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The Naked Truth About Great Sex May 7, 2010

Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance, People.
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Betcha never thought you’d see that title in this here Spiritual Blog, did ya?

Surprise!

In case the title got you wondering about whether I’m going to start dispensing sexual advice . . . I’m definitely not going to be doing that, at least not directly.

But I ran across an article that should not be missed if you’re in a relationship where intimacy is lacking, and sex is just a fond memory.

When you’re in the process of simplifying your life to create space for what matters, see if you can carve out some time for reconnecting with your significant other to rekindle the romance.

Once you’ve found the time, plan a romantic weekend for two!

In Your Great Sex Weekend, Dr. Pepper Schwartz provides 10 Foolproof Tips for making the most of your romantic get-a-way!

Enjoy!

Dr. Pepper Schwartz, AARP’s sex and relationship expert, has written 16 books on the dating habits and sensuality of couples and singles. Her mission is to improve the lives of aging boomers and the 50+ audience by enhancing their relationships and offering counsel on everything from sex and health issues, to communication and dating as you age.

Does Time Heal All Wounds? May 7, 2010

Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness, People.
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Does time heal all wounds?

Maybe . . . but only when we cooperate.

When we fall down and skin our knee, the wound almost always heals  faster if we just clean it up and leave it alone, letting time do its thing.

We know that picking at the scab will slow down the healing process.

Yet, when we bruise our egos, we often slow down (or halt) the healing process by continually picking at the wound:

We analyze what happened.
We turn it over in our minds.
We tell other people what happened.
We solicit their opinions.

We gather support for Ego’s view of the situation.
We get mad all over again.
We desire retribution.
In extreme cases, we plot our revenge . . .

Does all this ego-maneuvering and posturing speed the healing process?

Nope.  Just the opposite.

When we hang on to negative emotions (hurt, frustration, anger, sadness, or grief), we are getting in the way of the natural healing process.  Instead of letting time work its magic, we tend to aggravate the impact of the initial injury by letting it eclipse everything else in our lives.

We get stuck for days, weeks, months, and even years, watching the same stale re-runs over and over, instead of choosing to move forward.

Whenever we choose to hang on to the past, rather than letting it go, we are robbing ourselves of  the joy, peace, and happiness we could be feeling right here, right now.

Next time you bruise your ego: pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and find something to smile about . . . while time does its thing.

Quote:  How you relate to the issue IS the issue.

Related posts:  Choose Happiness * But I Might Die Tonight 

A Taste of the Beachhouse May 7, 2010

Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Gratitude, Happiness.
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The Beachhouse Restaurant, on the sands of Anna Maria Island, sits next to the Gulf of Mexico, overlooking its turquoise surf.  Beach breezes rustle the fronds of swaying palms on all but the stillest days.

Beach visitors who stroll past the Beachhouse at sunset, along the water’s edge, hear live music wafting over the sand from guitarists strumming Jimmy Buffett’s best.

It’s the perfect spot for dining al fresco.

Last spring, we received an e-invite to the Beachhouse for a Wine Tasting, offered at a budget-friendly $5 per person.  We went, expecting to sample a few wines and mingle with island natives and visitors.

On arrival, we received a list of drinks for sampling that day:  Pink Cadillac Margarita * Mangorita * Hurricane * Tropical Red Sangria * Tropical White Sangria * Red Truck California Wine * White Truck California Wine.

Jackpot!

Every “taste” included a generous sampling of the libation in question ~ four to five ounces of the mixed drinks and sangrias, two to three ounces of the red and white wines ~ each drink more delicious than the last.

“Heaven, I’m in Heaven . . ..”

Rather than standing about, juggling our drinks, we were seated at tables overlooking the Gulf’s turquoise waters, the center of each table adorned with a pineapple centerpiece.

While we sipped our libations, smiling at the sand, sun, surf, and our good fortune, servers delivered delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to our tables, as generously as the bartender poured drinks.

Plate after plate of appetizers swirled by:  Greek Pizza (feta, olives, tomatoes, and spinach), Spanokopita (feta and spinach filled triangles of flaky phyllo pastry), sliced Cucumber with Basil Pesto, Beef Wellington, Shrimp Cocktail, Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce, Smoked Salmon, and Grilled Scallops.

Mmm . . .

Attending the Beachhouse Tastings became a ritual.

Each week, the staff (Erin, Nicole, and Jerry) greeted us with smiles, delicious appetizers, and fun drinks.

We’ve tasted imported beers and ales, featured Rum drinks (including the Voodoo Tattoo), and fine Australian wines.

How better to get over the hump of hump-day than by sitting Gulfside, listening to Buffett, watching swaying palms, while eating and drinking to our heart’s content . . . aah, bliss.

Of course, all good things must come to an end ~ at least during the height of tourist season.

Hmm . . . now that the snowbirds have flown north, maybe the Beachhouse Tastings will resume.

Related Posts:  An Island in the Sun * Bag Ladies On The Beach