Feeling It

December 10, 2017

There’s still time to start feeling it…that holiday spirit. If you’re overwhelmed and you’d just like the holidays behind you, it might be time to adjust your thinking. Doing something nice for someone else everyday will have that smile you put on their face coming right back to ya…multiplied. The gesture needn’t be large. The greatest reward can come from something as simple as opening a door, paying for someone’s morning coffee, simply paying a compliment or offering a kind word. With only two weeks until Christmas, you might find the benefits reaped will have you wanting to continue this exercise right into the New Year. Start like I did, and pass out a pocketful of candy canes today.

photo: gp  https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/12/10/candy-candy-canes/

 

for the restorative powers of the simplest task. Who knew that the autumnal tradition of raking leaves could be as cleansing as meditation? After a weeklong barrage of premeditated nastiness and disrespect ( yes, I’ve had better weeks ) I look forward to a crisp Sunday afternoon with Jaxon, my rake and my burn pile…an unbeatable combination to help regroup, rethink  and get something accomplished. Yep, that’s better.

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Candy, Candy Canes…

December 10, 2013

candy corns…syrup*. Who knew that one of these…of Elf’s  main food groups… could be so disarming? A pocketful of candy canes is just great to carry around, ready to hand out and diffuse some impending holiday meltdown. It could be the nasty person in line at Starbucks giving the barista a hard time or the weary sales clerk at any retail location, who just needs a smile and a break, that can benefit from this simple gesture. I started doing this years ago, begining my day armed and ready. And, I always returned home with an empty pocket, feeling good. Interesting how bringing a sweet unexpected smile to someone will always have one coming back to you.

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* Elf

Take a deep breath.

April 7, 2013

You can smell it. Spring …the Earth waking up.Time for a big stretch and to clear out Winter’s congestion…first in your environment which will precipitate a release of your physical congestion. It’s time for some fresh air…a fresh approach…a fresh project…a fresh outlook.yelcarn6Flamb_garnista_

Photo above by Theodora Wayte via Gardenistapixiewhtbnkt__purl

Purl Soho’s modern knit blanket in white…photo by Purl http://www.purlbee.com/bulky-knitt-pixie-dust-blanket/espadrlF

Donghia Textiles Espadrille  stripehttp://www.donghia.com/collections/textileschcks2FbRENTANO_EPINGLR_yelF

What’s new at Brentano Fabrics…Tempo http://www.brentanofabrics.com/whatsnew/nw_201302.aspxCopy of Leaves_gray_anat

Leaves scan thanks to Anat Rodan at http://anatrodanblog.blogspot.com/

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Brentano Fabrics Wool Epingle http://www.brentanofabrics.com/fabrics/aspargus3F

Summer, looking back

September 21, 2012

OK, now it’s official…the solstice is upon us and we are moving into Fall. I tried to stretch this summer out as long as I could , so that I could enjoy  more simple pleasures and not forget some special simple moments. As I look back I am grateful for each juicy bite, each bright ray, each conversation, each quiet walk, each project…each gentle nudge and nuzzle. I will welcome Fall differently now…more simply, more quietly. Let’s see what it brings.

Not So Fast

September 1, 2012

Here in the northern mid-west we wait patiently for Summer through every type of brutal Winter force. Yet, once it’s here, people are ready to slip into Fall way ahead of schedule. The Autumn solstice does not occur until September 21…which means, quite simply, that there are three more weeks of Summer still to enjoy. Sure, the days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler and afternoon shadows are longer. But, hey, Summer is Summer. You can plan ahead to Fall all you’d like but don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the last days of Summer while they’re here. Three more weeks…that’s a lot of Summer fun left to be had. Now…how bout a picnic?