The Good Life

Our homestead is located on the North Fork of Long Island. Surrounded by a beautiful woodland setting, we are inspired daily through the nature around us.

We are starting a Recovery Garden this Spring and created a hobby that not only will be saving on grocery bills, but will give us countless hours of pleasure by nurturing and tending to the vegetables and herbs.

We live in deer country. So, it's quite the challenge to have any kind of plantings! Fortunatly, we have a fenced area that we can use.

Post May 18

Planted pansies & marigold.

Post May 19

Purchased vegetable & herb plants for Recovery Garden.

Post May 20

Planning garden layout & clearing out weeds.

I'm excited about our herb garden this year. I'm not sure if I will plant them in the Recovery Garden, or create a separate Herb Garden.The existing plants are lavender, oregano, English thyme, and lemon balm. This year, I'm planting basil, Thai basil, rosemary, flat leaf parsley, and more oregano.

Vegetable plants are beefsteak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers-two kinds, and from seed- green beans and sugar peas. We also got a strawberry plant and are looking for blueberries.Speaking of strawberries, I'm looking forward to this year's Strawberry Festival in Mattituck held in June. I'll get back to you on the dates.

Life in Costa Rica, Farmer's Market San Ramon

We lived in San Ramon, Costa Rica over the winter. The photo to the right is a view from our second floor balcony.
San Ramon, an agricultural town located in the highlands of the Central Valley, is about 45 minutes northwest of San Jose, and close to the famous cloud forests of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. Neighboring towns are Los Angeles, Palmares, Grecia, and Atenas.

Due to elevation differences, climate in each town can be dramatically different. The dry season is from Dec to April. It was unusually cold in San Ramon this January and February. Many nights the winds howled as the tin roof rattled violently to the point you thought they were going to blow off. It is not always as pictured to the left. There wer sunny days in the 60's. So close to the cloud forest, the clouds would roll in at night, providing the needed cool temperatures and moisture for

this is where Costa Rica's famous and delicious coffee is grown.

Near the campus of Costa Rica University at the edge of town, every Friday and Saturday, the local farmer's market is held where you can get delicious ripe fruit and vegetable and fresh flowers every week.

Fresh produce purchased at the open air farmer's market is at local economy prices. But, gringos look out! Make sure the vendor has a price marked, otherwise the price may go up!

12 cents for a small bunch of bananas. Pineapple, cantalope, watermelon, green beans, tomaotes, white potatoes, broccoli, carrots, celery, peppers and the list goes on.

Back in the U.S., so many of us are talking about having a garden this season. If the White House can have one, why can't you? Once the initial time is invested to set it up, the rewards you reap far outweigh the work needed throughout the summer.
We are even thinking about having chickens and guinea hens. What a hoot!

Peru Adventures

For those of you that have been to Peru, you know what I'm talking about. For for other traveler's who have not made Peru their destination, I've got news for you - be prepared to fall in love and get Peru fever!

The best photos do not do justice to the immense beauty of the Andes mountains, rivers, hummingbirds, rainforests, archeological sites and colonial buildings.

I have Peru fever and can't wait to go back to explore such a beautiful country!

Time Passes. Life Happens. Follow your Bliss.

When I was about 20 years old, I had a conversation with a passerby... a woman shopping in the department store where I worked. I never forgot what she told me. She was a happy elderly woman around 83 years old. It was a chance meeting and a sharing of spirit I never forgot.

I can't remember why we started speaking or what we were talking about, but her message is timeless and a worthy lesson.

She said she felt like she was 18 years old inside. She still felt vibrant, optimistic and joyful. She acknowledged the wisdom gained through life's journey with its twists and turns. Nevertheless, she shared great joy with me for the happiness she felt inside. Only when she looked into the mirror was when she was reminded of her octagenarian status.

Little did I know how many times I would think of these words throughout my life. I don't remember her face, but I do remember her spirit and the glow she had around her....like the watching a sunset on a summer evening.

I share this story with you because it is especially significant at this time in my life. My mother passed away almost 20 years ago and I kept her spirit with me by naming my store and website in honor of her- Millie's Daughter Designs.

My father died recently and I have been struggling with the many changes that have occurred after his death. He passed in June, 2008.

I can't remember when I started writing this blog. I was overwhelmed with emotion and sadness. But, time has passed. On my return from our 3 month stay in Costa Rica, I found this uncompleted blog. I decided to finish it and share my lesson with you.

We all keep our loved ones in our heart and go to them when we miss them, want to talk to them, or just want to feel loved. I truly followed my bliss by living in Costa Rica and travelling to Peru.

On Easter night, I cried remembering it was the last holiday I spent with my Dad. I have learned a short prayer. It gives me solace and allows me to experience joy in life.

I love you.
I'm sorry.

I forgive you.

Thank you.

________

What more needs to be said?

Montreal Weekend Getaway

We decided to visit Montreal, Canada after attending a wedding in Plattsburgh, NY. Boy, were we lucky to get a room on our third try as the city was booked. We stayed at a boutique hotel in downtown (Ville-Marie) area. Although, the rooms were small, they were immaculate and decorated in classy French style, similar to our favorite hotel in Paris. A-2-K Hotel is on Avenue Rene-Leveseque at the corner of Guy Street. Say hello to Gopel. Such a courteous gentleman! The hotel is adjacent to a fine Indian restaurant that was quite busy during our stay.

Downtown Montreal (Ville-Marie), Cresent Street

Photo Courtesy of Alexis Hamel www.imtl.org/montreal

Hotel A2K is in a great location. Although, it is on a main boulevard, the rooms are quiet and near all the boutique shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and beautiful brownstone buildings. Architectural detail is everywhere. Even the skyscrapers in the business district are beautifully designed. Besides the friendliness and French language, fashion sense and culture, one of the great treats was the visible blue sky, no matter where we went! Montreal is a great place to discover by walking. Not only did we keep up with our walking routine, but, we were doing a daily walk of about 7 miles (instead of the usual 4 mile trek at home).

Dining at '7 ' Restaurant on trendy Cresent Street was a great first night experience. The bars, cafes, and restaurants were filled with fashionistas, the hip crowd and families alike. The intermingling of all types of folks that took pride in their dress. French, English and Spanish languages wafting through the air, felt like Europe.

De la Commune Street, Old Montreal

Photo courtesy of Denis Tremblay http://www.old.montreal.qc.ca

We spent the next day in Old Montreal, deciding to walk from downtown which is about a 45 minute stroll. We past through the Business district, China town, and came across the Notre Dame Basilica- which is a beautiful church located across from the old City Hall. The stained glass work is exquisite.

Notre Dame Basilica

Courtesy of Marie Le Conte

www.old.montreal.qc.ca

The streets in Old Montreal, are cobblestone, winding and narrow, reminescent of the arrondisements of Paris. You can venture through many shops, restaurants, and a museum or two.

St. Vincent Street

Photo Courtesy of Marie Le Conte

http://www.old.montreal.qc.ca

Place Jacques- Cartier is filled with artisans, street vendors and cobblestone walkways. We picked up photo artwork by one of the local artisans and found a quaint restaurant through the recommendation of the local artisan. What at lovely end to a great weekend!
Place Jacques-Cartier
Courtesy of Denis Tremblay www.old.montreal.qc.ca

Make a point to visit Montreal someday by adding it to your Travel To Do List- Bon Adventure! What an enchanting city!

Bonsecours Market

Photo Courtesy of Denis Tremblay www.old.montreal.qc.ca

Treasuring Summer Days, Living Your Life in Balance

Being Loyal to Summer

Labor Day weekend represents the end of summer to many of us. There are many triggers to support this feeling-- the beginning of the hustle and bustle of the school year, the occasional cool evenings, a few leaves falling and stores displaying autumn decorations in August.

I recently read that September is a stressful time of year because of the beginning of school, many activities and the pending holidays.

Fall doesn't begin until September 22. I used to get a little sad when I would hear some one say summer is over. I would say no! No, it's not! We have more time to celebrate the beauty of summer before we relinquish it! Now, I say how can you let this be?

Honoring Your Body

In August, I went away on a retreat/bootcamp and I started a daily walking routine. When I got home, I kept it up and it now has become a daily ritual in honoring my body, my time and my thoughts.

In doing so, I have been able to cut out a section of time for myself and making it a priority. It has become a meditative time to think about my goals, visions, and dreams. Besides, getting exercise in on a daily basis, the time helps me focus on my weekly and daily goals as well as prioritize them.

Living Your Life in Balance

How can I carve out a piece of time for myself with the kids, my husband, the demands of work, and social obligations; not to mention taking care of my home? I don't have the time to take care of myself!!

If this sounds like you, I ask you if your life feels like it is in balance? Do you feel happy taking on all of these tasks, jobs, chores, obligations? Do you allow yourself some down time and be just you--not somebody's mother, wife, employee, daugther, sister? Do you feel connected to your inner self?

Living your life in balance is unique for your own lifesytle. You are worthy to find out where that balance is. First, it starts with being true to yourself.

On my retreat/bootcamp, the leader taught us about the 4 bodies within us-- the physical body, the mental body, the spiritual body and the emotional body. We as women, need to honor our body- all four aspects of them instead of absorbing life's problems like a sponge.

How to start? Have the courage to create boundaries and be consistent to those situations, people and things that place demands, needs, requests, favors, etc. on us. There is nothing wrong with setting limits on others, in order to carve out some time for yourself. In fact, it is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself! It's ok to say, " No, I can't do that for you. I need to take care of my responsibilities first." Taking care of yourself is your responsibility. For no one will do it, if you don't do it for yourself! It is only when you have taken care of yourself, should you then help someone else. Your energy will be so much more balanced!

Motivational Speaker, Brian Tracy, says living your life in balance is placing 5 areas of life in the correct priority: Family, Health, Mental/Spiritual, Integrity and Career.

A person who puts his/her career before health, family and integrity is a far different person who puts Health, Family, Spiritual/Mental, Integrity before his/her career.

Slow Down to Catch Up

We need to slow down in order to catch up! Take time to breathe. Take time to relax. Take time to hear your inner thoughts. Take time to enjoy and savor the magical moments on this earth. I still write down my to do list, goals, errands and participate in my social obligations, dates, enjoyments. I even have better and concentrated focus on my work, accomplishing more than I ever have. In slowing down and consciously setting an intention for the day and taking time out for my walks, I am accomplishing more--more of what is truly important to me. My partner is happier, I am enjoying my friends even more, I am spending quality time with my family.

We have 20 more glorious days of summer. Now is the time to savor it, honor it, and enjoy it!

Start with 30 minutes just for yourself and you will be amazed at the results!

All the best, Suzanne

www.jedediahhawkinsinn.com

Check out the photos and design ideas on this site. I recently returned to Jedediah Hawkins Inn, located in Jamesport, LI, NY to enjoy a lovely lunch, beautiful scenery and great service. They have inspirational gardens as well. Truly worth a visit.

This location was a featured Designer Showhouse in 2006/2007.