My son Ryan recently won third place in his school oration contest. After the awards ceremony all the finalists posed for pictures. The school’s principal approached with congratulations and handed me 5 copies of the oration program. "I know how you mothers are," she said. I smiled as I realized she was under the false assumption that I save mementos to create memory books. While I’m sure that is true for many of the mothers at our school, I’m afraid I have let that mommy duty slide. My never ending to-do list maintains a constant bulging state. I decided long ago that if I added "create memory books" to my list, it would be yet another thing left undone.

"Women, in particular, often need to consciously refuel their inner resources," states Jody Gehrman in our feature article on page 28. Jody recommends making time for nurturing massages and warm baths, but also stresses the importance of what we eat with an Ayurvedic perspective. She cites many ways to tailor the diet including eating seasonal foods and using fresh ingredients. I am working on increasing the plant-based foods in my diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide the vitality necessary to help refuel and heal. My vitality needs a kick in the pants. While Ryan memorized his speech with ease, I observed this phenomenon with a sweet longing for the return of my nimble memory. There was a time when my memory was razor sharp. These days I go to the store for paper towels and come home with toilet paper! At least my sense of humor is getting a good workout.

During this month of May we focus on women. Breast cancer statistics are shocking, read how thermograms can provide the earliest the detection in our healing ways column. Discover the characteristics of an Ecopreneur and find the prescription for a simple life on page 25. Enjoy our handy health checklist for pregnancy on page 34 and consider the exercise benefits of gardening on page 33. This Mother’s Day to celebrate the women in your life indulge in something fun and nurturing. It just might create a vitality boost for both of you!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Kris Urquhart, Editor