[Image] Karin Marcus Picture with John Muir Quote

Welcome to The Seasoned Path

Welcome to The Seasoned Path. In each newsletter I will share some of my musings along the path as well as inspirations gained from those who have traveled this way before me. My hope is to tickle your curiosity, heighten your awareness, and encourage you to become an environmentalist for your soul.

In this Issue:

Quote of the Month
5 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer at Home
Nature's Coaching Tips
Going Green Tip of the Month
Readings for the Journey
Upcoming events

Quote of the Month

If I had my life to live over I'd like to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual trouble, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones. You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds, I would pick more daisies.
Nadine Stair

Showing off my cowboy boots at a Dude Ranch.

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer at Home

"Summertime and the livin' is easy…." It's time to kick back, relax, have fun and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. But because of gas prices and other expenses, many people have decided not to travel this year. This is an old but a very new concept to many. There are a multitude of local programs and summer camps for the kids, but what can all the adult children do to make this summer special? How can you alter your daily routine and turn your home into a restful vacation place? Here are five simple guidelines:

1. Enjoy as many meals as possible outside: Instead of rushing through your meals mindlessly, savor the time to enjoy the summer air and greenery. Sit with your morning cup of coffee on your porch or in your backyard. Listen to the birds and feel the morning sun warming the day. At lunch time to, step out of the box, sit in an outdoor café or take a bagged lunch to the park. For dinner, cook outside, set the table on your deck, or grab a blanket a go for a picnic. You will find that once you have the necessary supplies in place, any of these possibilities can be effortless. Imagine how different your life would feel if you had just one meal outside every day?

2. Schedule a play day: Set aside one day a week, or at the very least an afternoon or morning, when you don't do any errands, you don't turn on the computer or do chores, and you just have fun. Perhaps something you used to do when you were younger and just haven't found the time for lately. It could be hiking or biking, playing badminton or croquet. It could be doing something creative with watercolors or photography. The only pre requisite is that you are doing it because you want to and it makes you happy. Make a list of all the activities you enjoy. Post it somewhere visible to you everyday, and have fun checking the items off one by one or several times each.

3. Create a summer reading list: Those wonderful long summer novels don't need to be read on the beach or in a vacation home. Create a cozy inviting reading space indoors or out and visit it regularly. All the television programs are repeats so turn the darn box off and cuddle up with a good book.

4. Explore your own state or region: Often there are museums, historic places, amusement parks, national parks, gardens, and arboretums in your local area that you have never visited. Just google "Things to do in (your state), "and have fun exploring.

5. Post your summer hours: To assure that this summer at home just doesn't drift by unattended, you really have to firmly establish times each day an each week that are devoted to renewal, fun, and relaxation. Create space in your daily calendar for each of the activities listed above and block off those times in permanent read ink. Let your family, co-workers and friends know that these are your priorities for the upcoming months. Who knows you might start a trend!

Have a wonderful summer finding adventure, fun, and quiet in your own backyard!

Nature’s Coaching Tips

Now that the weather is warm, it is time to sit outside and enjoy some quiet reflection. Nothing is as calming and centering as simply being present and absorbing the beauty of nature. Before you move on to the next chore or duty, pause and take notice of where you are and breath.
"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." (Eddie Cantor)

Going Green Tip of the Month

Buy local, buy fresh, and reap the harvest of summer! Instead of rushing through giant supermarkets and paying all those extra packaging and shipping cost, support your local farmer's markets and the people that grow and raise their own produce with care and hard work.
You may want to join a Community Supported Agriculture farm. Typically, members or "share-holders" of a CSA farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive a cornucopia of fresh produce weekly often from June through October. By direct sales to community members, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. You can go to this website to find such a farm near you. http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

Readings for the Journey

Novels by Sue Miller: Lost in the Forest, or While I was Gone, or The Senator's Wife.

Transitions: Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life, by Julia Cameron

Upcoming Events

SOULAR POWER: A Woman’s Gathering in Cape May
Friday June 6th 10:30-3:30

Come spend a day on the beautiful shores of Cape May and recharge your batteries, so that you can begin your summer with an abundance of spirit.
The day will begin by getting your chi flowing with an introductory Chi Kung class with Linda Marrical. Then Life Coach Karin Marcus will help you turn that energy inward with some solitary time reflecting, journaling, and walking on the beach. Finally, we will come together to share our insightful experiences, our new found energies, swim, play, and bask in the glorious summer sun.

When: Friday, June 6th /Rain date Sunday, June 8th
Time: 10:30 to 3:30
Where: Cape May Point State Park, N.J.
Your Investment: $60
Contact: Karin Marcus at 610-667-5247 or
Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com Or visit: www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

The Wise Women Café
Where Ladies Gather to Laugh and Grow

Join Life Coach Karin Marcus for 4 inspiring evenings of discussion and personal exploration focusing on the theme, The Seasons of Change: Using Nature's Wisdom to Grow through Life's Inevitable Ups and Downs.

At The Wise Women Café you will have the opportunity to:
• Relax and savor the gentle summer evenings
• Enjoy the sisterhood of understanding women, and
• Learn to embrace change with grace.

When: Wednesday evenings 7-8:30
June 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th
Where: At the home of Karin Marcus in Narberth, Pa
Your Investment: $80 includes all materials and café delights,
Contact: Karin Marcus at 610-667-5247 or
Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com Or visit: www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

The Small Print

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching phone session, email me at Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com or call 610-667-5247

Visit my website for more coaching info www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

A Note About My Recommendations
I provide links in this newsletter to products and services I am offering or I have personally found valuable. If you are ever disappointed with one of these recommendations, please let them and me know. If they don't make it right, I will.

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