American Savior...

 

What if.  

What if Jesus came to you and told you to quit your job?

What if Jesus told you he was going to run for the office of President of the United States?

What if Jesus told you that you were going to be his head of security?

What if Jesus told you to recruit your family to join you on the campaign trail?

Would you be skeptical?

Would you feel a shaking of your faith?

Would you do as you were asked?

This scenario could play out anywhere in the world in any circumstance, but this is the premise for Roland Merullo's "American Savior".  There is more to this novel than simply the posits of "what if" and if you know your Bible you will recognize the many parallels and the many layers of this book.

I'm a fan of Roland Merullo.  He has the rare gift of being able to string his stories out little by little.  At the beginning of a novel I'm not sure.  He hasn't quite sold me on what he's telling.  But I don't stop.  I keep going because at just that point...he lets out a little more string and then just a little more.  By the middle of the book I'm hooked and by the end?  I know I've been treated to something very few authors have the ability to give me.

It started for me with "Breakfast with Buddha" and then I read "Fidel's Last Days".  I have "Revere Beach Boulevard" waiting on my nightstand and I fully expect to be lured in and teased and tempted and pulled forward with each page I turn.  Happily for me there are a few more of his works for me to enjoy.

Gifts of Jewels...

Another round of "Gift of Jewels" hosted by Se'Lah at Necessary Room.  Another wonderful opportunity to connect with others throughout the world.  A post card, a card, or something you wished to send, just to reach out from cyberspace to the actual mail box of someone else. Se'Lah chooses the pairings from all who wish to participate.

This time I sent my gift to Marilyn (forgot to take a photograph!), at Delights of the Heart. My gift came from Jax in Suffolk, England.

card made by Jax of Making It Up

I was also blessed with a card in the mail from Se'Lah, sent simply to rejoice at my good news from my visit to the oncologist a few weeks ago.  The message on the front (a card made by her friend Beth), speaks volumes to me and I'm so blessed to have such caring friends in my life. 

What gift of jewels are you blessed with in your life?

Eye Candy from Coco's Greenhouse

 

soaring swallow bracelet

If you know me well, you know I love jewelry of all kinds...with the exception of rings.  I've never really been a ring person...I haven't the fingers for them.  But bracelets, earrings, necklaces....mmmm, yes.  

There are many wonderful jewelry artisans I've encountered and I will share many of them with you.  Today I will take you to Kristy at Coco's Greenhouse.  Kristy's creations are inspired by a love of nature which is evident in each piece, not only in the charms used, but the colours of stones and beads and the names of her creations.  Excellent prices and shipping charges make shopping with Kristy a pleasure.   See for yourself.

 

moss garden bracelet

 

pearl and swarovski lariat (there are matching earrings as well) 

boho birds earrings

 

flutter locket

snow owl trinkets necklace

 

opulent flowers bracelet 

please note that all photographs are from Coco's Greenhouse and are not to be copied or used without permission.

Kristy is having a special in her shop this weekend, which will end at midnight, February 28th.  Normally this sale is reserved only for those who are on her mailing list, but Kristy has graciously opened this for readers of my blog for this special only.  If you would like to be eligible for other sales and specials, please click here to leave a message for Kristy through the contact/conversation section in order to be added to the Coco's Greenhouse mailing list or to follow her on twitter.

Here are the details for the BOGO Sale...

Buy any item get a second item of equal or lesser value free. Oh, and this
also works if you would like to buy multiple items.  Buy 2 get 2 free, buy 3
get 3 free, you get the idea!
 

Here is how to redeem: 
Purchase your highest priced item(s) and proceed to
checkout. In the "Notes to Seller" section tell me which piece(s) you would
like for free.  You must also mention that "I am a reader of Sherry's blog".

The Value of Kindness...

 On Tuesday I had a conversation with an adminstrative assistant at my younger son's school.  Her first words to me left me at a loss and coloured my perception of "who" this woman is, her ability, her personality.  I will say she spoke without thinking but it was inappropriate and disheartening. Nothing negative or bad about my son at all, but her ability to deal with her job left me questionning.  Put me in a bit of a frustrated funk.

Yesterday this same son played in his school hockey championship game.  A game that went into overtime...a 5 minute overtime period, followed by 5 minutes of 4 on 4 hockey, then when it was still tied, 5 minutes of 3 on 3.  Still tied.  Into a shoot out which is no one's idea of how to end a game.  In the end the other team scored the winning goal.  But it was a heck of a hockey game, lots of action, and considering our school had a short bench of players to the other team's full bench, and my son played all but probably 5-10 minutes of the game (a total of 60 minutes) and he was sucking air by the end, it was an excellent match.

At the end of the game, one of the students who had come to watch approached me.  I don't know this boy, although he knows my son.  This 17, almost 18 year old boy approached me and said "your son is an amazing hockey player and he played an excellent game."  Proud?  Oh yes.  I was.  I am.  But I was so very touched that this young man would be comfortable enough to come and say that to me.  A true kindness.

A few minutes later, one of the teacher coaches approached me and one of the other mothers and gave us medals!  There were 3 extra and he felt that the mothers who have attended all the games all these years, driven players and been so supportive were as deserving as the players on the ice.  Very unexpected but an extremely thoughtful gesture.

Today I saw a young mother and her 3 year old son in Starbucks.  As I waited for my beverage they were laughing and he was giggling over his hot chocolate.  He had chocolate all around his mouth and kept diving for the whipped cream, hoping to catch it with his tongue.  They made me smile.  And as I left, I stopped by their table to comment on how wonderful it is to see someone enjoy a treat and how lovely that they were enjoying their time together.  Mother told me that they do this once or twice a year and he so looks forward to it.  I remember those days with my own sons.  

I see my own young motherhood and my motherhood now of the time spent with my children and how much we've all benefitted from shared experiences.  I'll miss these opportunities as this one gets ready to leave the nest.  But I know that kindness will continue...it costs us nothing.  The return is priceless.

Clinging to Clutter...

I have been in an incredible "slump" this winter.  Not just my usual ennui that drops over me like a veil, I'm talking total depths of slump where being, and staying motivated is a trial and one I usually just accept and slink off with, like my tail between my legs and say "I surrender."

Reading my email from Christine Kane this morning struck a very deep nerve with me.  Clutter.  Keeping things.  Being unable to toss and surround myself with less.  Oh I want to.  Really, I do.  Every day I look at piles of things and say "that's got to go." I don't want these things, yet I find myself unable to do anything permanent about it.

Today I came home from my swim at the gym (and talked to the people at the front desk about the nude bathing in the hot tub and nude drying in the sauna...no health regulations about this...the policy is "come as you are" however you are comfortable.  Joy said I to myself.  Whatever floats your boat...just keep what's floating out of my face...I'm not really thrilled with a wide load backside in my face as you exit the hot tub...but I digress), and I felt enervated and a little more enthusiastic.  Perhaps reading Christine's email nudged the part of my brain that was resisting arrest!  See what you think.

9 Seemingly Logical Reasons We Cling to Clutter
by Christine Kane

"Perfection is not when there is no more to add, but no more to take away."
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A retired man once told me he loved going camping with his wife because camping showed her how simple life can be "without all that bloomin' stuff she keeps everywhere!"
He's right!
Our lives are meant to be simple. Our intuition and creativity thrive when given freedom and space. Clutter is a disease. Each moment we ignore the reasons we hold on to things we don't want, those things rob us of energy, health, and clarity.
If you're a clutter-clinger, be kind to yourself. Begin with an awareness of your thoughts and excuses. For starters, read over this list to see if you can find YOUR excuse!
Clutter Excuse #1: "I'd be a bad mean horrible person if I…"
Guilt is heavy gooey energy that convinces us we're bad people if we let go of heirlooms, knick-knacks, unwanted clothing, or unwanted gifts.
These items clutter up our lives and keep us in a comfortable – but draining – place. And conveniently, we never have to decide what we actually do want in our environment. We become environmental victims. Often, that spreads out into other parts of our lives too!
Clutter Excuse #2 - "I spent so much on it!"
Do you punish yourself for having made a bad choice by keeping the item around? Or convince yourself that you're going to get your money's worth – even if it drains the hell out of you?
You won't. And it will.
We've all done stupid things. And we've all had to let them go. Now it's your turn.
Clutter Excuse #3 - "I might need this someday."
I often wonder how many idle telephone cords exist in the world. Way in the back of old desk drawers. Stuffed on closet shelves. They can't be gotten rid of.
Why?
Because we might need them some day.
Evidently, some day - in spite of technological progress - you're going to need that particular grey phone cord that came in the box with a phone you bought in 1989.
Throw it out. Now.
Same thing goes for: The broken fax machine, switch plates from your first house, and every glass flower vase that came with deliveries.
Clutter Excuse #4 - "I might do this someday."
I know. I know.
Someday you'll take those broken pieces of china you've collected and create a beautiful mosaic birdbath. And you'll go through those stacks of magazines and make that collage for your sister's 30th birthday party. (She's 51 now.)
Now – I don't mean to deny you your plans and dreams. However, I urge you to consider experiencing the infinite relief that appears when you let old project ideas go.
Call your sister and tell her the collage ain't gonna happen. Buy a mosaic birdbath from an artist who makes her living from creating such treasures.
And then, make space for what you want to do. Don't fill your space with what you should do.
Clutter Excuse #5 - "I gotta look good to my guests."
CD's. Books. DVD's. Are these items treasured? Or are they simply a prop so your guests will be impressed by your intelligence and diverse tastes?
Remember this: we are motivated by two things: Fear or Love. Which of these keeps you clinging to items because of appearances?
Clutter Excuse #6 - "I Don't Know Where It Goes."
When items don't have a home, it's harder to determine whether or not they are clutter. Some things may seem like clutter - like the cute card that your daughter made that floats around from drawer to drawer - but they're not clutter.
They're homeless.
Once you start defining spaces for items, then it's easier to see when something doesn't fit anywhere and should just get tossed.
Clutter Excuse #7 - "My thoughts don't have any power. Do they?"
Everything has energy. The thoughts you have about the things in your home CREATE energy. If you are surrounded by stuff you keep out of guilt, then your environment holds guilt. If you hang on to stuff given to you by your ex, and you still feel bitter – then there is bitterness in your home.
Get it?
It's either fueling you, or draining you. Some things might be neutral, of course. But if anything triggers you, then that is your barometer. Let it go.
Clutter Excuse #8 - "But I never wore it!"
See Clutter Excuse #2.
Clutter Excuse #9 - "There's too much stuff!"
Overwhelm can stop us in our tracks. If this article makes you aware that there are lots of items in your life you don't like, then go slow. Schedule small chunks of time each day. It takes time to be clutter-free! But the new found clarity and lightness are worth it!

---

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 11,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.

This...Is Me...

A few weeks ago Kate at The Queen of Creativity  graced me with this Kreativ Blogger award which touched me very much...that Kate would think so highly of me and what I write.

The rules are that I am to tell 7 things about myself and then pass this award on to others.

Here are a few little nuggets about me....

I'm finding it harder as I get older to stay committed to things I've started;

I've just read this

 

And this

And I'm listening to this

I'm not a fan of the Olympics, summer or winter and never have been...not into the hype at all.  Happy for all who do well but I'm not a "rah rah" sort of person and athletics don't excite me;

I don't like being put on the spot or told to "calm down" (the latter especially by men);

and

I'm tired of all the women at the gym who feel the need to come into the hot tub in the nude...I don't get into hot tubs with naked people I know so why would I want to be in there with naked strangers??

As for passing this on...so many I know through the world of blogging do not want awards or have been given these awards so I shall offer this to all who read my blog who would like it and want to share 7 things about themselves.   I suppose that's another one of those things about me...I bend the rules from time to time.

Eye Candy from Marley and Lockyer...

Vanessa Lockyer writes a blog of beauty entitled, "Marley & Lockyer".  With over 800 followers it is evident that Ness offers something deliciously appealing.  And oh yes, I am one of the 800.

Quoting Ness from her "about me" description on her blog:

I am a Designer, Stylist, Artist and lover of all things white, French, beautiful and a Home. This is a journal of all things I love. I hope to inspire all that beauty can be done on a budget.

This is a blog that is all eye candy, top to bottom.  With images from her own home in Australia, as well as design and style that Ness has discovered on her travels through the internet and hard copy publications, it is truly a bit of bliss to spend time at this blog with a cup of tea or a coffee and dream a little dream.

Ness also has an etsy shop of the same name...this is a little of what she has to offer.

 

  

  

*all images are property of Ness Lockyer and are not to be copied.

Alice, She Was...

Reading Melanie Benjamin's "Alice I Have Been" was a little like falling down the rabbit hole and not being in any hurry to come back up.

The story of Alice Liddell, the "real" Alice in Wonderland and Rev. Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, has been woven with truth and with artistic license to create a portrait that is magical, palpable and so very captivating.

I knew very little about any of these characters prior to reading this novel so the part of me that enjoys biography and learning about the past blended beautifully with my love of fiction.  A dash of romance, some Victorian madness and the taboos of that time period (some of which are still taboos today) kept me enthralled to the last page.  Closing the book for the final time I felt a little bereft that I had reached the end.

It isn't just the story that enthralls and pulls you in...it is how Melanie Benjamin has written the book...her words and her prose do justice to this classic subject and bring to life a time and it's people.

What little girl didn't want to "be" Alice and have those amazing, incredible adventures?  The book reveals the difficulty of one little girl and her struggle with being the "real" Alice.

You needn't be a fan of "Alice in Wonderland" to enjoy "Alice I Have Been" but I daresay if you read the novel, you will be curious to re-read "Alice in Wonderland" and will look at it in a new light.

Link from Melanie Benjamin's webite about the world of Alice

Grace and Love in a Package...

 

I was most pleasantly and delightfully surprised on Friday.  The mail arrived...a solitary brown padded envelope waiting for me.  I knew I wasn't expecting anything I had ordered so I was quite intrigued to discover who was sending me something.

I recognized the return address and hurried inside to tear into the envelope.  My sweet, lovely friend Kathy Maximo had sent me a little something.  The little something made me smile and then it made me cry.  It was the note you see.  What Kathy had written that brought on a few tears.  The tears were of joy of course.

Kathy told me that some time ago I had written a post about "Grace" and that post had stayed with Kathy.  When Kathy knew she wanted to send me something she asked her sister Patti to make a candle wrap for me and Kathy wanted the word "Grace" to be part of the stitching.

 

Kathy made me the tag that you see in the photograph which I will keep in my studio as a happy reminder of the friendship that we share.

 

What really hit home for me about the timing of this gift arriving is that on Friday morning when I was talking with God (in the shower...we have the most amazing conversations there), I asked that I not only be a blessing in someone else's life, but that someone be allowed to be a blessing in mine.  Hours later the mail was delivered.  But the gift was not delivered by the mailman.

If you are interested, both Kathy and Patti have etsy shops.  You can find Kathy at Vintage Snaps and Scrap and Patti at Primitivelvr.

Kathy also writes at her blog Kathy Maximo Designs which you can find on the link.

It Is All You Need...

Eye Candy from Olive Rue

Crystal is the talent behind everything at  Olive Rue one of my favourite shops on etsy.  A purveyor of things French, Crystal carries a wide variety of goods in her shop, as well as image transfers that are sure to delight.

 a little something to hold those special photographs, notes or papers

For those who do not wish to create their own beautiful items, Crystal also offers merchandise she has collected as well as items she has created herself.  Each of the images speak for themselves and I hope you will not only enjoy the eye candy offered here but will also make some time to browse through Olive Rue.

 

 style for any drawer in any room

a touch of beauty for a gift or to hang from one of those drawer pulls

 

dish towels fit for a Queen

a touch of class in any home

*all images are from Olive Rue and are property of Crystal and Olive Rue.  Not to be copied or used.

Scheduling a Routine...

 

*image from google.ca

I'm sitting here typing, browsing blogs I love to read, checking the news online, flipping through etsy shops and here it is going on 10:00 a.m. and I've done very little else.  I haven't even made it to all of the blogs I love and it's been that way for a few weeks.  Just when I think I'm catching up, I start to lag a little and then a little more.

Time.  It's so fleeting and so precious.  There are all the things I "need" to do (you know, those boring household chores that if I wait for the maid to get around to, I'll be fossilized like Norman Bates' mother, given that there IS no maid...) and the things I "want" to do like paint (not just art but the walls of my living room and dining room), work in my journals (both written and art), read (which I always manage to make time for, even if it's at 11:30 p.m. when sleeping would be the more sensible option) and more.  You get the picture.

I'm not alone in this.  Kerry was talking about it today and I believe each of us has gone through these moments in time when we feel that even though we enjoy what we are doing with the computer, it's sucking up time in a way that isn't productive.  I'm talking productive as in completing something and saying "here is what I have to show for my time."  I do believe that visiting with friends and learning about what is going on in their lives is productive but it's more along the lines of entertaining me and making me feel connected.

There is a family history I intend to write so that my children have something concrete to hold in their hands about their history.  Charts and genealogical trees are excellent and wonderful for quick reference, but I'm talking about the people that lived long before they did, those who made it possible for them to be here and enjoy life.  Much of this information I didn't know so I've been digging and putting the pieces together like a puzzle with not all of the parts.  Some I might have to speculate about and use creative license, but that's half the enjoyment for me.

There is a book waiting in me to come forward about my breast cancer experience.  One that I think would benefit others.  There are many books already written on this subject that are helpful and inspirational.  I want to share emotions and feelings, attitude and philosophy.  

So as I sit here at the computer typing this I realize I am just postponing and delaying and procrastinating on the things that I feel driven to do.  Which means I need to make some serious shifts in my routines.

I've started adopting routine and habit and as much as I have never been one to like being held to a daily routine of Monday is laundry, Tuesday is ironing, Wednesday is groceries, etc. I feel I might need to organize a schedule of computer time.  Posting only so many days per week will be one way to do that.  Reading blogs and commenting will fall into that routine as well.  For those I haven't been by to see for awhile do know that I haven't forgotten you and I feel badly when a day has passed and I realize I didn't get to all of the places I wanted to go.

Eye Candy Friday will continue because I have so much that I want to share about where I go and what I've discovered.  If you've found somewhere that you think others might like, please drop me an email to let me know so that I can include your find.

Cimmanin....

 

I've been eating these constantly since the middle of last week.  I'm a fiend for my cinnamon hearts...mmm..cimmanin as I'd have said as a child.

These have been a favourite since I was a little girl.  I love that first bite of cinnamon and then as I keep eating, I love that "burn" you feel on the tongue.  The tongue turns red...the heat intensifies and I find my hand continuing to dip into the bag.  As a child I loved how my fingers would turn red from the dye in the hearts.  I'm much more careful at this age!

 

Sometimes I eat a handful all at once.  Sometimes I'll take 3 -- it's either a handful or 3, never 2 or 4 or 1, it's 3.  I wonder what that might mean?

Sometimes I suck on them slowly until they turn into a chewy paste (and then I need to get them out of my teeth!), other times I crunch away and feel that bite as I go.  Even typing about it I want to have some!!

Is cinnamon addictive?  I wonder.

These candies are only available at this time of year.  I've been advised that a sensible thing to do would be to "stock up" and make sure they last me longer than the early part of February.  I bought this bag last Thursday and it's nearly gone (I just popped 3 in my mouth!).  Time to stock up!

Blessings and Art...

A wait of one and a half hours to see the oncologist, spent pleasantly reading the lastest Anne Tyler novel, "Noah's Compass", glancing at the television and being in the moment.  Finally my name was called.  I rubbed the talisman at the end of my grace necklace one last time and followed the doctor to her office.

A little chat, a thorough going over (I'm still feeling twinges and little aches this morning) and she pronounced me "excellent".  The right breast is still tender even this many years later but I told the doctor that I didn't mind.  Feeling the tenderness reminds me of what might have been and how blessed I am to still be here.

We've left it that I will see her once more, next February and as I will be just past my 5 year marker, that will be it for the two of us.  I will still see the surgeon every year but I will no longer need to be followed by oncology.  A double edged feeling on that...happy that I will have graduated, but a little nervous at being left without one of my "crutches".  I have to say though that the feeling of happiness and joy far outweighs the feeling of loss.

I want to thank each of you who sent lovely, positive thoughts and prayers my way.  It makes such a difference to know how blessed I am.

♥

Something I would like to share is a journal workshop that Connie Hozvicka of Dirty Footprints Studio is offering.  You'll notice the badge at the top, right side of my blog.  Click on that if you are interested and it will give you all the information you will need.  

Connie is offering the workshop for $25, but there is an earlybird special for $20 if you register before midnight EST February 14th.

Connie believes in creating "juicy" art and if you have ever been to her blog or watched any of her videos you can't help but be inspired to pick up a paint brush, crayons, pastels...I hope you'll consider joining us if you are an art journal lover..or even if you are not but have been thinking about trying this.

A Gift of Grace...

Last month Deryn Mentock held an auction for one of her creations, with all funds raised being sent to relief in Haiti.  Deryn held this auction hours after the earthquake struck.  

Kecia Deveney is also a reader of Deryn's blog and was so touched by Deryn's efforts and her generous heart that Kecia offered a giveaway on her blog for those who had taken part in the auction.  I left Kecia a comment to say how touched I was that one act of generosity would set off another (life is like that I think you'll find...generosity and goodness simply begets more and more, like a wildfire, one you don't want to contain).  Imagine my surprise when I learned that I was the chosen name for the gift from Kecia.

I was asked to choose any word I wanted for the necklace and as you will see, I chose "grace", a word that holds a great deal of meaning and holds much weight with me.

 

I'm wearing the necklace today as I go for my annual check up with the chemotherapy oncologist.  It will give me strength and hope and faith.  And while I expect that all will be well because of my mammogram in the summer, there is always some level of anxiety around these appointments.  I will hold myself with grace and give thanks in my silent prayers that I am still here to make these annual visits.

Thank you to both Deryn and most especially to Kecia for their loving, caring hearts.

Irrigation...

Following the ideas set out by Christine Kane for morning rituals, I decided to get myself a neti pot and give this irrigation idea a try.  I do suffer with seasonal allergies and have for many years (as far back as my early teens) suffered with sinus problems, infections, headaches, etc.  It seemed worthwhile to try this and see if flushing the sinus cavity would make a difference.

 

This is what I purchased yesterday.  It's not as fancy as some that are on the market but I was in my local Shopper's Drug Mart, checked the shelves and discovered this little Aladdin's Lamp (my husband asked when the genie would come out if I rubbed it...no rubbing, please, look at that spout...is anyone else seeing what I'm seeing?!). Bonus score for me -- it was on sale!

Early in the evening, following the instructions, I gave my nose a bath.  And can I tell you?  It felt wonderful.  It looks weird, but it feels wonderful.

I'm breathing better through my nose and while it's early days to tell, I'm going to make this part of my morning ritual to see if I do notice a difference with my sinus.

Word of warning:  If you are doing this and someone else is watching, don't let them make your laugh or laugh yourself....do so at your own risk!!

*images found on google.ca

My Gift of Jewels

 

In December Se'Lah of Necessary Room organized an amazing gift of jewels in which a number of people offered items that they had made -- jewelry, art, photography, or goods that they sell in their etsy shops.  All that was required was that you leave a comment on each of the items being gifted as they were posted and winners would be chosen on January 6th.

Everything that was offered was indeed a jewel and I would have been delighted and blessed to have been the recipient of any of them.  You can imagine my delight when I discovered that I had been chosen one of the lucky winners.

This beautiful necklace was created by my lovely friend Tracy of Pink Purl (you can also find Tracy at her photography blog A Certain Slant of Light and her new (and delicious!) food blog, Savour) and I was so excited when I learned it was on it's way to me from Norway!

 

I've already received a number of compliments on this necklace (naturally!) and if you would like to see more of Tracy's beautiful work, please check her etsy shop, Pink Purl. I believe there is one just like this in the shop right night, as well as one in cream/white and with a little more detail.

Thanks again to Se'Lah for organzing this wonderful worldwide event and to Tracy for the beauty of her talent!

*edited to add after Tracy's comment...this does look lovely on me..the colour is perfect for me and the style is so very me.  I feel special when I put it on and that's the way any jewelry (or clothing for that matter) is meant to make you feel....extra special!  ♥

Eye Candy from Sadie Olive

Some of you may be familiar with Sadie Olive from her blog, her photography, her online shop or her etsy shop. You may also know her from her design services or have seen blogs that have been designed by Sadie Olive.

cream and sugar set from Sadie Olive

This young woman (whose name is not really Sadie Olive, this is the name of her business), has a style that always fills me with joy.  I think I am not alone in saying that I would love to "grow up and be Sadie Olive".  Alas, there can be only one and I content myself with being able to enjoy what she does and how she does it.

Warm Whispers is also a Sadie Olive etsy shop which features her beautiful photography.  Sadie Olive has an eye for detail and an eye for making the ordinary, everyday come to life.

Some of it boldly beautiful

red linens by warm whispers

Some of it softly serene

whispers of white by warm whispers

 

clothespins by warm whispers

clothesline by warm whispers

I hope you will take a few moments to click on the links to enjoy some of the other delights on offer through Sadie Olive.

Please note that all photography shared here is property of Sadie Olive and is not to be copied or used for your personal use.

What's In the Giveaway?

 

As promised, I am sharing what is in the February Giveaway packages..although this is only the part that I didn't create myself.   All of it has been purchased by me for the giveaway, some from local shops, some from etsy vendors.

 

I'm still not saying who gets what because I would like the packages to be a surprise when they arrive.  At a later date I will share the part that I have made.

I do want to share the etsy vendors with you and I hope that you will visit their shops to see what other incredibly enticing work they have to offer.

The mushroom print is by Julie Fillo

The lilac earrings are from byemma

The dainty dragonfly earrings are from Coco's Greenhouse

The fabric heart was purchased from Kristen Robinson

The paper swallows are from A Spoonful of Charm

I am heading out of town for a couple of days but will be pre-posting my Eye Candy Friday feature.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for that!

Morning Rituals

As a believer in ritual and living the best life I possibly can, I know that when I deviate from my ritual or slip off the path a little, I feel that imbalance in my life.  I'm a morning person, usually at my best in the early part of the day.  Starting the day on the best foot possible has always been a key ingredient to my well being.

As I read this newsletter article from Christine Kane this morning I realized that for most of January I was off the path and very much off balance.  There are some excellent ideas in this article and the most important reminder comes at the end...actually putting good ideas into practice.

How to Create a Powerful Morning Ritual
by Christine Kane

It is said that your habits create your destiny.

I'd add that your habits also create your confidence, courage and even your creativity!

In other words, your daily choices, routines, and seemingly insignificant moments make all the difference in your results.

One of the best ways to generate great results is to create a morning ritual. A powerful morning ritual sets the tone for your entire day - and your entire year!

A ritual is personal. A ritual is creative. (Not reactive!) A ritual is what gets YOU on track to create your best day. (And subsequently, your best life!) It can be as simple as a 15-minute routine, or as intense as long-distance running. The important thing is that it becomes a HABIT.

My morning ritual combines a mixture of physical, mental and heart-centered activities to engage each of these human power centers!

Here are some ideas to help you create your own powerful morning ritual.

Hydrate First

Many Eastern health practitioners recommend chugging down at least a half-liter of filtered room-temperature water first thing. (Yes, before your coffee!)

Upon waking, your body has spent hours without hydration. Drinking pure water at this time triggers a series of physiological functions that keep your body super healthy. Some report that this one practice can actually heal many diseases. (I'm not a scientist – but I can attest to the amazing results!)

Get Moving

Exercise is called "The Number One Form of Preventive Medicine."

It is also a prescription for happiness and a cure for depression! Getting exercise first thing sets your day off right. You can do a simple stretching routine, yoga or an all-out heart-pounding hour at the gym. Pick something do-able and do it.

Meditate

Many people don't meditate because they find it intimidating. I say, start with just 5 minutes. Meditation connects you to your center, and to the deep silence that surpasses any drama that might be happening in the world of your personality. Don't worry about doing it right. Just allow yourself the time to BE.

Set Intention

"Intention rules the earth," says Oprah Winfrey.

It's true! Your intention is a powerful force to engage.

Remembering your intention puts you back on track. You become focused again.

Reflect for a moment on your Word of the Year. Read a goal you've written down for yourself. Remind yourself of a financial dream. (If you're one of my new students in Uplevel Your Business, read the intention you wrote down on the first day of the program!)

You don't have to know the HOW. You just need to set the intention so your inner GPS can stay on target!

Be Grateful

Before I get out of bed, I silently create a morning gratitude list. When I begin my day remembering my "gratitudes," (instead of my "anxieties") my heart fills with extreme joy and deep awareness. I then bring that energy into everything I do - and to everyone with whom I connect.

Use a Netty Pot

(This one's a little weird!)

For years, my acupuncturist told my husband and I to use a Netty Pot. We laughed at him. Then, in the face of acute sinus problems, my husband tried it and became a convert. He converted me.

A Netty Pot uses warm water and a special salt to cleanse your sinuses and clear your breathing. Google it, and let the idea sit with you for a while. (You might be a convert too!)

Eat Creative

Your choice of breakfast foods can set up your success with other meals as well. Start your day off in the healthiest way possible for you - and make it a ritual, not a chore.

Be Prepared: Create a Not-to-Do List

Everyone needs a "Not To Do" morning list.

Suggestions here include anything that brings up a "reactive" state: Turning on the local news. Checking email. Answering texts. Answering the phone.

Let these things wait until AFTER your ritual has been completed!

Your Assignment:

After reading this article, don't just think, "Wow. Those are some good ideas. I should try one or two."

Instead, deliberately create your morning ritual now. Take about 20 minutes to think about and write down what your ritual will be each morning. Start simple at first. Choose one or two items from this menu. Or come up with your own. Write out your Ritual in detail.

Begin first thing tomorrow morning, and let your habits create YOUR destiny starting now!

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Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 11,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.