There is something special about the beach.  The ocean. The waves. The horizon. The sun.  The salty air.  The sand.  The beauty and power.  It washes over you.  It is a place for me where I can find peace. I can recharge, rest, and relax.  But there is also another side to vacationing at the beach and that is what we are talking about  today.  I hope you are here for it because lately I’ve Been Down the Shore.

Remember the days of turning the dial to the exact spot to hear your favorite radio station.  Waiting for that song you loved to come on, hoping they would play it.  And when it finally came on you would crank the volume all the way up and just soak it in.  That song, that song sparked a feeling, or a memory, or a sensation that ran through your body and mind.  Music is powerful, which is why lately I’ve been turning up the volume.

As I record this podcast I am preparing my heart to say goodbye to a very close friend. She is moving away and will no longer be across the road.  She has been a neighbor, a walking buddy and a best friend.  Our friendship will continue but I will miss her so much.  Making friends can be so hard as you get older.   Finding your person,  finding people.  True friendship takes work, time and energy.  When life is busy or there is a pandemic,  building new friendships seems impossible.  Which is why lately I’ve been a bit lonely.

Starting this week  I am setting myself up for a  summer challenge. A little experiment.  And I would love for you to join me!  This challenge could mess with your mind, it could change how you see yourself and possibly the world.  This challenge is also adding a tool to your toolbox to help you live a more fulfilling life and who doesn’t want that,   which is why lately I’ve been affirming the truth.

I love the food network,  I love cooking shows.  I love short little videos on Instagram of people whipping up something yummy.  I love Top Chef and watching chefs think fast, cook fast and serve up something delicious. I want to be a good home cook so I’ve started with one meal which is why lately I’ve been cooking chicken piccata.

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day.  A day to celebrate moms and grandmas and aunts and mother figures because being a mom is hard.  Being a mom is the hardest job.  There is no map handed to you in the hospital on how to be a great mom.  No map.  But there is treasure to be found.  There are lots of X marks the spot moments in mothering.  So it is up to us to create the map.  Which is why Lately I’ve Been discovering hidden treasure.