A bit of fun from buzzfeed.com: “14 Perfect Japanese Words You Need in Your Life.” So many of these made me smile for different reasons. 1.) Komorebi (n): sunlight filtering through trees. 2.) Irusu (n): pretending to be out when someone knocks at your door. 3.) Shinrin-Yoku (n): literally “forest bathing” – a visit to…
Not your kid’s balloon animals…
My favorite blog, Colossal, published a post a few days ago and I’m still geeking out about it. Japanese balloon artist Masatoshi Matsumoto created these unbelievably beautiful and intricate balloon sculptures — made without the benefit of any tools or additional materials whatsoever. No tape, glue, adhesive, nothing. I mean… Seriously?! Can you believe these?…
Hospital Hill
A road trip to Kansas City brought a wonderful visit with my lifelong best friend and her family, as well as my oldest son (who is LOVING his internship there). While the (over)abundance of Royals gear around town is an exercise in control for my inner Cardinals-loving trash-talker, I really do enjoy that town. In addition…
Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life
“I designed my house around being able to have African violets in the kitchen window. I did it because my grandmother had them in her kitchen window. That meant the kitchen window had to be in the south, because that gave them the best light. So my entire house was designed around having a south-facing kitchen window…
A New To-Do List
I recently read an article called “4 Completely Unselfish Things You Can Do Today” (link here). “Most to-do lists detail what we need to do. By their nature, to-do lists are self-focused. This is a different kind of list; here are four things you should do today for other people…”, it says. While the article seems to…
Sunday Inspiration
92-year-old Harriette Thompson crossed the finish line of the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego today in 7:24:36, becoming the oldest marathon finisher ever. Otherwise known as a ROCK STAR. Right down to her fuchsia lipstick. Life goals.
The Small, Happy Life
Love, love this David Brooks column, “The Small, Happy Life.” (Link here.) Brooks asked readers to send in essays about their purpose in life and how they found it. This is what I assume is the first column about the responses he received. And it’s golden. I expected most contributors would follow the commencement-speech clichés…
Big Birthday
My baby turned 21 today. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. His birthday was a little different because he was away from home, but I think he was thoroughly celebrated. Or he was for sure well fed. Asiago bagels from his aunt (above), breakfast cupcakes from his grandma, dinner with both, plus…
Some Days Are Like This…
(Photo is a twitter find: @EmergencyKittens.)
Lantern Festival!
The Lantern Festival started today at the Botanical Garden and my son and I got to be there at the start. Lots of pomp and ceremony — and so beautiful!! It’s the first time I’ve seen the lanterns during the daylight, a totally different perspective. And still impressive. Adorable couple made me smile. While we…
Hello, Buttercup.
Some lovely flowers to close a very busy week…and welcome a long, holiday weekend.
Lately I’ve Learned
– Sometimes the relentless pursuit of something completely frivolous is totally worth it once you finally get to toss it into your shopping cart. (Or, in the case of Minion tic tacs…tossing six of them into my shopping cart.) – Below seasonal-average temperatures create above-average moods. – There are few things I look forward to more…
Wednesday Wisdom
“You’ve always had the power, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.” — Glinda the Good Witch, Wizard of Oz
Happy
In light of Beecher’s observation, here are a few common happiness-inducing things as of late: – Funny co-workers – Rice Krispie treats – Sleeping with the windows open – Flowers that look just like popcorn along my path – Big balls of purring kitties sleeping on my feet – May sunshine and cool breezes –…
What if…
What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly? (Quote: Erin Hanson, poet. Photo: unknown)
The Thrill is Gone
Without the letter B, I never would’ve been able to take my kids to see B.B. King and Buddy Guy five years ago (link to post and video here). The Thrill might be gone, but the memories live on. Rest in peace, B.B.
Non-Negotiables
“Refuse to let anyone, or anything, repress your vivid energies…that means your opinions, your thoughts, your ideas, your values, your morals, your ideals. Let your own innate cycles dictate the upsurges and the downward cycles of your life, not other forces or persons outside yourself, nor negative complexes from within.” — Clarissa Pinkola Estés Daily I…
My Favorites
Because it’s Mother’s Day, I didn’t feel bad dragging one of my kids to the City Garden this morning. Just a quick trip to see what’s blooming. (This was after a nice hike at Powder Valley.) Peonies….ohhhhh. Especially these. They look like they’re marbled. These irises reminded me so much of a Vincent Van Gogh piece….
Girl Power!
During a run awhile back, I spotted a baggie affixed to a tree along my route. It was filled with colorful hair doodads along with a note that said, “You are beautiful when you move! Go GOTR!” Which is Girls on the Run, an organization that partners with schools to mentor and empower young girls through running….
Hump Day
Tomorrow is Thursday. Weekend is getting closer. (This also happens to be my spirit animal.)
Easier Said Than Done
If you’ve read this blog for a while, this photo might look familiar. It’s a favorite and I’ve used it before. I always seem to come back around to it. Its message never gets old. I also seem to seek this out when people or their behavior make me sad…which seems to be happening a…
Hello, Lovely.
Let the season’s gardening commence. Starting with this gardenia that now calls our yard home. I’m so sorry to see this peaceful weekend come to a close, but you should get a whiff of this perfect scent wafting around our front door.
hey there, friends 