Writing and sharing this blog has been on my “want “ list for a few years. As I've seen time whiz by all too quickly, I'm working at balancing more of what makes me happy, with the rest of my tasks that ensure a roof over my head, the cats and dogs ( and bunny)  being fed,  and the internet getting paid for.

Like everyone else, my life gets very hectic. My “shoulds"  and to -do lists stack up and feel as though they both grow so quickly that they will topple right over on me. They all too often have overwhelmed my "I want to...”  thoughts, that humbly try to interject a bit of happy and delightful energy which by then I am too tired to follow up on.

Sharing the warmth and cosiness of a good conversation with a dear friend is one of the most special parts of my life. Being able to extend my circle of friends through my blog is a  great gift.  I'm no longer as young as I feel that I am (smile) and realized that I want to write and meet more wonderful people like you, if only through the magic of the ethers that we call the internet.

I’ve often tried to schedule only one or two of those ‘ shoulds', get lost in completing them and look up at some point only to realize that the day is gone. Does that happen to you too? For me, it’s the result of many years of being a workaholic, and one that I am working on balancing better.

I’m a lifelong student and am always exploring new and different ideas about healthy living, traveling, finding inspiration, nurturing each other and expressing creativity in a variety of ways.

When I was in England a few years ago, my good friend and I were having one of those wonderful chatty, cosy afternoons.  It’s such a gift to spend time, compare our lives, and see the ways that two such similar cultures are the same and yet very different. At one point as she refilled our cups, she said: “Everything is better with a cup of tea". That phrase sang in my head for years afterward, proved itself to be true, and inspired this blog.

So, put your kettle on and let's share a cup of tea!