After all, it is those who have a deep and real inner life who are best able to deal with the irritating details of outer life - Evelyn Underhill

What have I been up to lately? My children are home and I find myself pulled in many different directions. We've been in the pool, at friend's houses and I've been in the kitchen, laundry room and garden. I love summer but it is incredibly wearing on my soul some days.

I find during the summer I have to make a conscious effort to spend a few stolen moments doing "me" things. I have my morning ritual that involves complete solitude and meditation. Once I am finished, I find I am ready for my day.

Maybe you think I'm a little crazy but I have found I have to have an inner life in order to deal with real life. I have to have calm and centering time available to me or else I will be an ogre who is angry you have trespassed in their domain. I do forgo a few simple pleasures in the summer, yoga being one of them, in order to spend time with my children. In an effort to keep the house in some semblance of order I have to rush away from the office work and be in constant motion throughout the house. My writing schedule is interupted too because I like to sit with soft music, preferably classical, playing and the kids tend to complain and fight. It's not extremely conducive to perfect clarity and hearing what needs to be said next.

I have some friends who are reaching milestones in their careers, publishing poetry and photography books. I am also working on another calendar to be ready later in the year. There are many ideas and things I want to do but what I need to do right now is slow down, be present in my children's lives because they are growing so quickly. So no, I don't have a word count for you and I can't answer the question, where is the book or books? What I know is I am working on all I can possibly do with as many interruptions as you can imagine. I know my writing and photography is richer and more fulfilling because my life is so filled with love and laughter. I thank God for those who demand my time everyday. I hope you feel the same way about the loved ones in your life.

For now, let's consider what we can do for ourselves to restore the harmony in our inner lives. You can take a walk at night in the cool evening air or cook an amazing meal for your family with the richness of the earth grown in your own garden or from a local farm stand. Breathe in and out slowly. Make it a point to watch the sun rise or set. Pray and praise. Seek Spirit. Love your family and furry friends. Everyday we make countless decisions. Today choose to be at peace in your soul. Find a sacred place in your home or yard where you can tap into a deep reservoir of calm and feel this harmony deep within yourself.