Collaging...

I have collaged on and off for years and there has never been a time when I haven't loved it, but I never knew why, not that there really was a reason to know, other then it makes me happy. But recently, as I'm in the space of working on it more, it finally came to me. Being a visually learner, collaging has been my visual affirmations and it is my place that has no right and wrong. It is my space to just be!

Most Memorable Meal...

 

    I would have to say, hands down, the Thanksgiving meal. I have not taken jobs because they couldn't assure me I wouldn't get Thanksgiving day off. And anytime I've worked somewhere, I always tell them Thanksgiving is the "only" holiday I value and need off. It is to me, a pure holiday of no hype and centered around togetherness. And it's not so much the food as it is helping prepare it and coming together to gather with family and friends sharing the meal with one another.
    But with that said, I have to say a lot of my fond memories ( besides Thanksgiving) that stand out in my mind are gatherings where friends come together to share food and friendship. I just think there is something about food that connects people and offers comforter and nourishment to all those who come. Maybe that's why I enjoy preparing food for my family and friends. It connects me with happiness, joy, conversation, health, nourishment, caring, so many of the things I value in my life.

Alive...

 

 " Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive."

I would like to say "in the new year-I will..." but my thought is when your ready to do something why wait. My intention for the last week has been to allow myself to find time to do the things that make me feel happy and alive, no matter how small that is. I've spent a lifetime "wanting" to do so many creative projects but not allowing myself until all the "have to... should do" gets done. There is a saying that defines insanity as, "doing the same thing over and and expecting different results." And my mind wants to say "not so kind" things about myself, like how I got to be this age and haven't really done this, or don't even bother because you know things will happen and you won't keep doing it, and on and on my negative self talk goes. But from what I wrote in my last post I am trying to refrain from listening to that and just be kinder.

Tree...

Another tree, another Christmas! Each year we gather around the living room sharing stories and memories about each ornament that is placed on the tree. Some were from my childhood, some are from family and friends, and some where made when the kids were young. I could sit for hours with all the room lights off and just watch the twinkling lights on the tree making the decorations sparkle. It's a happy time, a happy place...

Need...

I was in need of some nice words today... and for me there is nothing better then a quote...or two!

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."

"She took the leap and built her wings on the way down."

" Be kind to everything that lives."

" If you're making mistakes, it means you're out there doing something."

" Just because something ends doesn't mean it never should've been. Remember, you lived, you learned, you grew and you moved on."

" You can never make to much Happy."

" When you stop believing in Santa... you get underwear."

" Your cells contain the universe."

" The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind."

" Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that, through you, others can see."

" Broken crayons still color."

" We met for a reason, either you're a blessing or a lesson."

" It you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place."

Pumpkins...

The other day I went to Trader Joe's and they had this sign outside and I couldn't resist taking a picture. The sign pretty much sums up the fall season for me... Pumpkin everything!! I love pumpkins, the color, the taste, the happy memories they remind me of and most of all - their a sign it's fall.

I might even attempt to make these - http://onceamonthmeals.com/gluten-free-dairy-free-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/

Magnificent Three...

This is a area I visit often when I'm having playtime with one of the dogs I pet sit and it never fails to put me in a good mood. The picture doesn't do justice to how BIG these tree's are up close but they are magnificent! I feel their good energy and feel very connected to them. It is for now one of my "happy places."

Need...

Sometimes I need to find what makes me happy. Something to make me smile, and one of those little things is simply looking at the garden category on Pinterest. I could sit all day and just keep scrolling through, wanting to do, but only looking at all the ideas. It makes me smile and my heart happy!

Art...

Art is something that comes from a place of inspiration and I was inspired by a friends art piece she posted on her blog http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2014/07/healing-through-art-journaling.html. Above you will see what I have done... I was happy with the way it turned out and it was really fun. When I sat down with the blank page, I didn't really have an idea, but then one idea turned into another and when I was finished "it was all good." Hope you find something to inspire you today : )

Happy...

Being out in nature, even if it's just my back yard makes me happy. I don't know if other people feel the connection with nature too, but there is something about just stepping outside, walking among the trees, hearing nature sing, that changes my whole outlook. It puts me in a happy place that no other thing can do.

Soul...

"Take time to do what makes your soul happy."

This is what I plan to do tomorrow. I'm sure I'll do other things on my list but I plan to be aware in the present moment to do something that makes my soul happy!

Kids...

Kids are the BEST! 

At my demo today, there were so many kids going by either singing, laughing, kissing their younger brother, giving a high five to their parent - lost in a world with no rules. No matter what I'm feeling, watching a child's untainted mind play out in a world where there are so many unspoken rules, always brings me to a "happy place!"

Strive...

"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy."

Anne Frank

This is what I will strive for today. 

There is beauty left around me... I'm happy!

Happy...

Happy Birthday to ME...

Life...

"Life is too short to miss out on being really happy."

Couldn't agree more!

Happy...

"When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "Happy." they told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life."

John Lennon

Sometimes life hands you circumstances that don't make you happy, but happy isn't always contingent on circumstances. I can CHOOSE to find some happiness through whatever I'm going through. Today I'm doing just that!

Your Soul...

"Take time to do what makes your soul happy"

Happy...

Happy Thanksgiving to those I love!

Wedding...

Well the day has come and gone. Yesterday my son married the women he loves and is happy. My heart is happy for him. It was a joy to celebrate in his love.

Loving you dear son... 

ALWAYS!

Enjoy...

"Life is available only in the present moment."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Enjoy and be happy ~ good night all!