I love vision boards and goal settings, but if they aren't visual and engaging, I lose interest. I started making maps years ago and they keep me on task! Circling completed tasks gives me much more satisfaction thank checking off linear lists. If you are a creative, you may want to try this approach.  The limbs  from the  my tree are based on my  values. These have changed over the years, but always  include health, relationships,  creativity, and learning  and education.

 Gratitude is alway at the base of my goals.  If  we don't appreciate what we have now, we'll  never be content. Leave a space for seeds - people, places and/or things that may -  or may not - flower and grow. Also included a space for  completely unexpected opportunities! One year I took a trip to Paris and bought a house - both completely unplanned when I made my draft goal map! Life is over flowing with possibilities. Leave a space for them! 

You are probably all familiar with  today's Hidden Treasure, but what  you might  not know  are  some of it's  hidden virtues! I've always thought of it as a place to go  to exercise, but it is so much more! Last evening my friend Hal Gamber invited me to an event at Cafe Troia in Towson, MD, to learn more about the Y (YMCA). 

Yes, there are buildings located throughout the area. The Orokawa Y in Towson is located at 600 W. Chesapeake Avenue. But their services spread far beyond the four walls of the building. They are committed to contributing to a "stronger, healthier, more connected community for all".

Here are a few thing you might not know about the Y. 

• 380,000 meals served in Y Head Start and Community Schools  so children can focus on learning and not be hungry.
• 6,400 volunteers give of the their time in community  service.
• 26,800 children and adults given Y Open Doors financial aid or grant support.
• 3,000 backpacks donated so students and go to school feeling confident. 
• Over 300,000 people participate in Y programs and membership enabling a sense of belonging,  purpose and well-being. 
• 2,600 young children  in Y Preschool and Head Start get a solid foundation for school and life. 
• 175 high school students experience civic leadership in Y Youth and Government. 
• 4, 150 youth keep  active and full of happy discovery throughout the summer at Y Camp.
• 105  youth who experience homelessness nurtured and taught life skills. 
• 11,800 seniors engaged  in healthy Y activities that combat disease and loneliness.
• 475 youth supported by caring members who help them feel loved and worthwhile. 
• 9,600 young children taught to swim  and enjoy the water safely.

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With so many programs and services being cut through recently,  it is a comfort to know  that there is an agency providing quality support and community connection! For more information, visit the Y in Towson. 

On August 11, I posted  on  making smudging bundles from sage grown in your garden. I  added  the steps to the process in my  illustrated journal, above. After the sage was harvested and  wrapped it needed  to dry. That  process takes about 4 - 6 weeks and when I checked this  morning, it was ready!
 
​We smudge for a variety of reasons. One may be a general cleansing. But  if you are smudging because someone had violated your  space or made your angry or uncomfortable,  it is imperative that you center  yourself and  come to a more positive frame of mind before you begin. It  you need support, find a friend or two to help you feel  positive and  loved.  You are clearing negative energy  and adding positive to replace it so keeping a positive frame of mind during  the ritual and following are vital. 

It  might be helpful  to find, or write a prayer or poem to express your intentions. When I was in Stone Harbor this summer, my friend Lisa had a book with a beautiful prayer to  accompany  a smudging ritual.I hurriedly copied  it into my illustrated journal and will probably redo it on parchment, but for now, it gives you the words you need.  ​ I'm not  sure  who wrote it.   I looked on line and found several people acknowledged. Thank you to who ever wrote such  a lovely piece.  

​The next step is to gather your materials. If possible, use natural  materials. 

• Smudge Stick
• Candle, preferably lit with a wooden match
• Shell  to catch the embers, or you can  also  use a pottery dish

​Optional

• Feather  to direct the smoke - you can  also  use your hand
• Brass bell to wake  up the energy in each  room as you move  through the house

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1. Light the candle and set your intention. You  may use  the prayer above or something you have written or found that expresses your personal perspective.  
2. Use the candle flame  to  light the sage. Once the sage has caught fire, blow it out and watch for glowing embers. When you see the smoke begin to roll off of the smudge stick, it is ready. 
3. Guide the smoke toward your heart, over  your head and around your body to  purify  yourself before you begin.
​4. Go the the lowest area you will be smudging. You will be working clockwise in each room. Use your feather, or your hand, to direct the smoke from the lowest part  of the room to the highest as you move in  a circle around  the room Be certain to direct smoke into the corners of the room.  Direct the smoke out the door or windows before you move on to the next room. 

KEEP THE SHELL CLOSE BY TO COLLECT BURNING EMBERS.  I tap the smudge stick on the shell when I begin in each room and usually another time or two as the leaves burn. 
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6. After you have completed smudging each room extinguish the sage by rubbing it onto the shell or on sand or dirt. Check to see that there are no burning red embers.

DO NOT wet the sage. If you do, you won't be able to use the sage again. 

After the smoke clears and the negative energy has been released, fill the  space with love. You can say  prayers, meditate or journal about love, have dear friends over, read inspirational materials or do what ever feels best for you! 

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The Bygone, located at 400 International Drive,  invites you to "step back into  the roaring glamour of days passed." It has a 20s flair, and  is billed as Harbor East's most elevated and exciting dining experience. You enter the Four Seasons Hotel lobby and take the Bygone elevator to the 29th floor for a spectacular view, creative and delectable dishes and  phenomenal service!
Two weeks ago, Carrie and Izzy came from New Jersey and took me to the Bygone for brunch. On Sunday, John joined me for a return visit. It's fantastic! 
I wore my vintage dress with the Baltimore Oriole print (see below) and we spent hours enjoying the view while we dined on the finest and freshest seafood, fruits and vegetables, and delectable pastries. It's an experience you'll  always treasure!