Apositiva Institute

Beyond the snow and ice is another world... After being in Illinois I am truly grateful to be home to our beautiful Portland rain.

Hi, folks. Forests bring healing on a scale we can't possible understand completely... yet we can feel the essence. I'm home after months in Illinois, caretaking for a mother with Dementia. I'll be here till February. See you on the trail. (Hugs) Cat

Beauty. "What are you doing when you feel most beautiful?" I read this question in Krista Tippet's book "Becoming Wise" which is a question asked by Jacqueline Novogratz . John O'Donohue (past poet and philosopher) said "Beauty is that in the presence of which we feel more alive."

I see this blue heron, swimming in a pond alone. Content. I gather questions in my mind. Is this a female or male? Are they really alone or where is their mate. Why here in this moment.

Busybody human, it must think. I am here to give you a moment of beauty.

Ahhhhh. I get it. Beauty. I am currently in Illinois caring for my mother. It takes a lot. Love is my fuel. Compassion is my lubricant and sidekick. Beauty is tending to those who need to be loved and minded, because they cannot do it themself. Beauty.

When I'm with my coaching clients, hypnotherapy, or teaching online I feel I am in the presence of beauty.

So, what are you doing when you feel most beautiful?

Art is fun, healing, creative and nice to share. Here is a painting by my daughter Cynthia Wilson. I finished an online paint party on February 13th and had left over paint on a plate. Rather than dispose of the paint I covered with plastic and left out to paint later. Paint lasts a few days when kept from air. I encouraged my daughter to pick up a brush and paint. She created this beautiful painting. I encourage you to find a space and create some art. (Hug)

Cat is in Portland! Seeing family, friends, clients, and colleagues again is wonderful! As many of you know I've been away caring for my mother in Illinois since 2023. I'm home for a few weeks at a time to catch my breath and see my people and cats. Walking in the forest with my folks and through the labyrinth near my home brings me so my joy! I bumped into a few folks my second day here and immediately felt so much warmth!

What am I up to? Giving my mother lots of attention, caring for her cockatiel, and grabbing a walk for self care. (Hugs)

Picking Concord grapes from the tiny vineyard in Betty Luckow's yard. My dad planted them years and years ago. They grow around one side of the yard. I tasted the purple ones ... delicious warmed by the sun and fresh off the vine.

A special day with a brilliant author, Joyce Maynard. I'm looking forward to reading her novel "How the Light Gets In."

Reflecting .... smiling ... yesterday my cousin Nanette Bulebosh gave me a beautiful gift of time. My mother got to spend the day with my brother and his wife while my cousin and I ventured to hear Joyce Maynard (Author) speak in Lake Forest. I am grateful for the kindness, support, and everything it took for a wonderful lady to drive several hours from Wisconsin just to bring a day of joy to me! (smile)

Art is good for all ages. I set out paper, some paint and brushes and look at mom at 90 paint!