Long time no newsletter, so let me catch you up on the happenings of the last two months so you understand why!

I needed to use a free JetBlue ticket before it expired, so I kicked off May with a visit to Boston to see friends on my way to a Louise Hay inspired Heal Your Life Workshop in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. While there World Laughter Day occurred, so I had the opportunity to lead my fellow workshop participants in a brief Laughter Yoga session. What a fun blessing!

In May, I also held two successful workshops, Eating for Energy and the ABCs of Whole Foods, with plans for more events this summer. This edition has an announcement and some dates changes in this area, so be sure to read on for more details!

The advent of summer brought lots of change. On the business front, I gave my first corporate Laughter workshop in June and I've been having exciting conversations with a colleague about a potential partnership opportunity. You will hear more about that as it develops.
 
But that's not all! For those who don't know, Dan and I got married in June. We didn't have a traditional wedding, but there was (and is) still a lot to do. (Paperwork! So keep an eye out over the next few months for a change in my last name and email address.)

The day before we tied the knot down at the courthouse, my 99 year old grandmother, who has lived with my parents for the last 18 years, passed away. She had fallen on June 1st and, although she didn't break anything this time, she never really recovered. The next week we held a small memorial with family and her two caretakers in my parent's home. We are happy that she lived a long full life and passed away peacefully in her sleep, but it is still a little bittersweet. We keep thinking she is just upstairs napping or in the living room watching the neighborhood out the window.
 
It was an interesting journey, living with and getting to know my grandmother over the years. Even now, I learn more about my own parents everyday. I encourage you to connect with your family and find out as much as you can before it is too late. I will never regret the times I spent playing Yahtzee with my grandmother and engaging her in conversation about her life.

Our spring was never ending here in Portland. Except for a few days of 95 degree weather in May, we were 10 degrees below our normal high and wetter than usual for the time of year. That was until this last week! We broke a record with 100 degrees in Portland on Saturday. In Portland, when it rains it pours and when the sun shines it really shines!

The wet cool spring meant that our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share began a little late. Our Monday pick-ups at the farm still consist of lots of traditional spring crops. Not that I'm complaining! I've had fun experimenting with recipes and making myself cook with what I have available. A key to eating seasonally! It has been a great professional learning experience as well. Did you know that you can eat pea greens, the leaves, flowers and vines from the pea plant? And that they taste good? Also did you know that contrary to popular belief you can cook with carrot tops?

If you don't know much about CSAs, continue reading to learn more! You will also learn some ways to get more fruits and veggies into your diet. As we get more frequent warm, sunny summer days, I encourage you to take advantage of the offerings still lingering from our never ending spring. Fresh salad and cooking greens, asparagus, peas. And the coming bounty of summer. There is always a silver lining behind those Northwest clouds!

May you and yours enjoy the coming warmth that summer brings!