I grip my kayak paddle and I see my hands, wrinkled and aged, thin skin and noticeable veins. My breath catches. As I gloomily move across the water, a baseball cap and sunscreen protect my face, yet I know they won’t erase the brown age spots already marking my face. I can only hope to... Continue Reading →
I recently read an article titled "Why is Nature So Good for Your Mental Health?" in Greater Good Magazine, published by the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California Berkeley. The article cites a study led by researcher Craig Anderson and colleagues suggesting that nature may make us happier and healthier because it... Continue Reading →
No strenuous exercising for a month, doctor’s orders. Whoa, that’s not my style. Every day after work, I either go for a run, take a high-intensity spin class or lift weights for an hour. It’s what I do and a big part of who I am, a fitness freak. Yes, that’s a self-proclaimed description, yet... Continue Reading →
Maybe my husband hates to see me struggle. While that may be part of it, I think it’s more likely that he’s seething over the scratches on top of our Honda Pilot caused by the scraping of the kayaks as I heave them overhead, one by one, groaning and teetering as I aim for the... Continue Reading →
This past weekend, I reserved an afternoon for much-needed “girlfriend” time. As soon as I knew I had a commitment-free day, I mentioned it to my friend and she quickly said she was in for kayaking. I loaded the kayaks around lunchtime, picked her up and a short while later, we were launching the kayaks... Continue Reading →
“Last Saturday, we had a winter weather advisory and a few inches of snow, and this Saturday, we’re going kayaking,” I commented to my husband and daughter as we pulled out of our driveway with three kayaks atop our Honda Pilot. Wisconsin weather! A day like Saturday—when it was sunny and 65 degrees—is well earned... Continue Reading →
Lately, I’ve been trying to practice mindfulness. It is indeed a practice, therefore, something you have to do over and over again to get better. While honestly, I’m not that great at it (yet!), I am working on being more attentive of experiences and feelings in the present moment. To me, mindfulness is recognizing the... Continue Reading →
Owning two kayaks means I can only take one person kayaking with me at a time. And let’s just say that’s caused some strife and resentment among certain family members on beautiful summer days! One solution has been to launch our kayaks from a place that offers kayak rentals. Another solution is to buy additional... Continue Reading →
A busy week and I’m excited for a Friday afternoon escape to the lake with my daughter. We load our kayaks and drive north a short distance. We unload the kayaks along the shore and grab the waterproof bag. In goes the water bottles, tissues and snacks. I grab the sunscreen, then toss it back... Continue Reading →
