Springing forward surrounded by beautiful women is THE perfect way to spend a Sunday. This month's retreat was special, amazing, and life affirming - as each one has proven to be.

Kacey welcomed everyone to the event.

We started, as we now start each event, with a gorgeous blessing from Demitra.

Kacey cleared our chakras in SUCH a soothing and beautiful way. Her voice is so melodic it is a treat to listen to her in her Reiki mode.

Kacey then led us in a writing exercise to make our intentions very clear. The basket in the photo above holds our words. It was breathtaking to share the intentions of 29 women! 

Patti Pelican led us on a guided meditation taking us from a cluttered place in our home through sorting, separating, tossing, keeping, and ultimately making that same chaotic place a serene, zen like place in our home. Funny, relevant, practical tips that helped me make one teensy change in my kitchen, at least.

We were treated to the OH, so beautiful talent of Snatam Kaur's "Long Time Sun" - eyes closed, sun shining in, sheer blissfulness.

May the long time sun shine upon you, 
all love surround you, 
and the pure light within you, 
guide your way on.

Lynn Lopes talked about money; making your money life easier, smoother, fun even!  We ARE worthy of abundance. We learned about ANTS - not the kind at a picnic, although they are similar as they are Automatic Negative Thoughts and how a simple change of our thought pattern can stop those thoughts from invading our money and life picnic.

We enjoyed another delicious and nourishing lunch from B&L Deli in Cold Spring. Do give them a try if you are in the area!

After lunch, I asked each person to introduce themselves. I spoke about how my life is a circle. I was thrilled to share my friend Kathryn Costa's inspiring 100 Mandalas challenge. (I urge you to check it out as well!) I printed THIS mandala to share.

Here is Kathryn's beautiful description: 

We passed it around the room so everyone could get a close up look at the absolute beauty of the piece.

We created the Girl Scout Friendship Ring. We felt the love from each woman pass to the next woman in an imagined beautiful white light, from heart to heart.

We sang loudly and proudly with Harry Chapin and had a hug fest.

Demitra spoke to us about the spring equinox and the power and beauty of the earth. She shared that we must work together to create a harmonious planet since we are all in this together.

At the end, our intimate gathering was treated to a private concert from the extraordinarily talented Daisy Jopling. JUST FOR US! Daisy will be at The Winery at St. George on April 1. Info HERE.

Each gathering of women reminds me WHY I do what I do and why I love it so much. Strength, sharing, kindness, tears and lots of laughter are the norm at these events.

I am grateful to be a part of these women's lives even if it is just for an afternoon.

There is always a friend to made, a nugget to be shared, and something to be gleaned in a way that makes your heart happy. I thank the stars Demitra tells me about each and every time we get a chance to present these events. It is an honor and a privledge to be a part of each woman's Sunday.

xo

Our next event is Sunday, April 19. We'd love to have you join us.

This has been a particularly interesting winter. L-O-N-G. Right?!

Without glorifying "busy," which I have discussed here already any number of times, I have been busy. LIFE is busy even if it is mundane and seems like scenes from the movie Groundhog Day.

• Backstage work - check
  
• TGHR work - check
  
• OT - check
  
• Therapy - check
  
• Shyla - check
  
• Making dinner every so often - check
  
• Driving Bella hither and yon - check
  
• Visiting UVM with Bella for accepted student day - check
• Preparing for Bella to leave the nest - check
  
• Hanging with Peter for a little while last week - check
  
• Helping with a fundraiser to raiser heart health awareness for Westchester Medical Center - check
  
• Going to the spring high school musical Seussical - check
• Helping with the Senior Fashion Show - check
  

       (I now have 42 cell phone numbers...)

• Preparing for MY final LIVE - check
  
• Getting ready for a Cut-A-Thon at the salon on May 16 - check
  

And all the other stuff life is made of...

On March 22, Kacey (it's her birthday today), Demitra and I are hosting a SPRING themed workshop!

The details are HERE - check it out, RSVP, and let's make the magic of many women happen.

I have truly missed blogging. I am looking forward to the April blogging challenge I have signed up for so that I WILL blog every day. Join me, won't you?

Dear Hen Hud (& non Hen Hud) Friends ~

For 15 years I have volunteered in some way, shape or form to help our school community thrive.

I have witnessed countless acts of kindness. Unbelievable generosity. Shoulders to lean on, cry on and sit with.

I have laughed, cried, and cheered.

I have had quite the marvelous time.

Like anyone who volunteers, it has always been to make our community better.

And, it has always been “for the children.”

I have been to every school’s fair.
I have been to concerts and plays.
I have been to more sporting events than I can keep track of.
I have been part of the HHCEF and the FGL, BMMS and HHHS PTAs.
I have gone to the Fashion Show for years.
And I am one of the founding committee members of LIVE.

This is my final year of LIVE.

Blood, sweat and tears have gone into making this event THE ONE NIGHT our community comes together as one for a party. Yes, there is alcohol. Yes, there is gambling. BUT, what I find I do the most of, is dance.

I love seeing old and especially new faces join us.

I have heard every sentiment you can imagine about this event – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

It started out as a small idea that has benefited each and every PTA as well as the schools in ways that go beyond what our normal tax dollars do.

For my swan song, I would really, truly, love it if you all came.
Eat a little something.
Try a hand of 21 or a toss of the dice.
Maybe win one of our many, many raffles.

Mad props to every single person and business who sponsors or donates to this event.

But mostly, I would like you to come with me as I bid this district adieu.

I have done what I can to make it a little better than when I got here. It hasn't always been easy. It hasn't always been pretty. But is has always been worth it.

If you go out to dinner with friends regularly, I would ask you to please consider making your March dinner date, with me, and 400 of my closest friends, at Villa Barone for my final LIVE.

Saturday, March 21
7:00PM - midnight

It's ONE night.

I would love to see you.

All love,
Maggie