Embrace Small Enchantments

Last week when I wrote about living in the “and,” I used every bit of my advice to do the same. I was still deeply grieving for the families in Texas, AND it was the first birthday of one of my granddaughters. AND, later that afternoon, I learned that a very young “old” friend of mine died unexpectedly, at the age of 67. Actor Ray Liotta was my University of Miami college friend with whom I acted in several shows at The Ring Theatre. Our group, many of whom are also famous, as Ray was, has kept in touch lo these many years. He was in the Dominican Republic, filming Dangerous Waters when he died in his sleep.

All week I felt numb and then there would be a rush of tears. I’d settle and recall snippets of experiences and then move into motion until the cycle repeated itself. Each action became heightened. I’m grateful to be alive, go to the grocery store, hug my husband, children, and grandchildren. Mundane actions became paramount, like rubbing the basil and rosemary between my fingers in my garden which brought me back to the present. It also expanded my breath and inflated my soul.

Rarely do I put ice in my beverages, but at times it helps to stop a panic attack or awaken one from numbness as it provides a shock to the body. I’ve done this a few times this week.

I thought, If I am going to add ice, why not make the ice cubes enchanting? Maybe you would like to, also. Take an old-school ice cube tray and fill it with unsweetened cranberry juice, freeze, and pop those cubes into a glass of sparkling or seltzer water. If you drink coffee, make coffee ice cubes as not to dilute the flavor. Tea ice cubes also can flavor a different tea. For instance, you might make chocolate mint tea ice cubes to put into peppermint tea. Another thing you can do is pour pink lemonade into the trays, freeze, and slide them into a tall glass of water.

Whenever we lose loved ones, we must live twice the enchantment for where they left off.

So if you were a fan of Ray, or you just want to toast to all the enchantment we can grasp in life, let’s raise a refreshing glass of something to drink and bless the journey we are all on together.

Stay enchanted.