The early morning chill surrounds me as I sit on my deck, sipping my coffee. Birds twitter in the trees as a squirrel makes its way through the branches above. The leaves are beginning to change colors, staining my view with bright shades of orange and red.

I stretch toward the sky, reaching my hands in a gesture of appreciation for the beauty before me and asking for the energy of the Universe to continue to propel me forward. Today is the first day of a week-long seminar on women’s well-being, and I have to tie up a few loose ends before I head to The Center.

My boys are happily making their way in college. Talker has a gallery show in two weeks, and I laugh as I remember our conversation the night before about his reluctance to show his work while the comic book convention is in town. Enigma is still living with me, but he has no reason to leave just yet. He has chosen to follow his zoologist dream, and needs to focus on his education.

The girls are at the age where boys and eyeliner are on their minds most of the time. High school is going well, and both of them are begging me for a learner’s permit. I’m terrified, and sad, because my babies are almost grown up. Maybe its time to get another dog.

After one final stretch, I hear a voice telling me that its time to get moving. I’m not sure if its the voice in my head, or that of my dearest love, but I stand up and stretch once more before bidding adieu to the trees and birds.

I make it to The Center and check my messages. We are all set for the week. I have Reiki attunements, belly dance workshops, yoga and pilates, massage, meditations, counseling, group wellness sessions and a few other surprises scheduled for the ladies, including a margarita party (or three). There’s a knock on the door, and I laugh as my “physical wellness instructor” stands there, her arms full with a basket of “almost-healthy” muffins and scones for the ladies and a couple of Starbucks cups. She knows me too well, and we toast to our success.

As the day progresses, five more women enter The Center. Some head to their rooms to unpack and some are just there for the day. They remark at how well we’ve decorated since their last seminar (thanks to my interior design “lifesaver”) and one mentions that she saw a small article about Talker in the local paper. I smile the smile of a woman who is in the midst of her bliss, and offer the basket of treats.

“Its almost time to begin, and you ladies will need your strength. There is a wide selection of coffee, tea or chai in the next room. Let’s roll.”