DISQUS

That is a great gift.

I feel blessed to have received many wonderful gifts but two I have received hold the most meaning and both came my way on the same Christmas. A Diamond and a little Wood: My two sisters and I lost both my Mother and Grandmother within a few years of each other, 20 years ago. Losses which have left holes in my heart that have never quite healed. My sister Barbara took my mother's Engagement Ring which she sometimes wore and had the diamonds taken out and re-made into a bracelet for me, a necklace for my other sister and a ring for herself so we all could share an important piece of something my mom treasured. On that same day my sister Linda gave us each a wooden stool like one my grandmother had which had sat for years next to a little organ we all used to play on when we were kids. Both came with wonderful poems and needless to say there were many tears shed over the great memories we shared of two wonderful women.

This is our family thing too. We all leave each other Birthday Greetings in whatever singing voice we can muster. We have a lot of fun with it.

hard for me to choose just one...I appreciate the color of flowers, their uniqueness and imperfections...how they look well on their own and also in bunches. My favorites are probably orchids and tulips but I lalso ove a mix of wildflowers.

My first thought was "missing in action"...which does not bode well for me. Too much work and self-reflection of late. I do appreciate my friends, love hanging with them and hope they see me as supportive, interested, kind and witty.

Timothy Hutton has your coat...there must be a story there...

own a home that is unique and designed just the way I would like....stronger body....and less guilt

....and journaling...write so much more without tv in bedroom....

I couldn't agree more. I have not had a tv in my bedroom for over 10 years and it really helps with sleep patterns...especially now as my hormones are doing their own disruptive thing . I read more. The bedroom does truly become a "haven"...candles, great linens, relaxing colors.

tv...my stress reliever and guilty pleasure...I enjoy Grey's Anatomy, The Closer , Damages and Lipstick Jungle which is starting to help fill the big NYC gap left by Sex and the City...Project Runway is addicting...looking forward to the new season of Lost...and here's hoping Jack Bauer's (and the storyline) next 24 hours are better than the last

swimming in the ocean...floating over high swells, diving through waves...warm sun, saltwater....the feeling of weightlessness both physical and emotional....nice to follow with a campfire and some s'mores

you took the words out of my mouth...

I would book one of the Singita Lodges in Africa and bring my family to relax, enjoy each others company and see the beautiful wildlife for a couple of weeks.
Then come back and rent a home on the beach where I could sit on the porch and see the ocean, feel the breeze and smell the saltwater, campfires. Have "until we meet again" visits from my friends and family and write my "best days" stories of time spent with my niece and nephew so they would know how much I loved them.

Giving and receiving fun cards, notes for no reason always brings a smile to my face. Really looking people in the eye and thanking for service, recognizing good work, etc. I love to give and receive compliments-if they are genuine.

Robert Redford- for supporting artist's of many genres, Sundance, having a friend like Paul Newman and well his looks aren't bad either. P.S. another great iconoclast to enjoy is Paul Newman and Robert Redford

email...hands down. The tool that is supposed to make you more productive makes me less. Mis-use...for sure. As I sit back and really think of the time I spend hunched over my computer creating and responding to email my heart sinks a little.

This has been a very challenging question for me. I have spent most of my life trying to disconnect from my body (look like anyone but myself) vs. embracing it and loving it...my height 6ft in flats, my large breasts (I was called "Big 'Ol" by 'friends' in college over and over and wnat to cry like Beckie whenever I hear that) and overall frame where more times then I can count I have been mistaken for a man by a store clerk who never looked up to see my face before talking. I have been inspired by the postings here and so appreciate Jennifer sharing "find 3 things you really like about yourself and set about showing these of as best you can". In that healthy spirit I share that I do like my legs, long fingers and my skin even after (47 years)....so dresses, rings and moisturizers are my friends. Thanks to all!

I feel my intuition in my "gut"...my stomach either feels relaxed or tight. My intuition and the accompanying feeling have rarely been wrong...sometimes I just forget to listen or get sidetracked by "outside voices" and when reflecting later realized I wasn’t true to myself...lesson learned (more than once) :)

add me to the Obama camp!

-an open beautiful loft in New York with walls suited for large original art (Danielle I saw a Rothko exhibit in NYC years ago...beautiful...the Exhibit Book is on my coffee table)
-a weekend house on the beach or with a great ocean view/access
-both co-designed with architects, designers
-financially secure to support both without burden and have money left over for travel (and maybe a personal cook and a personal yoga/pilates trianer)

Intelligence (but not arrogance)
Humor (smart and playful not raunchy)
Physical and Emotional Strength
Enjoys occasional Skinny Dipping and Dancing
Inspired Partner

Me too...pay down debt.

Well put. I have recently had to admit to my own unhealthy (and very unsatisfying) work addiction. I feel as though I have been in an "abusive" relationship. I am still sorting through how to take steps to recover and rebuld in a better way-to gian back a better sense of self, self respect and joy. Certainly not there yet but hope awareness is a first big step.

I agree. Vacation is a benefit- time earned to decompress and rejuvenate. When it is still expected that you take a laptop, blackberry, etc. it defeats the purpose and is work not a vacation.

I hope to take a trip to one of the Singita Lodges in Africa for my 50th Birthday. Beautiful, luxurious and peaceful. I have had their website in my "favorites" for years.
http://www.singita.com/