Monday Greetings! I trust your long weekend has been enjoyable. I know we were certainly spoiled with lovely weather. It was hot throughout (+26C) and even a touch humid at times - I really don't see us getting that last late frost we live in fear of around the time we first put out our bedding-outs and hanging baskets. As a rule I don't do anything before the first week in June; but this year I took a leap of faith which I hope I do not live to regret and did all my pots etc. on Friday. Saturday was just plain gorgeous and I didn't seem to accomplish a whole lot of anything. Sometimes I wonder where the days go... Sunday morning I went for a long walk, barbecued for lunch and lounged about on the deck until the weather took a surprising turn. Threatening clouds rolled in and rain was coming down by mid-afternoon. A fortuitous turn as I look at it; we are just starting to get dry and could use a few days of rain. Looks like much of the same for today.

On my walk I took pics of the many trees in bloom. This is such a beautiful time of year!

A starfish :)

I am a late convert to the joys of walking. It's really only in the past year that I have begun to walk on a regular basis. Now I don't understand why I was so resistant in the first place; I feel better both mentally and physically as a result. Below is an excerpt and link to what I found to be a very interesting article on the benefits of walking. I especially enjoyed the comments section below the essay. The author replied to each person in such a gracious, encouraging way.

* Look for a Banana Mousse recipe later this afternoon from Mireille Guiliano's French Women For All Seasons :) 

The Spiritual and Emotional Benefits of Walking

When I began walking, it was the middle of January in our often dreary and harsh Toronto winter, but I somehow kept going. Everything about me changed. My body, as I started toning from the daily practice, but more than that, my perspective changed. I felt it was my opportunity to commune with nature, which prevails regardless of the weather or the season. A great lesson we are offered from Mother Nature, if we care to observe it. In our modern stress-filled lives, where we seem to be moving faster and faster with more to do and less time to do it, walking allows you the opportunity to slow down and be aligned, a chance to breathe and relax. Walking from a place of relaxed intention is a freeing practice. It is a way to bring your mind, body and spirit into balance. Walk this way and your senses are enlivened. Colors seem more brilliant. The smells and sounds become more alive. I hear the birds song and some days I believe they recognize me and are singing their song to me, inviting me to fly with them. The leaves on the trees are dancing in the breeze and I have a sense of freedom, of being in touch, in harmony with some cosmic orchestra. Full article here.