Turtles have been around for ~250 million years, predating dinosaurs. Turtles matter to me, and spotting them on springtime bike rides has become a cherished warm-weather thrill.

A catchphrase of this site remains, “Making and taking time for what matters.” As a sunworshipper, I often take time to be in the sun, whether for gardening, kayaking, or just sitting. Doctors rarely approve, so we sunheads sometimes apply sunscreen—along with another mantra that never gets old:

Everything in moderation. Including moderation.

Everybody’s searching for something. Yes, even turtles. Do turtles seek love? Of course! But they also crave sun, just like us, when spring comes around and they finally get to awaken from their long winter hibernation (not a bad idea) and use solar power to literally warm up, re-awaken, and recharge.

And lucky for them, they need not worry about skin cancer.

As one who’s suffered two severe accidents that took a year (each) to recover, I always hurt for—and cheer on—people who must endure life-changing health events.

This lovely couple lives down the street from me. They came here from another country, and I’ve always admired their perpetual smiles and daily walks. They just seem more spiritual than most of us.

So my heart frowned when they disappeared for a while. And months later re-appeared with a slow gait, though now speeding up gradually. Cardio event? Stroke? Other? I still don’t know, but am so pleased to see them out again.

Savor today. As Kirby Puckett said in his way-too-early retirement speech, “Don’t take it for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.”

Even when the road seems longer, keep walking. And keep the faith.

We wish they’d go away.

Dude needs to learn to chill out someday…

Pardon us for being late to rave, er, reflect on International Relaxation Day. IRD (that’s right) happened last Friday, August 15. I hope you were so chilled out you missed it too. Wait until you see what happens here for Universal Procrastination Day!

BreakAway supports this, and preaches the gospel of chill the h*ck out, which ain’t as easy as it used to be. All the more reason to ignore the noise and grab whatever (or whoever) pleases you, which may be Heavy Metal festivals, mammoth hikes, or yoga. Regardless:

Just                              un                                plug.

How do you relax? I like watching water, sipping something, and blasting music—for starters. However you unwind, we hope you get to do it almost as much as whatever is keeping you from that higher priority. St*ff can wait. Relaxing won’t. Keep the faith.

BREAKAWAY TAKEAWAY: Relaxing happens now, not later.

How are sundogs made? Magic!

I just spent a week in Portland for my daughter’s college graduation, staying in a favorite old inn on nearby Lake Oswego. Now, usually when I’m in that area, the weather makes sure I’m wet, cold, and missing Minnesota. Not this time! Summer was in full bloom, even in the skies. The elements in the atmosphere applauded with this celestial magic!