Simple Luxuries Rock My World...

Yesterday, at lunch...

Huge deadlines (at work and in my creative life) dominated my calendar this week.  Wanted to share a few simple (yet luxurious) ways I rocked my “little Friday” workday, yesterday.  Two common denominators in doing so were: 1) brief episodes of relaxation, and 2) time spent enjoying nature. 

First, I took a quick break from my workday duties, yesterday morning, to walk to a spa/salon about a block away from my office.  My planned tasks there were to buy topcoat for home manicures (how do you spell the plural of “mani,” BTW?), and book a facial for next month.  I was only gone a total of maybe 15 minutes, but what a simple luxury it was to take a break, walk outdoors and do something specifically “decadent” just for me. I snapped the pic featured below on my way back to work.  Aren’t those roses fab?

Another sweet thing I did was to treat myself to a sacred, solo vegan lunch at a quaint little café next door to my office.  I even dined out on their front porch, surrounded by scads of shade trees, whose leaves danced gracefully in the wind.  The whole experience was divine!  

Whimsical view a few feet from where I dined!

What simple luxuries can you rock your world with, today?  Would truly love hearing about them!  

Joy, peace and happy Friday!!! T.

My Formula for a Balanced Life...

Playtime is part of my balanced life equation.  

Creating art is a treasured aspect of my playtime!

Yesterday, I wrapped up a huge, multi-month project at work.  This morning, sitting here--sipping mocha-flavored java-- feel a sense of tremendous accomplishment (might as well throw in a dash of gratitude and handful of excitement, too, while I’m at it).  Although my professional life keeps me ever-busy, I'll admit that's favorable to me (You see, I'm already raring for the next big challenge...).

Nevertheless, as a yogini, I cherish the grace and necessity of maintaining balance (both literally and figuratively).  Yup, I like to work hard. I also love to play with equal fervor. Writing and creating art are both a huge segment of what I consider to be "playtime."  Tempering work with measured amounts of play is key to creating life balance.

A few years in (smile), I’ve come to realize that stillness is also an essential ingredient to maintaining a life in balance. I captured the photograph, above, a few evenings ago while sitting on my patio.  That night, I simply sat and listened to the birds singing--while enjoying the feel of a soft, almost-summer breeze on my face.  It was sheer bliss...

Practicing yoga, reveling in a few minutes of meditation in the morning, embarking on a mindful walk in nature...stillness definitely rounds out my recipe for a balanced life.  Sometimes, moments of stillness are sprinkled lightly throughout my day.  At others, I carve out blocks of time to savor it.  

I wish I could tell you every one of my days is lived in harmonious balance.  Unfortunately, I can't.  What I can say is that I finally understand what my formula for a balanced life is, and I'm striving (more and more often) to achieve it.

What's your formula for a balanced life? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Joy and peace, T.

Tickled Pink Woman Podcast Episode #15

Today's podcast:  Self-excavation

Listen directly from here via Libsyn RSS 

or 

Access at iTunes Podcasts: Subscribe to Tickled Pink Woman 

Tickled Pink Woman Podcast Show Notes:
May 27, 2013

Hello and welcome to Episode 15 of the Tickled Pink Woman podcast, a woman’s celebration of self.  The focus of today’s podcast: Self-excavation.

I.         Note to Self… Thoughts on writing one…

II.         Practices mentioned in this past blog post…

III.       Incorporate these practices into your life on an ongoing basis:

       ·      Journal writing

       ·      Art journaling

       ·      Meditation

       ·      Yoga

       ·      Deep breathing

       ·      Moments marked by stillness

Pinking Shears: Ways to take today’s concepts away and tailor them for your needs! 

1) Write a note to yourself.

2) Gift yourself a solo mini retreat.

Rosy Resources: For those who want to explore today’s topic a bit further, check out:

·      Jo MacDonald’s Note to Self: The Secret to Becoming Your Own Best Friend

·      My blog post dated May 15, 2013: DIY Solo Retreat: Portrait of Self

·      The New Diary: How to Use a Journal for Self-Guidance and Expanded Creativity  by Tristine Rainer

Tickled Pink Woman Promo: If you enjoyed today’s podcast, I hope you will join me on my blog it’s a great source for added inspiration and it is where today’s show notes will be housed: tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com.  Connect with me on Twitter (@TickledPinkTina), like Tickled Pink Woman on Facebook and join me on Instagram (http://instagram.com/tickledpinkwoman).  Check out my book, Eternal Presents: Accepting and Using the Precious, Intangible Gifts Others Give Us on Amazon and Etsy!   Check out my MP3 + accompanying e-workbook: No Regrets & Self-authored: Making Your Dreams Real…The Tickled Pink Woman Way.  It’s a mini retreat that sets forth my tips on establishing a guiding mantra and making dreams real and it’s found in my Etsy shop (Tickled Pink Woman).

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the blog and podcasts.  Email me at tinatickledpink@gmail.com or snail mail me: Tina Bradley, Post Office Box 289, Bowling Green, OH  43402.

Thank you for joining me on today’s episode of the Tickled Pink Woman podcast. Hope you’ll join me this week on the blog! Joy & peace! 

Blossoming Insights Gained Over the Weekend...

Pic of my shopping cart at the garden center...

Annually, I engage in a treasured practice.  I purchase and pot annuals to adorn my front porch, backyard patio and flower gardens (alongside my lovely perennial blooms).  

Guess what we (Mark and I) did on Sunday (along with a healthy dose of house cleaning)?  Yup, purchased and potted flowers.  Doing so, led me to reflect a bit on the practice--as well as the past weekend itself.  Featured below, are a few photos of my lovely flowers along with the sweet insights I gained:

Having a general idea for how I want to spend my weekend is fine.  Yet, nothing tops letting my intuition guide my day.  Pre-weekend, I crafted a list of the things I would like to accomplish.  This past few days, I truly let my inner wisdom guide me on what to do--and when to do it.  Turned out to be a wonderfully fulfilling and highly productive holiday weekend for me (smile).

Rome wasn't built in a day; nor are my dreams realized in that fashion.  For nearly a year now, I've actively carved out snippets of time--here and there--to work on getting a concept honed, a proposal crafted and sample pieces written for my next book.  Looking back at what I did--bit by bit--probably wouldn't look like much.  Putting it all together, however, does.  Those little blocks of dedicated effort--over the past year--now amount to something.  

Being outdoors, enjoying nature, feeds my soul, enlivens my spirit, and spurs my creativity!

It's been a super-busy couple of months (both at the 9 to 5 and in my creative life which occurs in the hours pre and post the 9 to 5).  I am SO ready for a vacation and one is on the horizon (yay!). 

What I am most thankful for is the fact that during this extremely busy point in time, I have always adhered to (at the very least) my minimum requirements for self-care (Gold star for me!).

There's truth to the old adage "When one door shuts, another opens."  Mark and I had planned to venture out to a botanical garden a few hours from home on Monday.  When we awoke to rain on the rooftops, it offered me a chance to address all my remaining, unrealized dreams I had for the weekend.  One door closed, and another swung wide open.  Priceless, yes?

Share your weekend insights with me.  I would adore hearing them!

Joy and sweet blossoming peace!  T.

The Symbol That Most Inspires Me--Right Now...

Recently, the creative coaching group I’m a part of was given an assignment by leader and author Gail McMeekin: select a inspirational symbol, one that characterizes "new strength, higher self-regard, and openness to a healthy, abundant future."  

At first, I struggled with this a bit.  You see, my fascination with symbols shifts--almost seasonally—if not more frequently (Check out past related posts here and here). 

Then, it hit me... I don’t have to select anything that’s “for keeps.”  I can simply choose what speaks to me now.

Minutes later, while perusing Instagram, I found myself entranced by a lovely picture of peonies in a vase.  Hmmm...  Peonies...  In the past few weeks, I've created at least three collages with images of peonies in them.  Suddenly, I was transported to Memorial Day weekend last year.  Mark and I had ventured to Columbus for a few days’ getaway.  I distinctly remember, as we drove, pointing out (with great delight) various breathtaking peony blooms I spied along the way.  I also remember visiting a botanical garden, that weekend, where I reveled in the sheer elegance of a dedicated garden of peonies.

Quickly, I looked into the symbolism of peonies...  Here’s what I learned from ehow.com: “Peonies are perennial flowers symbolizing beauty and romance and peace. The flowers are also believed to have healing powers.”  Okay. Inspiration secured. I’ll definitely carry it with me, this weekend, as I finish writing my book proposal!

What inspirational symbol is drawing you in right now?  I’d love to hear about it!

Joy and peace, T.

My Latest Thrift + Eco-Friendly Purchase

I adore stripes! Do you? 

A few months ago, I vowed to add a chevron striped skirt to my wardrobe.  Last Saturday afternoon, amidst book proposal writing, I took a well-deserved break and headed over to a local thrift shop only a few miles from home.

You likely know how this goes... Within five minutes of arriving at the shop, I spied a chevron striped skirt (black and white—exactly what I had wanted) for a mere $3.  Its label was a "no brand" name, but I could truly care less.  This skirt doesn’t have a flaw to it (mint condition), fits perfectly and is well made (I think it could be vintage!).  It’s almost as exciting for me as last month’s thrifty, eco-friendly snag.

An added bonus: this skirt is also going to double as a top. Yup! Pulled up, it functions well as a smock-ish tube top.  I can wear a jacket or cardigan and slacks with it into the office, or, on a warm summer evening, don this skirt-turned-top bare shouldered (smile). 

What was your latest thrifty, eco-friendly purchase? I would love hearing about it! 

Joy, peace and happy Friday!  T.

Weekend Dreams Remembered

As the blank pages in my “All I Want This Weekend” notebook dwindle, I find myself flipping back through them.  Doing so, I remember (fondly, usually), gain new insights and feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction pre-new notebook use.  Below, are a sampling of weekend dreams I have sketched for myself over the past few years.  Some were realized.  Others weren't.  My weekend lists solely serve as guides or markers for me. Hope they inspire, resonate and make you smile!

Fun Stuff:

• Tea sipping! (7/1/11)
• Watch Breakfast at Tiffany's (7/8/11)
• Journal writing (7/22/11)
• Savor visit to Ohio's Amish Country (11/11/11)
• Play dress up (2/24/12)
• Read "O'Keefe" book (3/9/12)
• Visit Schedel Gardens (6/24/12)
• Attend luncheon on Saturday with Carol (4/26/13)

 My “right” work:

• Work on blog set up (10/14/11)
• Prep first blog post for launch on 3/5! (3/2/12)
• Write love letter to self for publication in Jo MacDonald's book Note to Self (4/20/12)
• Finalize the concept of my second book (7/20/12)
• Write guest blog post for Gail McMeekin's Creative Success blog (9/7/12)
• Deliver successful art journaling workshop at Harmony in Life (9/15/12)
• Finalize and edit first draft of my book's first chapter (1/7/13)
• Podcast (4/26/13)

This + That Tasks:

• Spot organize jewelry box, closet + home office (7/15/11)
• Order Mark's holiday gifts (12/9/11)
• Gather old books for trade in (2/24/12)
• Buy wine for weekend getaway (5/4/12)
• Pack for Colorado (6/29/12)
• Line up pet sitter services for Tabitha (10/26/12)
• Mail Mom + Dad's card (5/3/13)

In the Name of Good Health:

• Run outdoors (11/4/11)
• Enjoy vegan dinner out (11/18/11)
• Home yoga practice (2/24/12)
• Ride bike (4/13/12)
• Take a walk in the woods (4/20/12)
• Relax via a massage (7/20/12)
• Autumn Equinox reflections (9/21/12)
• Schedule facial (11/30/12)
• Work out (5/3/13)

 Memorable Moments:

• Rock out at Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears Concert (9/9/11)
• Adore the tulips at Simpson Garden Park (4/6/12)
• Celebrate my birthday! (5/7/12)
• Picnic with Mark (5/25/12)
• Enjoy Patrick's graduation (8/10/12)
• Celebrate Andrew and Amanda's nuptials! (10/13/12)
• Deck the halls (11/30/12)
• Successfully sell + secure springtime art journaling workshops to 577 Foundation Director (1/11/13)

What do you dream of doing this weekend?  Please share!

Joy and peace, T.

On Starting a New Journal...

Meet my latest confidant, BFF and soothing haven (a.k.a. my journal)

There’s a bit of anticipation in the air...  You see, within the next week, I’ll be ready to start using a new journal (It’s the one pictured above, gifted to me from a dear friend.  Check out the thank you card I created for her here.). 

Do you struggle with starting a new journal?  Truly, I don’t. I’m generally always eager to dive on in.  For those who aren’t so comfortable with that first blank page, check out this past post for possible reflection activities. 

Thought it might be fun to feature photos of the journals I’ve used over the past few years—along with brief passages from my first entries in them. 

Date of first entry: 10/31/09

Special note: Took myself to a café for tea to christen this then-new journal.

Glimpse of my first entry:  See this past blog post!

Date of first entry: 6/19/10

Special note: Took myself to a coffee shop with an outdoor patio to welcome this then-new journal.

Glimpse of my first entry: "Right now, these first pages feel stiff to write upon.  Like the rituals/practices I've more recently woven into my life, I know this journal will soon feel comfortable and well-worn."

Date of first entry: 8/12/11

Special note: Wrote from my home's patio.

Glimpse of my first entry: "Tonight, I begin anew. Before me is a fresh, blank journal to write my story, plan my future, celebrate my accomplishments and mourn my sorrows. I'm sitting on my beloved patio; lovely flowers all around me, It's dusk; cloudy and breezy. Crickets are chirping so loudly that it's deafening."

Date of first entry: 10/10/12

Special note: Very short entry (Demonstrating the important factor is the act of writing versus how much I write!)

Glimpse of my first entry: Lovely fall day, today! Tomorrow, mindfulness is the key. Looking forward to a hot bath. Too tired to write right now..."

Are you a journal writer? Share your reflections with me on how you celebrate/kick start that first entry in a new journal.  I would love hearing them!

Joy and peace!  T.

The Joy of Personalization

Personalized it myself!

Personalization--I think it's essential.  As you’ll see in this past blog post, journals and art journals should not only meet our “preferred features” checklists (e.g. lined or unlined pages, hard versus soft covered, bookmark or ribbon included, etc.)—they should be esthetically pleasing as well.  We should literally excite in picking them up—using them. 

My sweet little “All I Want This Weekend” notebook only has a few unused pages left in it.  I purchased her a little over three years ago at a local dollar store.  Flowers adorning her covers and pages, she has been a delight to write in! 

Despite my best efforts, worthy replacement searches have repeatedly come up fruitless.  Then, a few weeks ago, I received a sweet little notebook (made from recycled products) at a fab women’s forum I attended. That’s when the idea struck...

Using assorted tissue papers, magazine and card stock images, I decided to personalize her myself, and I’m sure glad I did!  Below are a few pics of my newly-personalized “All I Want This Weekend” notebook...

How it all began (pre-tissue paper, images, ribbons and other embellishments)...

Front Cover: I sealed my notebook with clear packing tape for durability since I’ll likely carry her in my handbag and briefcase.  I also super-glued an old ribbon onto the cover for added pink panache.

Inside Cover: A decorated inside cover yields added inspiration when I open my notebook!

Back Cover: I think the back cover is a blast.  I haven’t decorated the inside of the back cover, yet; but, in time, I may...

Book Mark: Tied a dotted Swiss ribbon to a pink paperclip. This helps to keep my place; plus, I love the effect.

Share with me your personalization stories.  I would adore hearing them!

Joy and peace.  T.

Parting Thoughts on "The Office"

I don't watch much television.  The Office was one of a few exceptions, however.  I tuned in consistently ever since it first premiered in 2005.  Doing so always ensured at least one good laugh an episode, as well as an insight or two along the way.  It only seems fitting I share a few parting thoughts...

Featured above is a photo of a Mother's Day card my oldest son gave me a few years ago.  Yes, character Michael Scott is pictured prominently.  It's no accident that Andrew selected this card.  He knew we both shared a passion for watching The Office. This card is bundled and kept with other written treasures atop my home office desk.

Every Christmas Eve, I strive to plan something uniquely fun for my family. Christmas Eve, two years ago, following our annual feast and the opening of gifts, our family engaged in watching a marathon of holiday episodes of The Office (there are about six of these).  It's a wonderful memory.

Although she wasn't my favorite character, and she only appeared from time-to-time, Jan never failed to amuse me.  We all know someone like her, right? Manipulative, conniving, brash and oftentimes downright mean-spirited, her antics always helped me to gain a better perspective about workplace (and elsewhere-based) meanies.

Last year, I wrote a blog post based on the fine art of asking for what you want.  It was based largely upon a fab episode (and character) of The Office.  To check it out, click here.  It's truly one of my fave Tickled Pink Woman posts.

Although it was bittersweet, I liked the final episode.  I'll leave you, today, with a few resonant thoughts shared by character Pam during her last statements to the video cameras that had filmed her each workday for the past nine years.  She encouraged others to be courageous, to go after what they wanted (rather than shyly sitting back), and to recognize beauty in the ordinary.

Please share your thoughts about The Office.  I'd adore hearing them!

Joy and peace, T.

Seeing Beauty in Imperfect

I’m beginning to understand it's something I’ve disavowed for far too long...  You see, I have this (um) habit.  It's best known as “perfectionist tendencies.” Perhaps others out there can relate.

The first step in overcoming any undesirable quality is owning it, yes?  Well, I do.  I also realize that striving for that illusive realm called "perfect" has held me back more times than not.  This has made it a bit easier to stop and question my thoughts as of late—redirect them, where needed.

The pic, above, I snapped yesterday.  It was my first attempt at capturing the day’s Great Gatsy-inspired style I sported to work.  Interestingly, the imperfection of that shot made me smile; intrigued and captivated me a bit.  Notable defectiveness actually drew me in—rerouted today’s blog post a bit.  I saw beauty in something most might view as flawed.  Hmmm...

The photo below captures the look I was originally trying to share: a polka dot maxi dress topped with a lace top and accented with a strand of vintage beads (worn as a bracelet) and a bangle displaying geometric shapes (an Art Deco hallmark).  As excited as I am about yesterday's creative expression via personal style, my faux pas and subsequent inner revelations are truly what have sparked my spirit...

Have you had the joy of seeing imperfection's beauty?  I would sure love to hear about it!

Joy and peace.  T.

Start Today; Revel a Bit Next Year

“A year from now, you will wish you had started today.” –Karen Lamb

For a few years, it was merely something I talked about doing.  Along the way, I crafted a vision board centered upon its key concepts (Yes, that's it (in part) above.).  As time passed, several subsequent art journal collages were created around it, too. Beyond these actions, though, that’s where my dream of writing a second book stayed—within the realm of “someday.”  My first book?  It was written in 2006; self-published in 2010.  Feel free to check it out here. 

Last July, I began putting pen to paper in an effort to hone in on my second book’s concept and sketch out a first draft outline.  Thereafter, things stalled a bit.  By the top of this year, however, I felt I was back on track—even though I was moving very slowly.  

Fast forwarding a few months ahead... I’m now working with a coach to finalize my book’s proposal.  No, I’m not there yet, and it’s been a long journey—one, I am sure, will extend beyond the proposal’s finalization as well (actually getting published is a whole other trip...).

Looking back, I’m glad I started a year ago.  Even if I’m still working to get this book published a year from now, I’m further down the path than I was at any time before now. In this regard, there are no regrets.

What project are you most happy you began working on?  Would love to hear about it! 

Joy, peace and happy “little Friday!”  T.

DIY Solo Retreat: Portrait of Self

Last Saturday, I experienced the extreme pleasure of leading an art journaling workshop with an awesome group of creative women.  The theme for this workshop was: Portrait of Self.  You see, I believe that gaining clearer insights on who we are/aren't, what we want/don't want, etc. grants us the information necessary to sketch out our dreams and planned action steps toward them. So, this workshop was designed to manifest a virtual image of participants' inner selves through a series of art journaling activities. 

Following the workshop I led last month, a blog post with suggestions on how to create a "retreat for one" ensued.  In that same tradition, here goes:

Light  a candle and establish an intention for this dedicated time with yourself.  Ensure you have a yummy cup of hot tea or other favorite drink to sip as you retreat.

Using your journal (or art journal), create an extensive list of the things you are "wild" about (e.g. quality time with my family, playing dress up, the color pink, etc.). Do so for as long as the ideas flow. If you are using your art journal, you may want to glue an image onto the page that resonates and write onto it with colored markers/pens.  Embellish it as you wish... 

In your journal or art journal, complete the following action items (from page 27 of Tristine Rainer's The New Diary: How to Use a Journal for Self-Guidance and Expanded Creativity under a section entitled Begin with a Self-Portrait):

        a.  Write a description of yourself at this present time.

        b.  Explore how the recent or not-so-recent events of the past have contributed to the person

             you are now.

        c.  Reflect upon where do you feel your life is leading you now.

Create a vision board or art journal collage using images you are drawn to.  There need be no rhyme or reason for the pieces you select.

Revisit your intention and blow out your candle; signifying the close of  this sacred time with yourself.  

Do you enjoy going on retreats?  I sure do!  The last one I attended was in 2010.  It was led by author Jennifer Louden. What was the last retreat you attended?  Please share your thoughts!

Joy and peace!  T.

May’s Adorations (2013)

Greetings! It’s been a wonderful couple of days since we last chatted... The best way to share what’s transpired, since then, is through a montage of photos I’ve dubbed to be my “May Adorations (2013).”

Sweet view from a 577 Foundation meeting room where I led 

an art journaling workshop on Saturday afternoon

3-D glasses in hand minutes before watching The Great Gatsby (Sunday)

Connecting with my beautiful, beloved children 
on Mother’s Day

Enjoying gifted tea a thoughtful employee brought back from Down Under (Monday)

Pairing old faves (linen slacks + vintage scarf + chambray shirt + tweed cardigan) 

and wearing them to work on Monday

Monday’s dinner of take-out veggie pizza

Pre-coaching call with author Gail McMeekin (Monday evening)

For added fun, check out what made my list of adorations last May (2012).  What is it you find yourself adoring this month? Would love hearing about it!

Joy, peace and adoration!  T.

Finding Grace Amongst the Busyness

Abandoned the busyness, briefly, to snap this pic 

of blossoms blanketing the ground!

It's been an overwhelmingly busy week, both on and off the 9 to 5.  Oh how I wish there had been enough hours in each day to tackle everything on this week’s task lists!  Yet, grace has arrived in my acceptance of not being able to do so—at least not this week.  

There's another silver lining... Despite my schedule, I designated time, this week, to work out daily, attend a yoga class one evening, enjoy time with both friends and family along the way, and read a few chapters of a book I recently began. 

Sure; there’s a slight feeling of “if only...” in regard to my unrealized checklist items.  Nevertheless, understanding I did the best I could while simultaneously sprinkling a dose of self-care into each day; makes me understand not every mountain can (or should) be leapt within one week’s time.

Did you experience a bit of overwhelm this week?  Would love to hear how you gracefully accepted the challenge! 

Joy, peace and talk with you, again, on Tuesday!  T.