Simple Things

raindrops on the window pane
birds splashing in water
streams of light through curtains
little hands on my face

warm socks on cool nights
smell of fresh baked bread
coffee with half & half
my favorite mug

listening to the kids singing in the next room
laughing at each others' jokes
overhearing hopes and dreams
smiles of satisfaction

call from my best friend
card in the mail
surprise text message
love letter email

freshly made up bed
fluffy pillow
stack of books on night stand
great article in magazine

my bad hair day hat
favorite black boots
hoop earrings
watch from my dad

my son whispering my name
watching my girls play mommy
hearing them breathe as they sleep
quiet house

kettle whistling
warm biscuits and jelly
creamy grits
time to savor the early morning silence

coloring
painting
looking through photo albums
laughing again at an old joke

holding hands
hugging
nice back scratch
rubbing of feet & toes

incense burning
shea butter to rub in my hands
lavender
lemongrass

having time to journal
my favorite silver pen
feeling the words being written
rereading where I've been

walking in nature
leaning against a tree
seeing a new flower
walking through a creek

sunflowers
dandelions
dogwoods
magnolia trees

sunny days
autumn
cool nights
snow

I'm participating in 'Simple Things' initiated by Christina at Soul Aperture. To get a list of others who are participating today click here.

Found photo here.

8 Things to Celebrate about Fall

This week's 8 Things are dealing with Fall--my favorite season!!!
so this should be easy, we'll see! ;-)

1. The colors--oranges, yellows, browns, reds. Whether in nature or in clothing. I'm enjoying it.

2. Peaches, peaches, peaches!! One of my favorite fruits. We've picked them at a u-pic farm and purchased them at road side stands. A dear friend drop some off for me yesterday. I'm thinking that they'll be made into a cobbler. Yum! Yum!

3. Cooler Weather--yes, I actually like the cooling down that this time of year brings. The crisp mornings, the wind blowing throughout the day. Gives me reason to dress in layers! (see next one)

4. Dressing in Layers--I enjoy wearing scarves, ponchos, sweaters, gloves, jackets, long socks, boots, etc. I was born in the fall so I learned to dress myself in the fall as well. Piling on clothes is actually fun for me. ;-)

5. Pumpkin pie. This is a dessert I save for this time of year and only eat it in the fall. I LOVE PUMPKIN PIE!! Now that we're living in a place surrounded by farms & orchards I so looking forward to taking the kids pumpkin picking.

6. Thanksgiving--my favorite holiday--is celebrated in the fall. This also includes all the harvest festivals with hayrides, bonfires, and all the other fun and games included.

7. Learning something new--traditionally this is the time school starts. Although I am not in school anymore, this is still a good time for me to learn something new. Over the past several years I've taken up new hobbies like knitting, sewing, photography, painting, etc. I need to think about what I'm going to learn this year. I've been reading all year but snuggling up with a book in front of a fire is also a great way to learn and enjoy this time of year.

8. Change--I celebrate the change of clothes (we are currently in the midst of switching from summer to winter), the change in my emotions (I become more inwardly focused), the change in who I am becoming (just as the leaves reveal the 'true color' of the tree, I see that I'm becoming/showing more of who I am), the change in relationships (I've made some good connects with others that seem to change a bit in the fall--due to other commitments, weather, etc. I don't have to resent this, but see it for what it is and remember that Spring will be coming again--my 2nd favorite season. On another note: I want to be open for the new relationships that will be made during this time as well!).

What to join in? Check out Rachelle @ Magpie Girl and let her know!

Today Was A Good Day

Today was such a good day for me.
It wasn't because I had to get out of bed waaaaaay b4 I was ready and rush around to get the kids dressed to take daddy to work so we could have the van today.
It wasn't because I had to manage getting the kids feed, teeth brushed, hair combed. Nor was it because while taking a shower I had to shout orders between shampooing and conditioning my hair.
No, it wasn't because I had to explain and re-explain to Jaya WHY we needed to make a stop at the bread store before going to the playground.
It wasn't because I had to coax the kids to play once we did arrive at the playground since our friends weren't there yet and the kids didn't want to play without them.
It definitely wasn't because I had to deal with the tiredness and fussiness of my son as I raced, with a cart, through the grocery store ONLY picking up items on my grocery list.
Nor was it because I had to listen to them complain about why it was time for them to take a nap.

I had a good day because I was honest. I got to see a former teacher. I was able to laugh with my best friend. I got a great deal on some homeschooling items. I spent some time enjoying the company of another homeschooling mom. I shared secrets with my fabulous auntie. Three of the books I ordered arrived today. I've had some quiet time to myself to think several thoughts to completion. I chose not to get stuck on the not-so-good-things about today.

It felt as though the planets were aligned for me emotionally, spiritually, physically.
Perhaps it's because I took my vitamins. LOL.

At any rate, it was a good day and
I am thankful.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow."
~Hellen Keller

8 Things: You Need to Practice to Get Good At

This week's 8 Things: You Need to Practice to Get Good At
These are the things I'm practicing--some I'm better at than others--but practicing nonetheless.

1. Being authentic--something that I've committed myself to doing in all parts of my life. It's something that I must choose do daily and remind myself to do. Definitely a practice!!

2. Setting boundaries--ditto for this one as well. This is in respect to everything too. Not over committing myself to things that don't add to my guiding values. Dealing with relationships, especially my children. One gets good at this only with practice.

3. Knitting--I learned to knit a couple of years ago now and I thoroughly enjoy it. But I'm getting bored and I need to take some time to practice so that I can move on to more challenging things. Plus, I've signed the Handmade Pledge for gift giving this year. I've got to get practicing....huh?

4. Seeing the bright side of things--there are days this is easier than others. But something I want to get better at.

5. Loving unconditionally--admitting this is part of my practice of authenticity. I am conditional with my love in certain relationships. I see the need for growth & practice in this.

6. Taking care of me--definitely need more practice here. In taking care of me, I'm taking care of my family.

7. Giving a great massage--I'm pretty good, from what others say (smile). Upon graduating from the massage school I attended, it was shared that I was one of the best massage therapist they've put out. But as not to get a big head, I am practicing to get better!

8. My faith walk--this is definitely something that takes daily practice. Allowing God to lead; not my need to please or others rules & regulations. Trusting that where I find myself is where He wants me to be regardless of how 'new' or 'different' or 'strange' the surrounds may appear. This is an exciting journey for me, one that I'm practicing!

Join us! Let Rachelle know over at Magpie Girl.

8 Things: What I Know for Sure

This latest addition of the '8 Things List' is about one's self.

8 Things I Know About Me!

1. I need creativity in my life. Being in school for the past 6 months took away all my freetime in which I create. Be it sewing, knitting, painting, writing, scrapbooking, decorating, etc. I MUST have this to feel sane!
2. I need to laugh...and laugh hard!
3. I need to be connected to others--I'm so missing my homeschool support group! It's creat to connect with them online from time to time but I can't wait to get back home and involved with them on a daily/weekly basis again. In the interum, I've met a wonderful homeschooling mom here and look forward to getting things together for the fall.
4. I need alone time. I need time to be with myself.
5. I flourish through learning new things. I do this by reading, mostly, but have taken classes and done things online. But also by being with others and making observations.
6. I need a good challenge. Another thing that may fall closely to learning but slightly different in that it can be something very short-term (ie decluttering the house) and has a definitely end time with view of the results/all my effort.
7. I need companionship & intimacy on a regular basis; from talking & sharing to hugging & kissing---I need it all!
8. I am learning how to speak my truth & set boundaries for myself.

Want to join in? Check out Rachelle @ Magpie Girl for more information about 8 Things, the Do Less Revolution and other great things!

Exploring Authenticity

My teacher shared this with me a few months ago, I read it then and thought...wow! I've just read it again today and thought..."I need to answer these questions for myself."

This seems very appropriate in finding authenticity in my life...perhaps it will help you as well.

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for and
if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life's betrayals or
have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own;
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstacy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful,
be realistic or to remember the limitation of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty even when it is not pretty every day,
and if you can source your life from God's presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours or mine,
and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair,
weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,
and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

~Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Indian Elder

Read my previous blog on authenticity by clicking here.

8 Things

This week, in keeping with the Do Less Revolution, the 8 Things list is of my guiding values. I have to say that in reading the post on Magpie Girl, I realized that what I actually value isn't what is guiding my life on a day-to-day way. I mean, I'm definitely making life changes, little by little, but I haven't put down on paper what it is that I truly value.

I still see this as a work in progress that will need reviewing and tending to. This is what I see right at this moment. As I'm seeking to by authentic and true to who I am and who I'm becoming (even more of ME), I know that this list will evolve and become more accurate.




8 Things: Guiding Values
(random order)
1. Creativity
2. Truth
3. Love
4. Family relationships & friendship
5. Authenticity
6. Simplicity
7. Harmony
8. Freedom

In typing these out, it now gives me something else to evaluate the activities of my day/life. I so want to live meaningfully and have a positive impact on those around me. I want to slow down and really be present (the whole mindfulness thing comes to mind here)! I want to put away the fear and live with my heart wide-open.

8 Things: I Need Less Of

so I couldn't resist especially since today's 8 Things have to do with the whole 'doing less' revolution.

8 Things I need less of:

1. stress--most of this, unfortunately, is self-given. yeah, i have a lot of 'normal' everyday kind of stress: kids fussing & screaming, too much to get done, running late, etc. but in looking at the stresses of my life there is enough that i am placing upon myself. as much as i'd like to say they or he or she it's really me. i've got to value myself more than this. i am choosing not to accept it from myself any more.

2. perfection--one of my stresses. in attempting to make things 'perfect' in my world i place a lot of pressure on myself. the need for deadlines. the lack of sleep i get because i'm either trying to complete tasks or feeling down about not completing them.

3. fear--i don't have a lot of fears. but the ones i have are big ones. the fear of being alone. the fear of being found out--that i'm not what i seem to be. i mean, i am, who i am but not always who i'm supposed to be. fear of being a disappointment to those who matter. again, i'm working diligently on these because i'm learning that those who matter really want to see me--not the image (see pledge of authenticity).

4. clutter--everywhere i look in my house is clutter. ok, this isn't all true. i've spent the last few days cleaning my dining room, bathroom and kitchen and the girls' room. so THOSE spaces are mostly de-cluttered. however the rest of my house is full of clutter. i'd like to move to getting rid of what doesn't have a place. whether it's paper, clothing, books, toys, etc. i really do need less of this in my life!

5. stuff--this is slightly different than clutter to me. it can become clutter when it doesn't have a place but the bottom line is we just have way more than we'll ever use. as a teacher i used to collect and save everything. teaching in public school where resources were quite limited, i learned to create things from leftovers and got into the very bad habit of thinking i'd use something later. it just turned into MORE stuff and clutter around my house. i've given away most everything related to teaching only keeping a bookshelf full of what i'll actually use with my kids now that we're homeschooling. i've gotten into a good habit with clothing! i immediately give away outgrown clothes!! we've even stopped shopping for more than necessities so as to not add to the amount of stuff (the grandparents send enough things to the house for the kids, so my dh & i don't need to add to it! wink, wink!).

6. chores--i really have too much to do. i mean, looking at my list from the other day (at least what i shared there), most of these things are necessities. like laundry and washing dishes, and cooking for the kids and bathing them and cleaning up around the house. i am starting to include them in chores. well, i've always included them, but their "help" hasn't really been help--it's actually been MORE work for me. now that they're starting to be more 'helpful' i guess i need to allow them to do what they can. but somehow this feels like more chores for me--overseeing, instructing, demonstrating, reminding, re-doing, etc. (screaming to no one in particular) WHERE DOES IT END????? (deep sigh)

7. worrying--i can usually keep things in perspective but there are times, now that i'm a mother, that my thought simply run wild!! now, some of my worrying is based in reality (past, first-hand experiences) but a lot of my really big worrying fits are not. i believe that this is in my genes and i'm seeking to create better habits of thinking and speaking to myself.

8. BS--yeah, i still have to deal with some of this....and i just have to say. i need even less!!

if you'd like to join Magpie Girl in 8 Things click here.

I Choose...

to be the best that I can be
I choose
to be authentic in everything I do
my past don't dictate who I am
I choose
I choose

we listened to this song today by India.Arie as i play this CD, all her CDs for that matter, a lot. i heard my girls singing these words over and over from their room.
and i was thinking, yeah, i want that for them. i want to show them what that looks like, how that feels, what that really means.

in reading the new blogs i've stumbled onto (several of them are now on my 'blogs i read/follow' list) i've come across a badge labeled 'I choose authenticity' and finally followed the link today to see what this was all about. it brought me to Brene' Brown's blog/page/info with more information about the whole "movement," if you will. in so reading i decided that this is something i'm not only going to do for myself, but publicly, here in this space, as well.

i'd like to believe that as i've grown older, i've been growing wiser. it's been about 10 years since I made the conscious decision to stop "fakin' the funk," "wearing the mask," pretending something that isn't true. It initially started in response to some unnecessary drama at work with some colleagues. it them moved into my general acquaintance/friends sphere and more recently has moved into my relationships with family. (isn't that strange how it worked that way?)

boundaries are important for every area of one's life. i didn't realize that what may be a 'common boundary' for me isn't for the next person. and it's up to me to open my mouth and use my words to inform the other person when my boundaries have been crossed--i can't depend on or expect them to know what they are. it's sort of like one's personal body space just for ones inner spirit. we often hear it said like "being able to say no." but it also applies to being able to say yes! being able to give yourself totally and completely to the joys in life without finding a reason not to.

in recognizing this for myself and desiring to be more of who i am (as opposed to becoming more like the person others think i should be) i am choosing to be authentic.

so what exactly is being authentic? i'll share what brene' brown has written:



now, if this seems like something that might be inspiring/helpful/needed in your life please take the time to follow the link.

so, today, i'm taking this pledge:



and i hope that in so doing, i can pass a bit more goodness into the lives of my children, family, friends and the world!

being the change....