better!