Join the Club! Golf Tri-Cities Washington

The weather in this region coupled with available land has spawned golf galore. Yes, I have caught the craze. And, I decided to get into the swing (pun intended) of golf, again. My game has been erratic, sporadic, enigmatic, to say the least. This time, I am serious. I have a plan. I am making a commitment to Play Golf.



First step, I signed up for a one-on-one lesson from Meadow Springs Country Club pro, Jackie Stevens. In one hour, with one club, I repeated three magic moves that would get my game on. Stability or the ability to coil rather than swoosh through a swing; fingertip grip on the club to allow it to flow (I finally got this one after blistering both hands); and, what I refer to as a wing - pulling my elbow away from my ribs. After the hour of power, I said thanks to Jackie, and we agreed to meet again once I "owned" this motion series. So, I stayed to swing the club for another half hour, hoping to never forget what I was beginning to know.

My fatigue tapped me on the shoulder, on the lower back, on the thighs, on the forearm ... I was wiped out. At home, I recalled the wisdom of Homer in The Iliad "Whenever a man is tired, wine is a great restorer of strength."

Thus, I reclined and self-medicated with a bottle of Cañon de Sol Syrah ... que syrah syrah. The deep red jammy fruit and spice coursed through my veins, relieving tension in every muscle. Ahhhh. And, with this prescription my palate was quite pleased.

There is a wonderful current running in and through Tri Cities ... go with it!

A River Runs Through Us ...

Summer Solstice. The weather invites me out to play while the rivers rush by carrying greetings to the sea. As I stroll through Howard Amon park, I stop to count my blessings, whispering each one to the waters of the Columbia, knowing they will travel to the Pacific, and perhaps beyond ...

Thank you. Thank you for the bounty of farm fresh produce and the Farmers Markets offering a cornucopia of delights. Today, I visited The Parkway in Richland where locally grown goodies are available every Friday from 9-1.

Thank you for a season of outdoor delight. Thank you for the friends I have grown to cherish, and for those I have yet to know. Thank you for the salmon steaks, the grapeseed oils, and the wonderful wines to sip and savor.

With gratitude, I intend healing for and through the life sustaing waters of earth, of air, and of all. Finally, I thank Dr Emoto for showing us the expressions of water, giving me greater reverence for every single dew drop. Splash peace around town ... and over the rivers ... through the woods ... etc. Catch the current running through Tri Cities!

Get Your Groove, Girl Friend

This one is dedicated to the feminine ... and it might be of interest for guys, too ...

Never having looked at an episode of the television series, I went to see the film "Sex and the City." What a wonderful surprise. I was stirred through laughter, tears, frustration, and a deepened appreciation for my friends of the girl persuasion. The story exposed so many facets of feeling ~ love, loyalty, betrayal, regret, fear, healing, tenderness, tolerance, truth ... and, did I say, love?

Afterward, we headed to the bar for Cosmopolitans, of course. And, though we were at an Applebee's, it resonated as well as any bar in any area code ... where two or more are gathered, girls rock!

The highlights were revisited with every social opportunity. One friend asked me how I could find the film so moving among all the provocative scenes? To which I replied that we've all seen nudity, what's the big deal? "Sex and the City" includes sex ... and ... the ... city. 'nuff said.

Meanwhile, I am reinventing me in (very early) preparation for my 50th (for which I finally have a role model of both what I want and what I don't). In an effort to remain true to my authentic self, I revisit my Style Statement. Creative Presence. Crafted for me by Carrie McCarthy, co-founder of Carrie & Danielle and co-author of "Style Statement," these two words encapsulate my nature, my essence and provide a filter, when needed, in decision making. Get the book and give it a try!

And, then, to really dig deep, I recommend EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with instructor Anne Wendt, owner of Realign Abundance. The EFT process is used for a variety of goals including professional growth, sports performance, and stress relief. Anne guided me through the tapping sequence while visiting painful memories and the consequential anxiety I had been experiencing. The result is an emotional lightening and a baggage dump. How refreshing. Next time, I am going to ask Anne to help me tap my way to an improved golf game!

There is a current running through Tri Cities ... catch it!

Wine, Women, and Song ...

Experience Tri-Cities Washington.

A couple events this week were remarkable, and they are highly recommended! First, do consider booking a barrel tasting with winemaker John Bookwalter. Eight of us arrived at the Bookwalter Winery in Richland and were graciously escorted to the barrel room. We enjoyed white wines with fine cheeses and charcuterie, pickled vegetables with warm fondue, chicken skewers, and toasted breadsticks.

Then came the red wine. John presented the Merlots first, contrasting flavor subtleties achieved from different barrels. We moved to Cabernet Sauvignon and then Syrah as we realized the deepening hue in our glasses. Finally, the treasured blends ~ these that set apart the winemaker from all others. And, as at the wedding in Cana, we were delighted with the best wine saved for last ... Finally, we retreated to the lounge to enjoy a bottle recommended by our host while we listened to live music and enjoyed lively conversation, happily ever after.

And, then, an evening of music appreciation and the exploration of art and healing hosted by the Tri Cities Cancer Center Foundation. It was deemed a perfect opportunity for a "high heels night" (new moniker for girls' night out). Four of us donned our seasonal black and white with a dash of browns and khaki, stepped into our stylin' shoes, and gathered at the Battelle Auditorium in North Richland. We clacked our heels in line for a glass of Fidelitas and Country Gentleman hors d'oeuvres while we enjoyed the fountain~surrounded building.

Then we were treated to an exclusive , soul stirring, spirit-lifting, mind-enhancing performance by Ashana. Quartz crystal singing bowls resounded and hummed along with soaring and chanting vocals that left one feeling lightened ... peaceful ... and perhaps even encouraged.

There is a wonderful current running in and through Tri Cities ... more to come.