I came across this quote this morning; I paused, closed my eyes, took a deep breath in and allowed the words to seep into my being...when I opened my eyes a few moments later, I realized I felt softer and lighter.  I am not sure what it was I let go of in that moment, but ever since I have been smiling and feeling as if life is easier.  In this, I am celebrating the very life, that while fragile, is also wonderful and blessed.  So I share it with you and offer up the possibility to be grateful and celebrate this moment and day!

As a wedding officiant who creates original and meaningful wedding ceremonies, part of my process is to send out an initial draft to the couples I work.  Usually this occurs about two months prior to the wedding date.   How many times I have heard...I am so glad this arrived when it did, it reminded us why we were doing this and what was really important! 

It is quite easy in the months and days leading up to your wedding to get caught up in the details and decisions about all sorts of things from transportation, accommodations, flowers, cakes, seating charts, and the list goes on...often pushing into the background what this day is really about. 

Your wedding day is a celebration and honoring of your love and willingness to enter into a commitment with your life partner.  Keeping the importance of this in the forefront of your mind will help you let go of any angst one might feel as the clock keeps ticking.

Enjoy the planning, enjoy all the little details, and if you find yourself a bit stressed, take a breath and remember...no-one will ultimately remember the color of your chair seats, or if the dresses match the napkins (in fact, many won't even notice that they do!).  While these details may be important to you, what people remember most is the ceremony and the fun of sharing this special time with you. 

One more hint...if you can fit it into your budget, hire a day of wedding coordinator!

My good friend Deb came across this cartoon while she was on her spiritual thirst for knowledge.  Deb and I are soul sisters and we are both quite serious about self discovery, healing, our spiritual paths and serving others. 

We share this commitment with many people.  At the heart of all of us is a desire to heal, be whole and help others.  This cartoon is a terrific reminder that we can also approach life with too much seriousness, loosing track of the the capacity to bring lightness into our lives. 

So I include it today with a gentle reminder to us all to "lighten-up" as life will unfold organically and naturally if we can let go of the "doing" and "needing to get somewhere" and engage in the "being".

Thanks Deb for this terrific reminder.  For anyone interested in Deb's writings or work as a healer, visit her site

Brooke & Domenic were married in Boston, in a ceremony that was simple, elegant, and fun-loving.  I had the privilege of working with them in creating a marriage vision, and in the process we developed a deep friendship and connection.

The wedding ceremony we created together incorporated their personal beliefs, goals and collective hopes and dreams.  It opened with an original blessing written for them, weaving their vision throughout the blessing and the cermeony.  Both their Dad's shared their wisdom on relationships and marriage, and there was joyful laughter and tears throughout.  Their ceremony concluded with a lovely water ritual. 

Congratulations Broke and Domenic, I look forward to  many years of being part of your lives!

"The Goal of life is to die young - as late as possible. "

I came across this provocative quote in my travels, and as a person in a specific age group than I do not care to reveal, I must admit I totally agree!  Chronologically we are all going to grow older...the alternative is not a welcome thought by most of us, so why not do so with grace, enjoyment and a mindset that the possibilities that lie ahead are abundant.

Okay, I confess, I am going to be 55 in a few months, but I don't feel "old" or even "middle age".  Rather I feel blessed and excited each day I wake that I am healthy, strong, in love and filled with wisdom from years of experience.   This experience only came with age, and  allows me to focus on what is truly important, while not getting caught up worrying about the small stuff.  I may have my difficult days, where I am a bit sad, or tired, but in general it is my mind and heart that propels me to live each day to the fullest. 

When I was in my teens and twenties, I didn't necessarily do this in a conscious way.  It takes self love and conscious intention to accept all of who we are in the moment, with our limitations and our talents.  It is merely our thoughts that prevent us from remaining young at heart no matter what our age is.  So today I offer the possibility, that wherever you are in life, you can always remain young at heart and like the sunflowers, be upright and happy!