What’s Fall All About?

Sunday, October 18th, 2026

Mark and I got back late last night from Santa Fe and had a non-stop day upon re-entry, so our apologies for the late newsletter! As I was rushing about this morning getting ready for outside appointments and teaching, a song popped into my head that I wrote with some youngsters many years ago. That’s the title of this newsletter and what we’ll explore this Sunday, in all it’s metaphorical splendor! After a couple of chilly days, it appears this weekend will be quite nice – perfect for a fall potluck outside after our gathering. Please join us!

Falling, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

“October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!”
~ Rainbow Rowell

“At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is in no way inferior to the smell of the sea, bitter where it borders on taste, and more honeysweet where you feel it touching the first sounds. Containing depth within itself, darkness, something of the grave almost.”
~ Rainer Maria Rilke

“Know that transformation sometimes begins with a fall. So never curse the fall.”
~ Yasmin Mogahed

“It was the golden time of year. Every day the leaves grew brighter, the air sharper, the grass more brilliant. The sunsets seemed to expand and melt and stretch for hours, and the brick façades glowed pink, and everything got bluer. How many perfect autumns did a person get?”
~ Elif Batuman

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, November 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, November 22nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck

Sunday, December 6th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day.

Gratitudes

I’m not sure how it all worked out to do so much traveling this month, but it’s been a delight! This past week we attended the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque and then headed to Santa Fe. We missed the fall aspens in the CO high country, but caught them in NM! Such beauty and the vistas were magnificent!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for music, poetry, commentary, and dialogue to create and nurture joy, compassion, gratitude, and love – in our own lives and throughout the world. Paths of Heart is a 501(c)(3) Human Services/Educational non-profit organization that uses the arts, especially, to encourage and propel seekers of a better, more peaceful world to find ways to serve, while becoming more kind and compassionate human beings.

We welcome you as we collectively and individually explore the sweet mysteries of life – this is an invitation into co-creation!

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

10/02/202610/03/2026

The Music of Trees

Sunday, October 4th, 2026

After spending a week in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, specifically) among SO MANY trees, while also immersed in three days of music at Sisters Folk Festival, we have music AND trees on our mind! We’ll weave these together in our ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering this Sunday. Please join us! Here’s the link:

Topic: Paths of Heart Zoom Gathering
Time: Oct 4, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84168532259?pwd=uNZaWH8Sd1CE3GWpbjxbtgZsAdgBvf.1

Join and take notes
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84168532259?pwd=uNZaWH8Sd1CE3GWpbjxbtgZsAdgBvf.1&mynotes=on

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84168532259

Meeting ID: 841 6853 2259
Passcode: 973554

Join by SIP

84168532259@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/84168532259/invitations?signature=fWiP9JGBTIC1DhAr9cWVm5JToBNDrNoWqI4ymzEXaDo

Listening, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Life is amazingly beautiful. Clouds and wind blowing through the trees makes such a sound of music that one can contour to their own heart.”
~ Peace Gypsy

“I believe that music should be grown on trees, to be plucked like a fruit without the extravagance of harvest.”
~ Eyvind Kang

“In a cool solitude of trees Where leaves and birds a music spin, Mind that was weary is at ease, New rhythms in the soul begin.”
~ William Kean Seymour

“We’ve lost so much. We might lose more. But for now I can sit here, under the trees and sky, and pull music from the strings.”
~ Emma Trevayne

“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.”
~ Herman Hesse

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
~ Khalil Gibran

“Listen to the trees as they sway in the wind.
Their leaves are telling secrets. Their bark sings songs of olden days as it grows around the trunks. And their roots give names to all things.
Their language has been lost.
But not the gestures.”
~ Vera Nazarian

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, November 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, November 22nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck

Gratitudes

Oh my gosh! So much music to be immersed in and so much beauty to behold in our natural surroundings! These were our experiences on our trip to OR last week, which you’ll here about this Sunday! And thanks to Dave L. for his awesome bird pictures he shares with us (and we share with you!).

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

09/18/202610/01/2026

Much to Celebrate!

Sunday, September 20th, 2026

This week there are many events to contemplate and celebrate! Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish tradition, begins at sunset on September 20th and ends at nightfall on September 21st. The International Day of Peace AND World Gratitude Day are both observed annually on September 21st. Finally, The Autumnal Equinox “falls” on September 22. What can these important days teach us spiritually? This will be our discussion on Sunday, followed by our monthly potluck. Hope you can join us!
In Gratitude and Peace, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Think of Yom Kippur as a lookout on the top of a mountain that you have been climbing all year. See your days and their moments spread out before you. Be willing to look now at this big picture of your life. Your ultimate goals. Your beliefs. See each person in your life as part of that picture. What lesson have they taught you even if you had to learn it through pain? What message is God sending you by putting this person in your life?”
~ Sara Debbie Gutfreund

“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”
~ Abraham Heschel

“Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighbourhoods, and everywhere people meet with open minds and open hearts.”
~ António Guterres

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
~ Jimi Hendrix

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just the mere absence of violence. It is the manifestation of human compassion.”
~ the Dalai Lama

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.”
~ James E. Faust

“Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life.”
~ Jack Canfield

“The season for enjoying the fullness of life – partaking of the harvest, sharing the harvest with others, and reinvesting and saving portions of the harvest for yet another season of growth.”
~ Denis Waitley

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.”
~ George Eliot

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, November 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, November 22nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck

Gratitudes

Wow! More awesome family time was savored with Myles’ return from his short tour run with JJB. Hikes, bike rides, home-cooked meals, music…yeah! Gratitude abounds!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

09/11/2026

The Waning (??) Days of Summer

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

These mid September days usually show signs of Fall in the air, but I don’t know…seems like we’re still in the “dog days” of summer! Still, we know that cooler temps are on their way and we are eager to feel that sense of the “in-between” of the seasons and all the possibilities that it holds. Not really sure where our conversation will take us this Sunday, but we’ll be delighted if you join us! We’re on ZOOM this Sunday, and here’s the link:
Topic: Paths of Heart Zoom Gathering
Time: Sep 13, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82074075715?pwd=CG8ZKV6vH4saYs4tYmSOkwwNds1Wtx.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/82074075715

Meeting ID: 820 7407 5715
Passcode: 625104

Join by SIP

82074075715@zoomcrc.com
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82074075715/invitations?signature=orDDb_valFe31yTpYjBPjxHIM46iybuhYIZ_t0ky0Y4

In anticipation, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Summer’s not over. The story’s not finished.”
~ John Mayer

“Summer ends, and autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night.”
~ Hal Borland

“With all these lovely tokens of September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.”
~ Helen Hunt Jackson

“The changing seasons remind us that transformation is the essence of life; let the end of summer inspire your own metamorphosis.”
~ Morgan Harper Nichols

“With the setting sun, we bid farewell to the old and welcome the promise of new beginnings on the horizon.”
~ Atticus

“As summer fades, remember that each ending is a seed of a fresh start. Let the changing leaves inspire the colors of your own growth.”
~ R.M. Drake

“The cycle of seasons teaches us that life’s beauty lies in its impermanence. Embrace the transition from summer to fall with a heart open to possibility.”
~ Lily James

“Just as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, let the end of summer be your cocoon of change, preparing you for a vibrant future.”
~ Unknown

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, September 13th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Gratitudes

We have had some beautiful family gatherings in the last week – Myles came into town for a concert with the Jacob Jolliff Band, and Colleen’s sister, Holly was here with her boyfriend. We celebrated Holly’s birthday and basked in inspired music performances. ‘Twas an awesome week!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

08/27/2026

Dolly ‘n’ Mary

Sunday, August 30th, 2026

On Tuesday morning we heard the heartbreaking news that Dolly Parton had died. Tributes from every direction and from news sources around the world came flooding in and continue to do so. What a great loss we felt amidst the confused and conflicted state of affairs in which our country is embroiled! Yet we took comfort in stories of the way she lived her life – full of kindness, caring, love, non-judgment, and generosity. Later that evening, we watched the newly released documentary, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World – a wonderful balm that helped to soothe our souls at this sad time. Two beautiful souls with two very different lives that have enriched our lives so exquisitely throughout the years… We’ll honor these two women this Sunday. We hope you can join us for our gathering and a potluck lunch in the backyard afterwards.
Inspired to do better, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

““I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give ’em yours!”
~ Dolly Parton

“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I re-read passages from my favorite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
~ Dolly Parton

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
~ Mary Oliver

“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
~ Mary Oliver

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”
~ Mary Oliver

“Cause I am strong and I can prove it
And I got my dreams to see me through
It’s just a mountain, I can move it
And with faith enough there’s nothing I can’t do

And I can see the light of a clear blue morning
And I can see the light of brand new day
I can see the light of a clear blue morning
And everything’s gonna be all right
It’s gonna be okay
[lyrics from “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”]”
~ Dolly Parton

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, August 30th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, September 13th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Gratitudes

We are grateful for the teachers in our lives, both those we know personally and some admired from afar, like Dolly Parton and Mary Oliver. How wonderful to reflect on all of life’s lessons, even the one’s that might not feel so great in the moment.

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

08/15/202608/17/2026

A Fiery Realization

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

We were up in Poudre Canyon camping the last few days and the Cameron Peak burn scar, which covers over 200,000 acres, is still so eerily and painfully striking. We got our share of rain while up there and now there are life threatening flash flood warnings in the exact area we were and where a few friends still are (prayers!). This is often the case in burn scar areas where there is little to absorb the deluge of water when storms occur, and burned soil can be as water repellent as pavement. The extreme heat and massive wildfires across our country, Canada, Europe and around the world are not just environmental disasters, as our friend Scott Awbrey reminded us in an email last week. “They are a visible expression of imbalance – a sign that the living systems of our planet are under profound strain.” He stressed that “The Earth is not separate from us. We breathe because forests breathe. We drink because rivers flow. We are sustained by soil, sunlight, rain, and countless forms of life working together in sacred interdependence…We are being called to remember that stewardship is spiritual practice” and that “healing the Earth begins with healing our relationship to the Earth.” Please join us for this worthy discussion on what we can do to restore balance through awakened action.
With renewed resolve, Colleen and Mark

Here is the Zoom link for this morning’s Paths of Heart Gathering!

Time: Aug 16, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84127310112?pwd=y2BCmoOFYWTJLbXhhGSxNKwMBX6sya.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84127310112

Meeting ID: 841 2731 0112
Passcode: 982945

Quotes to ponder

“When you realize the Earth is so much more than simply the environment, you will be moved to protect her as you would yourself.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“It’s the living Earth. We are part of this.”
~ Joanna Macy

“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.”
~ Wendell Berry

“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.”
~ Margaret Mead

“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”
~ Chris Maser

“Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!”
~ Leonardo DiCaprio

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”
~ Ansel Adams

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, August 16th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, August 30th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, September 13th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Gratitudes

We went camping this week and it was so sweet to be in nature with good friends. We hiked, played “jungle bocci”, enjoyed communal meals, conversation, and quiet time by the river. So much to be grateful for! And we came home to a really good rain in the Fort – yes!!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

07/31/202607/31/2026

Finding Your “Sweet Spot”

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026

Shannah in a Dress is with us this weekend (for a Saturday night concert and as our music guest on Sunday morning!), and as we were thinking on a theme, we thought, why not talk about “the sweet spots” in our lives, since Shanna’s new release is called…Sweet Spot! Have you ever felt like you were in the sweet spot – in your profession, in a sport, in a relationship, with life in general? How did you “get there” and what did it feel like? Is it possible to stay there? 🙂 We want to hear your stories! We hope you’ll join us and enjoy Shanna’s music on Saturday and/or Sunday. Details are below. We had talked about having a potluck following our gathering on Sunday, but oof, it looks like it’ll be ANOTHER scorcher so we’ve decided to wait till our next in person gathering on the 30th. We WILL have a potluck before Shanna’s concert on Saturday.
Sweet! Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“The magic happens when you find the sweet spot where your genuine interests, skills, and opportunity intersect.”
~ Scott Belsky

“The Sweet Spot is about shifting the small gears, the ones that rotate relatively easily. And because all the gears are interlocking, when we tweak a small gear, large gears start to move—effortlessly—as well.”
~ Christine Carter

“If you suffer for something that gives delight, soon the suffering itself can give joy.”
~ Paul Bloom

“Understanding your sweet spot can increase your satisfaction in every arena of your life.”
~ Susan Cain

“Your sweet spot is where your passion, skillset, opportunity, and purpose intertwine.”
~ Ryan Leak

“The sweetest thing is the sweet spot where your heart’s wisdom will provide answers to persistent life questions and meaning to the empty places of your being.”
~ Della Reside

“What truly makes us happy is… engaging in the journey, in the process, and in the present moment.”
~ Christine Carter

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Saturday, August 1st, 7 p.m. – “Paths of Heart Presents…” Shanna in a Dress for a House Concert! If you’ve never seen Shanna, she is a delightful performer with songs that will have you bursting with laughter one minute, and reaching for the tissues in the next. She has just released her new CD, Sweet Spot, which can be heard on BandCamp. Check out her website: https://www.shannainadress.com. We’ll host an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. Ticket link: https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

Sunday, August 2nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, with Shanna in a Dress as our guest musician. We will not have a potluck this Sunday.

Sunday, August 16th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, August 30th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart gathering, followed by a potluck.

Gratitudes

We are just back from a quick trip to VT – what a glorious time we had at our friends’ lakeside retreat! Kayaking among the loons was amazing! Puzzles, reading, and naps were gratefully experienced, too!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

07/16/202607/16/2026

Be COOL!

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

We thought this photo might help! As we were thinking of ways to beat the heat here in CO, I started thinking of all these phrases – “Stay cool”, “Cool it!”, “Coolio!”, “Cool Beans”, “Coolness”, “Cool as a cucumber”, “Losing your cool”… We know it’s kind of a weird topic, but let’s gather on Sunday (in person) and share all things COOL – things you’ve done, things you’ve seen, things you might need to put the brakes on, things you’re dreaming about. Anything goes (as long as it’s cool!). Since the forecast for Sunday is 101 degrees in our weather app, it’s likely we’ll stay inside (and stay cool) for the potluck! Thank goodness for air conditioning!

Cool, huh? Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes.”
~ Walt Whitman

“I’m cool with failing so long as I know that there are people around me that love me unconditionally.”
~ Dave Chappelle

“It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health.”
~ Joyce Meyer

“Be still and cool in thine own mind and spirit.”
~ George Fox

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.”
~ Thomas Jefferson

“My parents are the coolest of the cool on every single level, and it’s because they have a deep appreciation for every moment of their lives.”
~ Rashida Jones

“Being uncool is being pretty much the coolest you can be.”
~ Rufus Wainwright

“To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man – and also a nation.”
~ Adlai Stevenson

“Sometimes it’s okay to give yourself a pat on the back and say, ‘That was cool. That made me feel good.’ “
~ Sebastian Stan

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, July 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Saturday, August 1st, 7 p.m. – “Paths of Heart Presents…” Shanna in a Dress for a House Concert! If you’ve never seen Shanna, she is a delightful performer with songs that will have you bursting with laughter one minute, and reaching for the tissues in the next. She has just released her new CD, The Sweet Spot, which can be heard on BandCamp. Check out her website: https://www.shannainadress.com. We’ll host an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. Ticket link: https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

Sunday, August 2nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, with Shanna in a Dress as our guest musician, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, August 16th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Gratitudes

We are grateful for so much music in our lives – music we make together as a family and with friends, and concerts we go to see on a regular basis. Music heals!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

07/09/202607/14/2026

The Joy of Service

Sunday, July 12th, 2026

One of our favorite quotes is by Rabindranath Tagore ~ “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Helping others with our time, talents, and treasures is a joyful thing indeed. When we are feeling down or out of sorts, we’ve found there is no better way to lift our spirits than to focus on someone else’s needs, giving freely and unconditionally as we are able. In turn, we bring joy to those we serve ~ a win-win for all! Please join us this Sunday on ZOOM to share your stories of giving and receiving ~ two sides of the same coin! Here’s the link:
Topic: Paths of Heart ZOOM Gathering
Time: Jul 12, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87066059274?pwd=nbVuwjaDlAcZwEvuvKBNWfPala3kkz.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/87066059274

Meeting ID: 870 6605 9274
Passcode: 643547

Join by SIP

87066059274@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/87066059274/invitations?signature=mq9uCtq1Ql5IPZRKIcIPGAQ8kNbSrOwbJ4Ny6agjx58

In loving service, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.”
~ Dorothy Height

“Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.”
~ Kallam Anji Reddy

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore

“Joy can only be real if people look upon their life as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.”
~ Leo Tolstoy

“I want a president with a record of public service, someone whose life’s work shows our children that we don’t chase fame and fortune for ourselves: we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed.”
~ Michelle Obama

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, July 12th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, July 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, August 2nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, with Shanna in a Dress as our guest musician, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, August 16th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Gratitudes

We had a glorious 6 days visiting friends in Steamboat, Oak Creek, and Hot Sulphur Springs over the 4th of July holiday. Treasured moments, beautiful scenery, parades, a boat ride, great food! So much to be grateful for!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

06/18/202606/18/2026

Father Sun

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

This Sunday we’ll celebrate 2 events – Father’s Day and The Summer Solstice! The sun has been associated with powerful Father Energy in many ancient and diverse cultures. The Plains Indians, for example, recognized that without Father Sun’s light and energy, showered upon Mother Earth in so many mysterious ways, that She could not give birth to all her children. She would be barren.
Throughout Native and a host of other traditions, Father Sun has come to symbolize the Source of DIVINE LIGHT and the Procreative Energy of LOVE. We’ll discuss this intermingling of Father Energy with the Summer Solstice this Sunday, and celebrate with a potluck in the backyard following our gathering.
Solstice Blessings! Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

Night in Day
The night never wants to end, to give itself over
to light. So it traps itself in things: obsidian, crows.
Even on summer solstice, the day of light’s great
triumph, where fields of sunflowers guzzle in the sun—
we break open the watermelon and spit out
black seeds, bits of night glistening on the grass.
~ Joseph Stroud

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.”
~ Pam Brown

“Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now, I have six children and no theories.”
~ John Wilmot

“May we have a peaceful Father’s Day, and may we all become the fathers we needed most.”
~ Danielle Beutell

“Whether we speak of the sun as our Father or as our Brother, we are giving voice to an urge that wells up from the center of our natures, an awareness that we are linked to this giant being, variously called Surya, Sol, Brahma, Helios, Ra, Phoebus-Apollo, etc., by ancient peoples. Paying homage to the sun has nothing in it of servitude, for it is a recognition that we too are sparks of the central fire, that in us also a spiritual sun shines, shedding its bright light upon all activities that are ennobling, kindly, and understanding…”
~ John P. Vater

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, June 21st, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, July 12th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering. NOTE: this was moved forward one week, from the 5th.

Sunday, July 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Saturday, August 1st, 7 p.m. – “Paths of Heart Presents…” Shanna in a Dress for a House Concert! If you’ve never seen Shanna, she is a delightful performer with songs that will have you bursting with laughter one minute, and reaching for the tissues in the next. She has just released her new CD, The Sweet Spot, which can be heard on BandCamp. Check out her website: https://www.shannainadress.com. More details coming!

Sunday, August 2nd, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, with Shanna in a Dress as our guest musician, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, August 16th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Gratitudes

Thanks for the many well wishes and offers when Colleen was sick last week. She was so sad to miss most of Myles’ visit and playing music with the family, but she’s very much on the mend. We are grateful Myles could be here for a short visit!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou