"The world didn't stop the day you died. But mine did. The sun kept shining, and the clouds kept moving as I stood there in the wreckage of a life I knew would never be the same."

Today marks another birthday that James celebrated in heaven.

I've shared this story before, but it bears repeating because it captures a profound truth about grief that sticks with me every day.

After James passed, as my parents and I walked out of the hospital into what felt like a new world, the contrast between life and death struck me. The hospital was bustling, a stark contrast to our quiet devastation. While waiting for the elevators, a family with a newborn passed by, oblivious to our sorrow. Looking at that baby—so full of potential at the start of their journey—I was painfully reminded of the cruel, beautiful cycle of life.

I used to joke that the first 14 years of marriage were the hardest—that's how long I was married before I lost James. Marriage requires constant nurturing, as does navigating life after your partner has gone.

Widowhood is like being thrust into an alternate reality where the one person you counted on to help you face life's challenges is forever gone. I've faced tears, anger, and sadness, but amidst that, I've also experienced moments of profound beauty and growth.

This "new" life of mine isn't bad; it's just radically different from the one I envisioned. Living through widowhood is a masterclass in rediscovery, a daily exercise in piecing together a new normal.

To everyone bearing the weight of grief, remember, you are not alone. We tread this path together, step by step, navigating through the chaos and beauty life offers, transformed but undeterred.

Why Start a Cocktail Garden?

A cocktail garden is more than just a trend; it's about bringing the freshest flavors right to your glass. Imagine plucking fresh mint or basil from your garden to whip up a refreshing drink on a warm evening. It's about sustainability, reducing waste, and enhancing flavors without any additives—perfect for those delicious mocktails!

Best Plants for Your Cocktail Garden

Here are some must-have plants for your cocktail garden that are perfect for both cocktails and mocktails:

Mint - A staple for classics like mojitos and mint juleps, but it also adds a fresh touch to any mocktail.

Basil - Try sweet basil in a strawberry basil lemonade that's perfect for any summer gathering.

Lavender - Ideal for adding a sophisticated twist to lemonades and teas.

Cilantro - Great for adding a kick to tropical drinks.

Edible Flowers - Such as marigolds and pansies, to beautify your drinks and salads.

Tips for Growing Your Cocktail Garden

• Location - Most cocktail garden plants require plenty of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil - Opt for rich, organic soil that drains well to keep your plants healthy.
• Watering - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a mulch can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Mocktails: My New Favorite

Cutting back on alcohol doesn't mean cutting back on fun. Mocktails have become my go-to, allowing me to enjoy all the flavors without the spirits. From a zesty virgin sangria to a soothing lavender lemonade, the possibilities are endless when your ingredients are just a few steps away in your garden.

Learn More

Want to dive deeper into creating your own cocktail garden or explore more about mocktails? Check out these resources:

- Plant a Cocktail Garden For the Freshest Drinks
- How to Plant a Cocktail Garden Full of Flavorful Garnishes for All of Your Drinks
- How to Plant a Cocktail Garden to Flavor Your Summer Drinks

Cocktail gardens bring a unique blend of mixology and horticulture to your home. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or a mocktail enthusiast like me, growing your own cocktail ingredients brings a lot of joy and satisfaction. Let's raise our garden-fresh drinks to a healthier, happier lifestyle!

As we navigate through the chill of winter, it's uplifting to remember that midwinter marks a significant milestone—the halfway point to the vibrant renewal of spring. This period is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a beacon of the longer days and warmer weather ahead. No matter where you are, this moment is a universal turning point, encouraging us to look forward optimistically.

Understanding Midwinter

Midwinter is not just a metaphorical concept but an astronomical one, falling approximately halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. While different cultures have unique ways of acknowledging this time, the core sentiment remains the same: a celebration of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over dormancy. This nondenominational perspective allows everyone to appreciate the slow but sure return of sunnier days, regardless of their background.

Signs of Spring

Even amidst the winter's whites and grays, the signs of spring delicately emerge. Birds begin to sing with a more vibrant melody, buds cautiously peek through the frost, and the sun lingers a little longer each day. These subtle signs of nature's awakening can rekindle our connection with the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the changing seasons.

Preparing for the Gardening Season

For those of us who revel in the art of gardening, this midwinter point is the perfect time to start planning. Begin by sketching your garden plans or ordering seeds for the upcoming planting season. If space allows, start some seeds indoors—herbs like basil and cilantro or early vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Consider creating a planting schedule to ensure a continuous harvest. It's also an excellent time to clean and sharpen garden tools, ensuring they're ready when the ground thaws.

Health and Wellness Benefits

The anticipation of spring can work wonders for our mental health. The increasing daylight can significantly elevate our spirits and enhance overall mental well-being. Use these remaining winter weeks to stay active; whether indoor yoga or brisk walks on clearer days, keeping moving helps dispel the winter blues. Embrace the fresher air and gradual warmth as nature's invitation to rejuvenate your body and mind, filling you with hope for the vibrant days ahead.

Home and Lifestyle Changes

As spring approaches, consider making some changes around your home to mirror the transition outside. Start by decluttering spaces—a clean home can lead to a clearer mind. Introduce greenery indoors with houseplants that purify the air and add a touch of spring's vitality. Swap out thick, heavy blankets and curtains for lighter materials to reflect the coming warmth and lightness.

The halfway mark to spring is a celebration of potential and possibility. It's a reminder that even the coldest, darkest days gradually yield to warmth and light. Let this midwinter magic inspire you to prepare with hope and excitement for the vibrant days ahead.

How do you celebrate this transitional time of year? We'd love to hear about your traditions or ways of welcoming the upcoming spring. Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media. Let's come together and spread the joy of the season's change!

Listening to the audiobook "From Here to the Great Unknown," I anticipated a journey through the glamorous yet tumultuous lives of one of music's most iconic families. I didn't expect the profound resonance I found with my own experiences—realizing that grief and life itself, in their deep and unyielding grasp, recognize no boundaries of fame or fortune. The emotional impact of this realization was deeply moving.

Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough beautifully weave a narrative that lays bare the universal nature of human emotions and relational challenges. Their experiences, particularly Lisa Marie's recounting of her marriage to Michael Jackson, are not just celebrity stories but reflections of the human condition. This relatability made me feel understood, as I've experienced similar emotional distancing and adopted similar behaviors in my relationships. It's a stark reminder of how relationships shape us.

Lisa Marie's dreams of her late father, Elvis, also struck a chord with me. She dreamt of trying to warn him about his death, mirroring dreams I've had of my late husband, James, where he hadn't really passed away. These dreams capture the book's essence, illustrating how the specter of loss lingers and shapes every aspect of our lives thereafter.

Enriched by Julia Roberts' compelling delivery of Lisa Marie's words, Riley Keough's narration added a profound layer of authenticity and emotion. Riley's eloquence and clarity in sharing her and her mother's stories allowed the emotions to resonate deeply with the listener.

"From Here to the Great Unknown" is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the shared experience of grief that transcends the divide between the public and the private, the ordinary and the extraordinary. It reminded me that behind the veneer of celebrity, the heartaches are as accurate and profound as they are for any of us. This book is a must-read for anyone who has felt the shadow of a loved one's absence, offering reassurance that we are not alone in our journeys through mourning and memory. It's a connection we all share.

Buy the book here.