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Hey Reader,

Are you in summer mode yet? The humidity and mosquitos have arrived in Houston, so I guess we are!

A NEW FUN Experience

My friend, Meredyth, and I went to Artechouse Houston for the Blooming Wonders exhibit.

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This was the coolest thing. It was digitally created art depicting flowers, plants, butterflies and anything you that you would see in walking in a beautiful garden.

There were rooms where the art was all around you. A place to lay down on a bean bag chair and see it above you. Framed pictures of flowers that "bloomed" as you walked by. Plants that talked when you touched them.

Sometimes it felt like what I imagine and LSD trip would be like.

In case you were wondering, the only thing we ingested prior to our experience were some below average chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.

Everything was so beautiful!

So how did I even find something like this to do?

The answer is Instagram.

Since I started on my THRIVING journey through SERVICE, LEARNING and HAVING FUN, I've relied heavily on social media to find out what is going on in my area.

The two main platforms I am on are Instagram and Facebook.

Here's my method:

• Liked and follow your town on social media.
• Like and follow places you have been that you have enjoyed.
• Like and follow places that you've heard about that you'd like to visit.

Then when any of these places post, like those posts.

The algorithm will start "feeding" you places you might enjoy that you've never thought about.

When those places pop up, "save them" and get a date on your calendar to go.

That getting a date on the calendar is important step. If you don't, you'll never go!

Before a few weeks ago, I had NEVER heard of Artechouse or digital art.

But because IG showed it to me, I had a whole new experience!

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THRIVE through LEARNING NEW THINGS

I read Hope is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy, and Other Massive Things by W. Lee Warren, M. D.

Dr. Warren is a neurosurgeon, former combat surgeon and a bereaved parent who lost one of his sons when he was 19 years old.

The premise of his book is this:

The question isn’t whether you will face the hardest thing. It’s what to do when it’s staring you in the face.

We've all faced some kind of trauma or event that has changed us. Someone left, someone cheated, the biopsy was bad, the baby didn't have a heartbeat, a loved one dies, you suffered abuse or your dreams ended abruptly.

In Hope is the First Dose, Lee documents those years following the death of his son and how God worked in his life to give him hope again. God used truths Lee knew from the the Bible AND his scientific training.

I'm a devoted listener to Dr. Warren's podcast, Self-Brain Surgery, where he delivers weekly prescriptions from neuroscience, faith, and common sense on how to lead a healthier, better, happier life.

His motto is You can't change your life until you change your mind.

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Speaking of Trauma, did you know that caregivers suffer what is called "little t" trauma?

I know what you're thinking. What is so traumatic about caregiving? Listen to Ruthie Gray's interview (Sandwich Season Sanity) with Lisa Segura, counselor and long-time caregiver to both her parents and in-laws. They discuss how our brains can identify caregiver stress as trauma and how to manage that.

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What's in my cart?

This cute V-neck, short-sleeved top from Amazon. It actually arrived yesterday and I love it. Comes in lots of prints.

​Talbots French Terry T-Shirt Dress with painted flowers. So pretty! Comes in Misses, Petite and Plus.

​Garden Delight Gauze Dress from Coldwater Creek - This is so pretty and looks so cool to wear. Can't wait for it to arrive. Misses, Petite and Plus.

What is something fun you have planned this summer? Write back and tell me!

Until next time,

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Cathy

Thriving through SERVICE, LEARNING and HAVING FUN!​

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