Friday's Quote

'The ordinary arts we practice at home are of more importance 

to the soul than their simplicity might suggest' 

- Thomas Moore

Friday's Quote

'You have what it takes to create something good in your life...today.' Brave Girls Club

Friday's Quote

'No winter lasts forever; 

no spring skips its turn.'

- Hal Borland 

Friday's Quote

'An Awakening Woman is a spiritual rebellion

engaged in a glowing and embodied,

nothing held back, love affair

with a great mystery.

She moves in the world with

fierce compassion, grace and freedom,

and is passionate about truth, rest and real love...

Earth is home and so is infinity.' 

Chameli Ardagh

Friday's Quote

"Steep

and begin a journey that spans continents and centuries on speed-of-sound steam trains. 

Sip 

the sun, rain and fog of the morning these delicate botanicals were picked. 

Explore

lemongrass lawns, carpets of chamomile and the living history of your ancestors. 

Taste with all your senses, but most of all with your imagination. 

Each cup is a story, unfolding with every sip." Tazo Tea

Friday's Quote

'IN CHARACTER, 

IN MANNER, 

IN STYLE, 

IN ALL THINGS, 

THE SUPREME EXCELLENCE

IS SIMPLICITY.'

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Friday's Quote

'Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.' - Linda Hogan, Native American Writer

Friday's Quote

'A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between her work and her play, her labour and her leisure, her mind and her body, her education and her recreation. She hardly knows which is which. She simply pursues her vision of excellence through whatever she is doing and leaves others to determine whether she is working or playing. To herself she always seems to be doing both. Enough for her that she does it well.' - Zen Buddhist Master 

Friday's Quote

Sunflowers in October? Yes, please. During my morning errands I came across two fields of these late bloomers. Or at least what I believe to be late bloomers. But, really, who am I to say they're late? They're here and just perfect in my eyes. 

They were growing next to a pumpkin patch, so naturally I could barely contain my excitement. The lady working the farm stand came over to see if I was okay. She walked away clearly puzzled by my zealous picture taking.  

You see, there's this quote I've been planning to share with you today and yet I was just about convinced, given the time of year, I wasn't going to find just the right photo of a blooming flower. And yet, the universe provided exactly what I was looking for in the middle of what I perceived to be a mundane morning. 

'And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk to bloom.' - Anais Nin 

Friday's Quote

You know when you learn a new word and then all of sudden you hear it everywhere? Well, that's how it's been for me when it comes to the works of Tasha Tudor. I've fallen in love with the idea of how she lived her life, her perspectives and her work. It is all so captivating to me and to discover a quote from a woman who had the pleasure of meeting her, was almost like meeting her myself.   

'Tasha Tudor may be simply one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. A world renowned illustrator and author, Tasha is not only an artist, but lives her life as a work of art. She has created around her a world that is uniquely her own, and its so filled with magic and delight that it enchants all who have had the great good fortune to be invited into it.' - Rosemary Gladstar 

As I nest this fall, this quote lingers in my mind, reminding me to create a world, uniquely my own. 

Friday's Quote

'She reads books as one would breathe air to fill up and live.' 

Annie Dillard

The books and magazines are stacking up these days. A stack on the nightstand, the coffee table, a stack in a basket here and there, the counter -well you get the picture. I had to go around the house the other night and centralized my 'stashes of knowledge.' These days I am devouring content on natural living, herbs, chemical free skin care along with some chicken research - not as random as it sounds. We still continue to the chicken debate here [do we do it and when?]. 

If you ever want to get to know someone better or really get to the heart of what's going on in someones life, ask them what they're reading. A book is the internal movie playing out in the mind -- that book can speak volumes [pun intended - hehe] about a person's internal dialogue. And in my humble opinion its a much better question to ask at a dinner party versus 'what do you do?' or 'how is work?'

These days, here's what's in my 'stash of knowledge' stack: 

Non-Fiction: 

:: Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful Chickens by Lauren Scheuer

:: Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar 

:: Natural Skin Care by Vintage Remedies

Fiction: 

:: Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

Magazines: 

:: Whole Living (The magazine is no longer produced, but back issues can be found online and they are still relevant.)

::  Sweet Paul 

:: Mother Earth Living 

:: Mollie Makes

Friday's Quote

Summer's bounty sure is a charmer. The fresh fruits and veggies are as alluring as alluring comes. They awaken the senses, nourish the body and feed the soul. A glass of freshly brewed pink iced tea doesn't hurt either. 

With farm stands popping up around every corner, farmers' markets in full swing and backyard gardens sprouting lovely produce, I can't help but think of this quote by Virginia Woolf: 

'One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.' 

May you dine well with summer's finest this weekend. 

Friday's Quote

This morning was an early one. It didn't need to be either, thank you four legged friend. Instead of being grumpy about, I got his day started, poured a bowl of cereal and climbed back in bed to listen to the rain, take in the comfort of a cool morning and sneak in a few more quiet moments. 

You may see in the middle of this picture [in between the lotion on the left and the bud of flowers on the right] another picture. I was asked to make a vision board recently for what I wanted to usher into my life. Round one was well, challenging. I was totally over thinking it and by the end of two weeks, I didn't have much to show for it. With some gentle guidance I was set straight and was able to create one with a bit more ease. 

I've taken pictures of said vision board and placed laminated copies here and there around the house, including my nightstand, dressing table, the back of my hang tag on the review mirror in the car, etc. The goal is to ensure I see my vision, reinforced throughout the day to help usher in those things I want in my life and to help recognize them when they do happen. 

On this rainy Friday, as I hold my vision and intentions close, I leave you with this, 'Such a simple concept, yet so true: that which we manifest is before us; we are creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves." Garth Stein 

Friday's Quote

During a beautiful mid-day walk at work this week, I literally stopped to smell the flowers. There's nothing like fresh new blooms to keep me mindful and in the moment. 

Without stopping to do this, I could have easily missed, my furry friends, and I do mean friends. We go way back. A few years ago, around this time of year, I was out walking and noticed a mama duck and her ducklings in the pool. They were adorable swimming around, but I also noticed she also had no way of getting her ducklings out. They were simply too small to climb out. All afternoon I fretted about their fate. I even called the grounds crew to see if there was something they could do. They said they would the carpentry shop build a ramp, but by end of day there were no signs of a ramp.  

I'll make a long story short and spare you the details of my panic, sadness and the many calls I made that afternoon in an effort to save the ducks. I raced home, had my husband quickly build a ramp and we raced back out to install it. As we arrived, the grounds crew were getting ready to install a ramp [in a diplomatic way, I do believe I asked what took so long]. 

And now each year, as the crews ready the pools for spring and summer they install ramps, in each of the pools, for the ducks. This literally makes my heart sing and helps me believe even more in the song that has been playing in my ear during each walk I take this week, 'There is beauty in the world,' by Macy Gray.  

'Stop and smell the flowers

And lose it in sweet music and dance with me

There is beauty in the world

So much beauty in the world

Always beauty in the world

Shake your booty boys and girls for the beauty in the world

Pick your diamond pick, pick your pearl 

'Cause there is beauty in the world

All together now' 

Friday's Quote

Happy Friday lovelies. The sun is shining and plants are blooming. It's been a cold week, but I'm optimistic that we're going to see warmer days in the weeks to come. There are two things I always look forward to this time of year: spring cleaning and thrifting, especially at garage sales and flea markets.

For as long as I can remember, I have always admired trays like these. They are sophisticated, yet quite feminine. Oh, and I should mention, expensive. Not this one though. All that patience over the years paid off and I was able to score it for five dollars. Unbelievable, right?! I did a double take [no joke].

As I was flipping through the most recent Country Living magazine, I saw this quote and knew I had to share it here with you. 'Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of character.' S.W. Straus

And in case you haven't read the most recent CL magazine, it's all about thrifty living and their upcoming Country Living show, which is going to be practically in my backyard. Oh how fun it's going to be.

Friday's Quote

If you have ever been to Boston, you know what a great city it is. Over the past five plus years, I've visited friends countless times and have had some truly wonderful and memorable weekends there. To hear what is happening to this city, is heartbreaking and down right frightening. It makes me question the type of world we are living in and where things are headed.

It's then, that I try to pull myself back and remember that there are more good people in the world than there are bad. And that in times like these, we must, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." - Mr. Rogers

Friday's Quote

'Pets are like family.' I'm not sure who said this first, but it could not be more true and Jax couldn't be more mine if I had given birth to him. Am I making you laugh? I sure hope so because I could use a good laugh today. He is hysterically funny, a bit stubborn from time to time, very loving and stomps his foot when I am not getting him what he wants -- just like me I tell ya.

Back to that laugh I could use. I'm recovering from a case of frazzled nerves. This morning I brought him into get his nails trimmed, which is always an event. Each time he happily gets in the car, but when we get there he sings a different tune. And by different tune, I mean he gets feisty. This morning was no different.

The shop owner brought him in the back [where I couldn't see him] to do the trim and I heard a scream, much like a human, that instantly made my blood run cold. Without a doubt I knew it was my little guy. It's not a sound I has ever heard him make. He was brought back out with blood on his face and I nearly lost it.

This protective mama was far from happy and the conversation that followed wasn't comforting. They cut his nail too short and were having a tough time getting it to stop bleeding [and some wound up on his chin]. I'll spare you any more of the details. In the end he was fine, but seeing his paw dripping with blood, sent me into a state of I'll do anything to make him happy and healthy. Isn't that what one wants for family?

Afterwards, a long cuddle, two cups of tea and a couple episodes of Call the Midwife were in order. What's that you say? Oh yes, mother and son are doing much better now, thank you for asking. If you have any nail trimming advice, please send it my way. There has to be an easier, less traumatic way, for all parties involved.

Friday's Quote

One of the things I adore about spring is the sense of rebirth and renewal. The days are brighter and longer and with them comes an energy that can be soaked right up by walking outside and breathing in the spring air. 

As I ready myself for this new season and all the changes I hope it will inspire me to make, this quote comes to mind: 

"She is clothed with strength and dignity 

&

laughs without fear of the future." 

Proverbs 31:25

Friday's Quote

My love for quotes runs deep [you may have already guessed that though]. Since I was in high school, I would surround myself with them and I haven't stopped. 

No matter the season, no matter the reason there has always been a quote in my life. They have such power to stir the soul, to soothe and bring comfort, to create the energy needed for change, to walk alongside you when you feel all alone and even to provide perspective. 

This one was shared with me this week, so how could I not share it with all of you?! 

The Guest House

This being human is a a guest house. 

Every morning is a new arrival. 

A joy, a depression, a meanness, 

some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. 

Welcome and entertain them all! 

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. 

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them all 

at the door laughing, and invite them in. 

Be grateful for whoever comes, because

each has been sent as a guide from beyond. 

- Rumi 

Friday's Quote

It's my little Grammy's [on the left] birthday. This woman whom I adore, has taught me many great life lessons just by being herself. Her kindness and grace with a little bit of sass thrown in for good measure is a perfect combination in my eyes. 

I've always loved watching how she is with new and old friends alike. Her warmth and smile is simply charming. It doesn't hurt that she's tiny either. People just love her. 

On this snowy day in March, I dedicate this quote to her. "...there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Scott Adams