So I know you’ve got to be feeling it now; it was beautifully crispyesterday, like a delicious Jonagold apple or a golden maple leaf - it’s finally fall! I’m fighting the urge to gather new sweaters, bake fattening treats, and basically start the hibernation process. Don’t you wish we could go into our caves next month and not come out till like April? Of course, they’d have to send those paycheck to my house, but I’m SURE work would be fine with that….!

Here ya go P1’s.

I never knew, but apparently there is ’Minnesota style’ pizza, and we devoured one Saturday night. My wonderful brother Tom and his truly lovely wife Megan took my Tony and me to Zaydo Buddy’s Pizza in Ballard. Not only do they serve a great pie, but they have poutine. I’ve only had it in Canada, but the combo of fried potatoes, gravy, and cheese curds – as an appetizer! – left me full, happy, and amazed that Iactually ate it. Of course, poutine was invented in the chilly north woods to help people survive winter, but I enjoyed it on a sunny fall Saturday night in Seattle washed down with a lot of good red wine. Must go exercise now, or I’ll have to wear a muu-muu to work tomorrow! wow….

Would love to see you all the the GLOW event next Thursday the 30th at Valley Medical Center; we’re going to have dinner, prizes, and comedian Juliet Funt. It’s going to be all about us women and really fun – come join me!!

So two things are on my mind right now…not necessarily related, but I’m cogitating on the efficacy of Spanx for men. Saw them in Nordstrom yesterday and am wondering if a tight t-shirt on a guy is really going to contain the beer tummy. I kind of like a litte tummy on a guy; it feels comfy.  The other thing is, my son Aaron turns 30 on Saturday the 25th. I’m inordinately proud of him – he’s brilliant, handsome, kind, and just basically cool. But HOW did I ever get a grown up kid when I’m not even a grown up yet?  I know everyone says that, but we truly do stay 28 in our minds even when ‘other things’ get older!

When I was younger I thought it would be really cool to be able to run and do a handspring!  However, I was about as wide as I was long.  I was a chunky little fella and my one or two attempts and doing a handspring ended in me sliding across the grass on my back.  Thank God this was in a day before video cell phones and www.youtube.com!  I would  have definately been an internet sensation and ended up living in a psych ward for the majority of my teen years.   In the ninth grade I decided that I was tired of being the fat kid in the class so I went on a diet and lost approximately 30 pounds.  Plus I managed to grow during the process, which meant I went from short and dumpy to a lean and mean puberty machine.   

I clearly remember looking in the mirror in my bedroom one night and realizing I was no longer the fat kid.  And then it hit me, “I bet I can do a handspring now!”  So at almost 10 o’clock at night I turned on our front porch light and went out into the yard.  And with no fear I took off running.  I could feel the andrenaline pumping as I thrust my upper body and outstretched arms toward the thick green grass.  My hands planted perfectly and within seconds my feet were planted firmly back on earth.  I’m 43 years-old and I can still feel the joy in my  heart and soul.  I don’t know about you, but I need to do more handsprings in life.  I need to remove those obstacles that are keeping me from feeling the thrill of  victory. 

What is keeping you from turning handsprings?  What is weighing you down and keeping you from feeling the adrenaline rush of getting the win?  My prayer is that we will all begin to focus on removing anything that is weighing us down.

guys; can you send us some jokes for the LOL? Feel free to send your funny clean stuff to mary@seattlewolf.com – THANKS!!!!

I thought you all might like to try this for brunch this weekend; it’s not really a crazy hormone cocktail, but something I came up with for a women’s get together recently. It takes care of some of that lavender you probably have in the garden, looks good, and packs a punch. So: take a pint of raspberries, or use a cup of frozen ones, and add a big handful of lavender blossoms, 1/2 cup of Grand Marinier or orange liqueur, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and a Tb. or so of honey. Mix that all up in the blender, then strain it thru cheesecloth or a fine colander till you have no seeds and a bowlful of smooth pink stuff. Put a couple spoonfuls in the bottom of a champagne flute, fill it with Prosecco, and have fun. It’s pink, it’s fizzy, and it’s goooooood.

Yup – I know you can feel it – tonight’s the autumnal equinox. Maybe you’re not feeling it, but it’s pulling on you just the same. If you’ve got the urge to wear sweaters, get out the flannel sheets, and fluff your big comforter you know what I mean. And did you guys get a chance to see the almost full moon? Strong, and delicious. Love fall….love it!