I launched this blog on New Year’s Eve.  The days were short and spring felt far away.  Nearly four months have since passed.  The bluebells are gently opening their flowers in my garden and my resident Song Thrush is in fine voice.  Last weekend saw a landmark for my blog as it reached 1000 views.  I feel delighted, proud and humbled by this.  It’s encouraged a welcome pause for reflection. 

Working on the blog has already drawn together many different parts of my life.  I hope it’s helping family and friends to understand some of the difficulties I live with and how I manage them, whilst also giving me the chance to connect with others.  I’ve covered many topics I’m passionate about; yoga, mindfulness, journaling, my kitties, to name a few.  I’ve connected to Facebook and most recently to Pinterest (the icons below will take you directly to the Consciously Connected pages).  My blog has given a new structure to my week and I feel energized with creativity and inspiring ideas for the future.  I hope to develop ‘My Toolbox’ to include sections on inspiring words, nourishment and meditation techniques.  In time I’d like to reach out to even more people, especially those who could perhaps be helped by sharing my experiences.

Thank you for every post you’ve read and supportive comment you’ve made.  To show my appreciation, I’d like to share with you a recording I made in 2011.  My background is as a professional harpsichordist and I’ve always loved Scarlatti sonatas.  I’m usually drawn to the fast, exuberant sonatas that are full of musical acrobatics, but this slower sonata always captivates me.   The opening four notes catch my attention encouraging me to pause, to think, to feel.  It’s a beautiful piece for reflection.  Where are you right now?

Scarlatti Sonata K.213 in D Minor, Andante – Laura Tivendale (Harpsichord)