Living in a small, funky coastal town, you never know who you might meet. We have forged some great friendships with complete strangers who have had incredible life journeys. One of our favorites is Dorothy Rooney, a high-energy, super-sparkly soul who has lived 96 years of full-on joy and unimaginable adventures.

Today we were lucky enough to be seated next to her and her amazing partner Liz at breakfast at the local hangout. Lucky for us, Dorothy was decked out in full regalia with her WASP wings and her Congressional Medal of Honor ID badge. They had intended to go to the Memorial Day service at the local cemetery, , unfortunately the dates got mixed up so she didn't get to mingle as she had planned . Dorothy, with her usual enthusiastic smile and twinkle, declared that she was looking for adoration today and had hoped that somebody would notice the hard earned WASP wings pinned to her shirt. Of course, we already had and were thrilled to run into her under such auspicious circumstances. As always, she was beyond inspiring, sharing her life experiences as a pioneering female pilot at the age of 25.

So grateful to have Dorothy and Liz in our universe and to be reminded of all the amazing women that have paved the way with such grace, gusto and relentless courage. Most importantly Dorothy, please know and remember you will always be not only adored for your service but for who you are.

Dorothy, you are a truly inspiring hero and pioneer, and we wish you much adoration and appreciation today and every day.

I went home to visit my parents three weeks ago for a seemingly casual visit, there was nothing on the horizon to worry about. As it turned out, I was there when my mom, after not feeling great the previous weekend, went to a routine OR appointment which would prove to be not so routine, and after swift action from an efficient team of ORs and many tests and procedures, less than two days later we were given a stage 4 cancer diagnosis with tumors in the pancreas, liver, and lymph nodes.

Of course, we were all in shock, as mom is known for extreme self-care and is in great shape, and yikes, this is serious news. I extended my visit, and our newly banded and very determined tribe of 3 (my parents and I) began a thorough tour of the Ors offices with little good news about treatment options, total overstimulation of information, and the consistent reminder to move fast on treatment. My brother had also planned to be there over the next week—another crazy coincidence—and we pooled our family strengths, knowledge, and incredibly supportive medical connections to move into action with a sense of humor and grace.

As the information continued to unfold and connect us, we were able to find a great doctor and team at a holistic cancer clinic with a treatment plan and protocol that felt good and right for her. Looking back, it all lined up so quickly and powerfully that there is no doubt now that it should have been any other way.

Mom is now in her second week of an intense and complex treatment that, to greatly simplify, creates conditions in the body that cancer cannot survive and thrive in. A huge part of the success of this protocol comes from nutrition and juicing. I believe this label says it all: “Not for Sissies (Hardcore)” Mom is drinking 4 of these a day, very strong I could barely get down half a bottle. Yes, that label captures not only the taste and strength of this very potent microjuice but also the experience of being diagnosed with cancer, weighing all the options, and moving forward to take responsibility for your healing.

The photo above shows mom on day 5 with a full juice in front of her, an empty one beside it, and a sweet "bring it on" kind of smile. I bet she will not like this photo, but I believe it captures the experience perfectly. I remain inspired and impressed by her gusto, her open mind, and her spirit towards the whole experience; it has shown and taught me a lot.

I am incredibly grateful for all the loving support we have received on this journey and that I was there and able to be a part of what will no doubt prove to be a powerful healing experience for mom and our entire family.

I woke up Sunday feeling kind of off, but I made my way into the dance studio as usual anyway to move with Kari Winn, one of my favorite teachers. Kari has this incredible gift and always brings the right insight, wrapped in the right package, at exactly the right time. Kari created the intention to celebrate Memorial Day, and our movement today would honor Zach Sobiech and celebrate his gift to the world.

Zach Sobiech was 14 when diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Zach underwent many surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. At 17 and with only months to live, Zach turned to music and posted a video on YouTube to say goodbye to his family and friends. Zach's song, “Clouds'” went viral and has touched millions, 'Clouds' is available on iTunes and other online music stores. The proceeds benefit the Zach Sobiech Research Fund for Children's Cancer Research.

www.childrenscancer.org/zach

Zach Sobiech was 18 when he left this world on May 20, 2013. Our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends. We are forever touched by his wisdom and his story Thank you for sharing your life and music with us, Zach.

We celebrated your life as we danced and bounced around our beautiful space with big joy and arms up up up, rare sun streamed through the windows and Zach's catchy yet incredibly profound song Clouds blasted, I am certain he was feeling it . Grateful as always for Kari for continuing your tight focus on all the amazing things happening in the world and giving us space and freedom of movement to come together.

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Europe for business, always a welcome and refreshing change to be out of the country, and with the impending presidential elections, this trip took on an all-new twist.

Sleepless in Germany I turned on the TV to find the second presidential debate under way on the BBC. I watched in disbelief as the "binders of women" and other crazy facts and phrases were dropped like weird little grenades the potential leaders of the country would later use against each other. Then the somewhat harsh but seemingly objective BBC commentary began. No wonder the rest of the world thinks Americans are crazy. Almost everywhere I went after that, I was coaxed into somewhat intense political conversations about my voting preference, the candidates, the election, and what was going to happen to America.

One night, a tough taxi driver wouldn't let me out of the car until I promised I would vote for Obama, as he appeared to be convinced that if Romney won, the whole world would collapse instantly. He seemed quite certain that my single vote might make or break the election. It's fascinating to experience firsthand how humans across the planet perceive American culture and lifestyle. In India last year, as I was confirmed as an American, the common response was "Yes, America—a black man living in a white house,” followed by a mocking chuckle and head bobble.

The progressive nature of Amsterdam seems to have the perfect outlook, as there were quite compelling posters plastered everywhere showing the morphing of both candidates’ faces into one and advertising the "Presidents’ Night,” which was billed as a giant party including comedy and, of course, an all American breakfast.

Although I am not at all a political heavy, I am painfully aware there is a lot at stake here, yet something about my recent international travel experiences makes this whole nonstop election mania seem a lot less serious. Just think while we are waiting for election results on Nov 6 people all over the world will be watching and potentially even celebrating in ways we cannot even imagine, And at this point a heavy dose of comedy and a big breakfast just might be the best approach.

This bit of profound and charmingly misspelled wisdom was scrawled on the red cliff walls leading to the Mehrangah Fort in Jodhpur, India. There are several spots where these mindful messages are painted in Sanskrit and English throughout the drive—a sweet reminder and more inspiring than a typical billboard.

I just returned from an amazing trip to India, where I was exposed to a way of life and way of being I could previously only imagine. We wandered and discovered all kinds of people, places, and things, and the joy, harmony, and peace that we found in utter chaos at every turn continues to inspire and amaze me.

Everywhere we went, the perfect guide appeared and enthusiastically led us through areas we would not have had access to or felt comfortable with. This particular day we were wandering happily, although somewhat lost,  looking for the tannery in the slums of Dharavi when a perfectly dressed, handsome young man adopted us. Abdul Jawwad was thrilled to show off his great English and showed us around while giving us the real deal on the culture as he took us to the tannery. There, he was eager to talk and asked great questions about our lives. He was compelled to get out his brand new laptop (which his family had saved up for six months) because he wanted to share his dreams with me.

I was blown away by his clarity, drive and enthusiasm to share so happily and openly what to most would be considered unachievable dreams given the conditions we were standing in. He had a profound impact on me, and I have no doubt that he will achieve everything on that list... and much much more.

by Dr John Talevich

At the beginning of May, I found myself in Seattle participating in Antioch University's 35th Gala. My daughter-in-law, Jessica, is an intern in their art therapy program and had asked me to design a mandala for the faculty to construct at the event; she also asked if I might have a few pieces of art to submit to the art show. Having said yes to both requests, here I was, surrounded by some 400 folks and having a good time celebrating the university's success. The Susan Wallis-designed art form which was used in the faculty event became a stunning piece of work, now belonging to the school's permanent collection and on display at the university.

As the evening wore on, and the crowds began to dwindle, I was face to face with a young lady of a certain age (I don't want to insult her) who may well still be playing with dolls. She asked me with clear eyes and a clearer intent: "Is that yours?" pointing to a piece called Piggyback Frog, I said, "Yes, that's one of mine," She continued, "It's my favorite," while her eyes widened. "Well," I replied, "if it doesn't sell by the end of the show in a month, you can have it. How about that?" Her mother soon came up and asked me if, in fact, I said what she'd been told. "Yeah, that's what I told her." I gave them my card and told them to call me when the show was over. I did not think further about getting a call.

Well into the first weeks of June, I had heard nothing. Then - a call on my office machine: "Hi John, this is Ruby - do you remember at the … (mother’s voice in the background: “Antioch art show”) … yeah, when we were talking about (Mother again: “your art piece”) … and you said if it didn’t sell that you would (Mother: “talk about it”) …yeah and our number is …. bye”. Wait!! Don’t hang up! I can’t make out that number!!

A looong pause later, Ruby's mother got on the line and added, "Hi Dr. John, this is Ruby's mom, Amy, and we met you at the Gala art show. We were wondering if the piece had sold. We hope for your sake that it has, but if not, well, Ruby has thought about it every day since the show, she just loves that piece! Would you give us a call? Our number AGAIN is ----. Bye!"

A few days later, I was able to contact Amy and shortly thereafter, the piece was picked up. It now resides where, I suspect, it was always intended to be~ deep within little Ruby's heart.

mom

I just returned from a sort of retreat where we were asked to identify our core values, strengths, etc., and my "aha” moment was that creativity has been a consistent thread in all areas and stages of my life.

I was encouraged from an early age to be a creative free spirit by both my parents, and I was a daily witness to the joys of creative bliss from my mom.

The evolution and cycles of her creative exploration and mastery range from a pottery studio in our garage where she taught and whipped out an endless array of dishes, vases and slab art to making three guitars from scratch and then learning to play them. When mom was studying interior design, our dining room table became the hub of the house as she built impeccable 3D scale models of houses and assorted other things.

I always had the best, most perfectly detailed dioramas for my book reports, and the book "Free to be You and Me” was my childhood manual, and I still value and appreciate the lesson and philosophy today.

I am sure I don't tell you enough. Mom, I love you, and I appreciate and am so grateful for the gift of creativity and inspiration you have blessed me with—much more than you will ever know.

Happy Mothers day

by Elliott S. Dacher M.D.

I have this wonderful teacher, my granddaughter. She is a little over two years old. Her mom called the other day to say that little Zoe was waking up at night crying from nightmares and would not sleep in her room. It seems there were cows running all over her room? That would be frightening for any of us.

As I thought about this, I realized that Zoe didn't yet know what a dream was. She did not realize that it was all in her mind and not in her room. So when she was awake, the fear did not go away. The cows were just hiding someplace in her room, perhaps playing peek-a-boo.

Of course, as adults, we all know that nighttime dreams are in the mind, and when we awaken, we do so with a sigh of relief, knowing that dreams are not real but only the product of our imagination.

But as an adult, I similarly act as if my daydreams, whose source is also in my mental imagination, are quite true. My fears, anxieties, judgments, and limitations are a result of my inability to awaken from my adult "dreams," from the over activity of my mental imagination, making the past the present.

One day Zoe will realize that her nighttime dreams are not real. She will be freed from the fears and limitations of her unruly imagination. With grace, perhaps one day I will also be similarly freed from an enslavement to my daydreams and be able to live free in the present moment, as it actually is.

Thank you to my dear teacher, Zoe.

My great friend Bill called me after his morning swim yesterday and shared the incredibly sweet spontaneous duck rescue effort he and a fellow swimmer performed as they were interrupted from their daily laps in a local freshwater, waveless pool. Momma duck was quacking in distress as she had brought 11 of her little darlings into the pool and they were drifting off and getting stuck in the gutters, and mom could not get them out herself. Bill and his friend quickly got to work to reunite the duck family, vowed to go back to the pool every 4 hours to make sure they were all ok, and proceeded to reach out to various agencies to get them relocated to a more "duck-friendly" place.

He even began negotiations with local kids to hire them to act as temporary crossing guards in case the new family decided to explore the neighborhood. With all the craziness in the world right now I am grateful for people like Bill and to be reminded  that there are simple and random acts of kindness taking place every moment!

I have been watching this tree grow up through the concrete sidewalk and the confines of this sign post for almost six years. It has been slow and steady growth, as you would expect given the conditions it has chosen. It is on the route to one of my favorite hikes, and I am grateful for the powerful reminder that anything is possible with trust and perseverance.

Chele Mckee grateful for it all at 47

Peter

What a wonderful opportunity for one to be able to express one's gratitude to the world and be inspired by others. I'm grateful for everything, as follows:

God

Every day is a gift. I'm grateful to God for my Life, as the Source, for Love, for the Spirit, for the miracle of Creation, the Gift of vision, and the Power for creativity. Thank you God for air to breathe, plants for food, and the beauty and resources of mother Earth-oceans, flowers, trees, and animal.

Humans

My Mother. I'm eternally grateful to my beloved mother for giving me birth, for loving me unconditionally when I couldn't love myself, for carrying me when I couldn't carry myself, and for carrying me when I couldn't carry myself. Mother, I miss you. I try to be strong; I try to hide the pain of your loss from the world, but I cry in secret. Mother, I cry for you everyday-everyday. Why did you leave us so soon? You died young, but you never die. Your spirit lives on forever. I carry you in my heart. I see your face everyday. Though invisible, I know you are with me always. You spirit guide me and I'm grateful. Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for forgiving my errors-even before I ever asked. I love you, Dear Mother.

My Father. I'm grateful to my father for his love, discipline, protection, provisions, and for the gift of education. Dad, thank you for sending me to school. Thank you for paying the fees, for buying those books, uniforms, and shoes.

My Teachers-Thank you for teaching me how to read and write!

Friends and Kind Strangers

I'm grateful for the generosity of friends and kind strangers in America. I came to America with nothing. I knew nobody. But kind strangers carried me on their wings. They fed and housed me. I'm deeply grateful for their trust and hospitality which led to my success in this great country. Several dozens of children are getting help in my village because of them. If they hadn't helped me, I wouldn't have been able to reach out to my village. Thank you friends for the gift of your love-a gift that keeps giving!

Michelle McKee

I'm grateful for the gift and wisdom of Michelle McKee. Thank you for creating this avenue for me to share my gratitude with the world. May God give you more visions and prosper your work. Gratitude heals. This is an amazing initiative that can change the world. I'm honored to be a part of it.

Experiences

I'm grateful for disappointments, they lead to better things. When I was denied a visa for Britain, I got one for the U.S. When my used car was stolen, I bought a brand new one.

America

I'm grateful for the privilege of living in America. Thank you America for the freedom, resources, and opportunity to create and make a difference in the world. I love you, America!

Peter Opagrateful at 42

Alan Lemire Places like this take my breath away. The natural world when examined closely, is far superior to anything that man can design or manufacture. Some places like Yosemite, can be overrun with people. Others like the place in this image, are little known  and well protected. Regardless I am grateful for the opportunity to be stopped in my tracks by something magnificent.Grateful at 47

Susan Ann DarleyThe mystery of life revealed through innocence.  I love this picture of my dog Willy and grandson Jake.  I just know they are sharing something really sweet and perhaps even profound.  When I look at them I am reminded of the power in becoming quiet, sharing and listening. Perhaps they are asking, “Why do big people complicate life?”  Why do I?  They remind me that gratitude fills my heart with wonder and awe. And that it’s in the simplicity of life that I’ll find my peace. Thank you Jake and Willy!grateful at 61