It’s summer. Yippee. Run to the hammock and let’s play a game. I want you to lie back and relax into thinking about something you want to accomplish this summer. Here’s the sentence.

Fill in the blank:
“This is the summer I want to ...”

What? Name your heart’s desire. Keep it clean. Think about your own well-being.

Want to run a 10k? (Great for the body.)

Learn to play guitar? (Good for the brain.)

Meditate for 15 minutes a day? (Marvelous for equanimity and everything else.)

You know my theory: When the seasons change, so can we. In summer especially, we tend to take more time for ourselves, play more and have more fun. If you’re ready this summer, you can create new habits and attitudes that make your life richer and riper.

It’s 3:58 AM. Apart from the rural sounds of roosters crowing and the occasional rumble and whistle-blast of a passing train, all is peacefully silent. Then a gong rings, its long resonance drawing out in the dark. This is a wakeup call for the 4:30-6:30 meditation session.

Now it’s 6:40 AM. All is still silent but for the clinking of spoons in cereal bowls, the pop of the toaster and hot water steaming into tea mugs. No one is catching up on the morning news; no one is sharing their dreams from last night; no one is making to-do lists. The agenda here is very simple: meditate. Whether ambling silently around the walking paths, sitting cross-legged in the meditation hall, or laying quietly on their bed in their room, everyone is meditating.

There’s just something about a man and his chair. If a man’s home is his castle, then the king must have his throne, right? From Archie Bunker’s iconic recliner to Sheldon Cooper’s carefully positioned “spot,” pop culture is filled with men and their chairs. Here at Paisley, we usually focus on the women of our community, but each June we give the guys their time in the spotlight. Some of these gentlemen seem to be always on the move, never taking a moment to sit down, but our photographers managed to capture them with their favorite resting spots. They graciously answered our questions and opened up about themselves. We proudly present a few of Coastal Georgia’s Men and their Chairs:

Quit Itching! Here’s how.
Itchy dry scalp is a common problem for many people. Sometimes it is because of a skin condition, with visible signs of flaking and irritation. Other times, there are no visible symptoms and no other itchy areas of skin. When there are signs of redness and flakes, mild cases may be treated with medicated shampoos formulated for dandruff and itchy scalp. When there are no visible signs of irritation, there are several possible suspects to blame. You could be washing your hair with water that is too hot, or you may not be scrubbing your scalp enough when shampooing. Other possible culprits are using cleansers that are too harsh, or using too much product on your hair.

Adored author Dorothea Benton Frank was a mama bear in every sense of the word. Her protective motherly spirit not only applied to her two children, but also lovingly extended to her friends, family, Southern roots and ever-growing circle of fellow writers. She gave so much love, laughter and instant friendship while living, that in her death, her friends and family still feel the immense authentic embrace that Dottie so naturally enveloped people in.

Out this month, Reunion Beach, sure to be a No. 1 bestseller, pays homage to Dottie, holding vigil her legacy for all who love her. “When Dottie died in the fall of 2019, her friends in the literary community were bereft. Her loss was a hole in their lives that could not be filled. Inspired by the title Dorothea Benton Frank planned for her next book—Reunion Beach—these close friends and colleagues channeled their creativity, admiration and grief into stories and poems that celebrate this remarkable woman and her abiding love for the lush Lowcountry of her native South Carolina—a land of beauty, history, charm and Gullah magic she so brilliantly brought to life in her acclaimed novels.”

It's time to roll my shoulders, press through the balls of my feet and take a strong stand on proper posture. It's super-important to your health and wellness—right up there with eating real food and getting enough sleep—but it's just not top of mind when we think of ways to boost our energy and prevent pain. When it comes to awareness of the awesomeness of body alignment, the country is in a slump.

So let's look at a few things everyone with a spine ought to know about posture and why it matters, inspired by an article in IDEA Fitness Journal by personal-training specialist Ryan Halvorson.

Spring has sprung. So what? So now's an extraordinarily good time to notice that the birds are chirping, the buds are popping and your own body is primed and pumped to push you down the path to your own personal well-being. 
 
"Springtime is in the air," writes Kenneth Cohen, a qi gong master. "A good time for spring cleaning of mind and body through meditation, healing practices, eating spring greens, drinking herbal tonics and bathing in natural hot springs."

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. What started in the United States in 1970 became
a global phenomenon in 1990.

Earth Day is now recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, with more than one billion people annually marking the occasion.

In the Golden Isles, locals and visitors alike can celebrate Earth Day every day of the year in Brunswick at the Earth Day Nature Trail! On April 22, 1993, a dedication ceremony to officially open the Earth Day Nature Trail was held by Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (CRD). The Trail is self-guided and winds across salt marshes, tidal ponds and a coastal hammock high ground with stunning views of both the ocean and surrounding marshes. Originally created to extend the classroom outdoors for Glynn County students, the trail has become a favorite destination for individuals and families, too. All are invited to visit any time during daylight hours, 365 days a year with no admission fee.

Whether you’re visiting Georgia’s coast for the first time, or you’re a life-long resident, you’ll see it all differently from a scooter! You’ll feel simply fabulous with the soft island breeze in your hair and the sun’s golden glow on your face. Beach Scooter Boogie will deliver your fun ride right to you, no matter where you want to go. Scoot around the pier village; see the Victorian homes in Downtown Brunswick; or ride along Jekyll’s beaches.  You’re going to enjoy the freedom you feel scooting through the Golden Isles.

While you might have dreams of recreating the iconic scooter ride from Roman Holiday, with you and your beau filling in for Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to riding scooters. That wonderful scene is filled with “don’t try this at home” moments. Who can blame you for envisioning the 1953 film, since it started the whole scooter craze decades ago. Maybe one day you will zip around the streets of Rome, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it out a little closer to home first! Our area is much more relaxed and less hilly than Rome, but you’ll still want to consider these important safety guidelines:

Here are 10 small ways to volunteer and
make a difference this Earth Day:

1. Clean up a local beach.
Over 14 billion pounds of trash are dumped into the ocean each year. Help clean it up.

2. Plant a garden at your home or school.
Another fun way to give Mother Earth some love this Earth Day!

Forces of Nature   
Ben Carswell, Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Director of Conservation, was happy to share tales of Jekyll’s Driftwood Beach, a captivating natural treasure located on the Island’s north end.

He began with how the iconic fallen trees beach location has slowly been moving a bit south. “Folks from the old days say Driftwood Beach was located further north and closer to the Jekyll fishing pier. They called it Boneyard Beach back then—more of a graveyard term. Driftwood Beach today has a nicer ring to it, but those sideways trees along the shore did not drift there, they all fell.”

As personality traits go, "compulsive" and "addictive"
are not generally considered all that terrific.
Those of us with an inclination to be obsessive struggle
to overcome our obsessions.
But hold on a minute! Being compulsive—easily addicted and slightly obsessive—can be a good trait when that propensity is harnessed and channeled in the right direction. Don't forget that compulsive people have great personalities, are driven to accomplish big things and bring a little sparkle to humanity.

At Paisley, we have two highly educated consultants with years of experience in helping clients to look their best: Makeup artist Iris Hopgood and master stylist Amanda Kicklighter. Both experts in natural beauty, their 2021 springtime advice is below!

Spring is a great time to get away from it all and take a giant deep breath. You can slip into escape mode the fast way with multiple margaritas, or you can slow down and figure out a plan to get back to nature, into the woods, on a lake, up a mountain, down a river—paddling, hiking, camping, fishing, walking, breathing, whatever suits your soul.

Your fitness goal? Renewal of the spirit. Your health will benefit greatly from a sharper focus and a serene attitude. That’s what a few days or weeks in the backcountry can do for you.
Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy a hiking trip, especially if it’s your first:

Dear Carrie: My daughter is starting high school this year, and I'm worried about paying for college. I've saved some money, but as a single mom, I'm afraid I just won't be able to cover it all. Is there anything I can do to increase her chances of receiving financial aid? —A Reader

Dear Reader: I'm glad you're asking this question now while you still have several years to plan for college. As I'm sure you know, college can be expensive, but it's also one of the best investments you can make in your daughter's future—not only in terms of education but also for her career opportunities and lifetime earnings.

Dear Readers: If I were to ask couples to name the top three things that keep them together, I don’t imagine that shared knowledge and interest in their finances would make the list. Yet money is often cited as one of the main causes of divorce. A recent survey by Policygenius found that 1 in 5 people say their partner is financially irresponsible. And these people are over 10 times more likely to break up over money issues than people who say their partner is good with money.

What do you do when you wake up to the world news and it’s all horrific
and overwhelms you with sadness and despair?
Hearing the political crisis of the day just as you are inhaling your first cup
of French roast turns a peaceful morning cold and dark. Making most of us able
to literally feel our stress levels curdling our bowls of organic full-fat yogurt.
Trust me, it’s the tip of the tamale.
I’m taking big jumps here, but please follow along:
Bad news causes stress, and stress causes sickness.
As someone on the path to a healthier, happier lifestyle,
you need a strategy to deal with it.

“I could not live without Champagne.
In victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it.” —Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was a fan of champagne, and this quote of his is on point for 2021, thus far. Really, it applies to just life in general. A glass of bubbles always lends itself to lightening things up. In raising a glass to more good times than bad ahead, here are six scrumptious, sparkling selections in every price point to celebrate victories, soothe defeats and calm your nerves in between. These selections are also perfect for adding a pop of magic to your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day celebrations.

Welcome to 2021, the era of searching for love in a pandemic that seems endless. In this younger generation—20-somethings—we are dependent on our smartphones to connect us to the dating world. Why can’t we have the luxury like generations before us when social media was absent from the love equation and dating apps were nonexistent? An equation should be immutable, so my question is, “Why are things so different?” The answer points directly to dating apps and social media and how they have affected this generation's perspective on the way to find love...and how to behave in the process.

When I was a child growing up in Griffin, Georgia, I was tall with a thin frame. I loved playing outside and never turned down the opportunity to show my athleticism during pick up games of kickball, basketball, football, dodgeball, or jump rope with my friends from the neighborhood. How much I weighed was the last thing on my mind, but as I became a teenager, my boyish frame sometimes landed me at the brunt of jokes by the “pretty girls,” who had hour-glass figures that caught the attention of all the guys at school. However, I found a way to use my scrawny build to my advantage. I became a runner on my high school track team. The 400-meter race became my hideaway from my body-shaming critics, who were silenced when I was victorious.

Wherever you happen to be on the rewarding and rocky road to a healthier lifestyle, you’ll travel more gently and feel more joy if you learn to make friends with your Inner Critic.

We all have one, and it is alive and kvetching, causing us to constantly question our behavior, our thoughts, our accomplishments: “How am I doing? Am I doing well enough­—in my relationships, at work? Do others see what I’m doing? Do they approve?”

Psychologists call this critical voice the Standard Setter. (And you thought it was called Mom.) It’s the part of the human psyche that sets the bar for us. It’s a good thing in many ways, as a source of inspiration, as a spur to achievement.

They’re back—and just in time!
Our Dynamic Duo, the Extravagance Gals by the Seashore, your professional makeup and hair gurus of Coastal Georgia: Yes, Iris and Amanda are here with fantastic New Year motivating tips for you!

The annual Brunswick Christmas Parade is back and ready to warm your heart with its
hometown feeling full of community recognition! Generations of holiday parade
watchers and participants consider it the best city experience of the year. 

Mathew Hill, Executive Director at City of Brunswick DDA, has quite a tally because he has been to 16 Brunswick Christmas Parades in a row. Mathew says most locals recall that the parade started after WWII in the ‘50s, but no one knows exactly what year. His research led him to learn about other southeast Georgia towns like Nahunta and Waycross, with their post-WWII Christmas parades, too. “Back then, first Saturdays in December often marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season, especially for downtown merchants. So, our annual parades are first Saturdays in December.”

Here comes the December dilemma: Am I going to enjoy this holiday season or not?
We all have obstacles to overcome: too little time; too little money; too much
commercial merrymaking. And that's not to mention the nightly news!

And still, dear reader, we have a personal choice this December: Do I get into the holiday spirit and juice up my well-being... or not? We've got Hanukkah and Christmas and the winter solstice coming up, all leading to the end of the year, when we make resolutions to find true love, or lose 20 pounds, or make good on that promise to work smarter, not harder.

The sweet homey smell of freshly baked cookies and savory meals. The heartwarming feeling of snuggling into soft blankets with hot cocoa while watching favorite holiday movies. The sound of conversations and laughter rising and falling around family and friends as they make new memories. The whimsical sights of twinkling lights and festive decorations transforming the ordinary world into a wonderland.

Longtime friends knew you back when and probably still, know you best.

We were band nerds, but my best friends and bandmates (both guys and girls) and I always envisioned ourselves as cool musicians. It was the early ‘70s, and we had sheet music for songs by Three Dog Night and Chicago. We listened to greats like Led Zeppelin, The Temptations, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Guess Who on transistor radios. At Ft. Lauderdale’s Northeast High School football games, our more than 200-member band marched to themes from “2001- A Space Odyssey” and “Hawaii Five-O.” With my school-rental bass clarinet, I rose to section leader and all-county band, and to this day, we’re all still in touch with our 90-year-old band director, Mr. Jamison.

I love Thanksgiving so much I would say it vies for first place in my favorite holiday lineup. I love and adore a classic turkey dinner with all the trimmings. I love the fall weather, which always accompanies the day. I love the fact that Thanksgiving ushers in the winter holidays, offering me a front-row seat on the very best time of the year.

I love all of those things. What I don't love is the idea that Thanksgiving is the only day of the year that we give thanks. Gratitude is too important in our lives to be considered briefly en masse on the fourth Thursday of November.

In the run-up to the election—I’m writing this before the results are in—my yoga teacher had us doing a lot of grounding poses. And I mean a lot. No wonder my hamstrings were climbing the walls last night. (Thank God for CBD cream.)

First, Sienna asks us to stand and connect to our breath. Then we focus our mind’s eye on our legs: standing tall, rooting deep, energetically drawing strength from the earth beneath our feet, wiggling our toes, arching our soles and opening channels in our legs, our hips, our hearts and our minds to help us through whatever happens next.

Does the practice melt my anxiety? Promote equanimity? Encourage optimism? Of course it does, because feeling grounded and calm in trying times is one of the ways we nurture our well-being. It’s not a fix; it’s a strategy. What’s yours?

One of the most important friendships you’ll ever have in this world
is with the person staring back at you every morning
from the bathroom mirror…
You.

And no, you’re not about to read an ode to selfishness, nor are you about to view an instruction manual for escaping life’s chaos by saying adieu to everyone and climbing every mountain until reaching an ideal destination for a happy, stress-free existence.

Instead, you’re receiving a Selfieship Guide for establishing or strengthening a relationship with yourself.

But before jumping into that, if you’re entertaining any negative thoughts or hesitations regarding valuing and nurturing this kind of relationship, quickly write them on toilet paper and flush them down your toilet of choice. (If you’ve never flushed negativity down a toilet, you’re really missing out on a great deal of fun.)

You’re excited to see an old friend in the grocery store, but how do you show it when your big, beautiful smile is covered and hugs are a no-no? The face is the window to our expressions, and mouths can have dialogue without any words. A frown, a smirk, a smile, pursed lips all tell a powerful story before any words are spoken. However, our faces have another center for expression—the eyes. So, while we are all masked up, we might as well lean on our eyes and allow them to speak up and speak out.

For tips on talking with your eyes, we turned to experts in beauty, Iris Hopgood and Amanda Kicklighter. Read on to learn how to select the right mask, escape the blank stare and implement “the smeyes”—(smiling with your eyes)…or if need be, a good eye roll: