Adorations: Pumpkins, a Pedi, Blooms & More

Easy to adore: Tabitha (resident diva pet + gifted shellacked pumpkin)

What a beautiful fall week it's been: chill temps, trees adorned with an array of bright jewel tones, and a magical mix of sun and clouds.  Plus, the week's serious pampering plan has gone off without a hitch (smile). An evening yoga class on Monday. A facial on Tuesday, and last night, an awesome pedi (which included a heavenly foot and calf massage). Tomorrow evening=a French mani, cut and highlights.

The month of June marked the last time I wrote an "adorations" post.  In the spirit of the season and my adherence to this week's powering pampering plan, my latest adorations are...

Late bloomers; like this lovely pink rose...

Pumpkin spice pillar candle from the dollar store (smells so fab!)...

Orange mums in my garden that remind me of little jack-o-lanterns...

Displaying pumpkins and mums in my flower beds grown by my little sis, Natalie 

(She's the sole proprietor of a produce farm + market in Indiana!)...

Warm whirlpool foot soak...

Freshly pedi'd feet...

The prospect of sipping a hot cup of herbal tea while
sitting under the salon's dryer, tonight...

(Snapped this shot last summer while enjoying a visit to the salon!)

What is it that you adore?  Please do tell!  T.

The Mindful Woman and the Moon…

An art journal collage (from 2011) features a crescent moon!

This week, there's a lovely crescent moon perched high in the sky.  I learned this fact early yesterday morning.  Coffee mug in hand, I did something I have not done in a while.  I walked into the dining room and peered out into the early-morning darkness.  Sipping my java, I unexpectedly caught a glimpse of the moon.  I felt so very much grounded in that moment, and truly serene.

Afterwards, I decided to listen to a satellite music channel as I finished dressing.  While combing my hair, an old Van Morrison tune came on.  It’s one I’ve heard many times before; although, it never held any special interest for me. Yet, yesterday, I listened to it as if I’d never heard it before.  “I adore that song!” I thought to myself.  Afterwards, I learned it is entitled “Moondance.”

Minutes later, standing in front of the mirror I affixed the clasp to a fave vintage pendant.  It's mother of pearl, and carved into the shape of a blooming rose.  At first glance, I thought “My rose looks like a full moon resting against that black sweater.”  And, remarkably, it did.  

I’m not generally superstitious… However, four years ago, two white doves landed in front of me (on two separate days, only a few days apart—and in two distinctly different locations geographically).  Shortly after the second incident, I researched their symbolism.  Found out white doves symbolize the presence of angels, which definitely caught my attention…

Despite my own internal arguments about this whole symbolism thing (which I’m not so sure I buy into, BTW), I caved in, and Googled “What does the moon symbolize?”  According to WikiAnswers.com, I learned these interesting tidbits: “In the universal language of mind, the moon represents awareness in subconscious mind…Also, the Moon represents the Goddess.”  The only thing I could draw from these two pieces of information was “mindful woman,” which turns out is the title of a great book I’ve read a couple of times, already. Perhaps I need to give it another spin…

I’m not superstitious, mind you.  I’m just a mindful woman who really does love the moon (smile). 

Joy and peace.  T.

Made Me Smile

Yesterday, I dedicated my day to positive thoughts--to giving thanks for those things that literally brought a smile to my face.  Here's a sampling of what made me smile:

• sunshine (I know.  It sounds like a John Denver song. Call me sappy, but sunshine did make me smile, yesterday);
• bright orange, crimson red and butterscotch gold leaves adorning trees;
• fresh flowers on my desk (pictured above);
• listening to Tabitha (beloved resident tabby cat) mega-purring;
• my dinnertime dessert of dark chocolate Hershey's Kisses;
• hearing encouraging words from others;
• the kindness of strangers;
• yoga class (every single minute of it!);
• a mug of hot mint tea (post yoga class);
• writing by candlelight;
• munching popcorn while perusing email; and
• taking a dedicated moment to reflect upon the fact that each day is a gift.

Wishing you beams of sunshine and a day sprinkled with many smiles this lovely Tuesday!  T.

Powerful Pampering

Making time for needed art journaling=powerful pampering.

It's Monday, and strange as it feels, it is time to transition back into my daily routines and responsibilities, which got laid aside in the wake of last week's sad events.

We arrived back home from Indiana early yesterday afternoon.  Amidst unpacking suitcases, crafting thank you notes post dear sis-in-law's funeral, watering houseplants and various other necessities, I responded to my Wise Self's urgings to art journal my dreams for the coming week.

Some of the things I enjoy doing most I haven't engaged in for a few days now; largely due to my recent travels.  Although I did a great job of eating healthily and getting plenty of water while away, I am tired, a bit stressed and in need of some powerful pampering before attending next weekend's joyous nuptials.  As a result, here's some of what I have planned:

• Attend yoga class (Monday);
• Affirm daily;
• Let my inner artist shine forth through my wardrobe selections;
• Get a pedi (Tuesday);
• Be mindful (daily);
• Indulge in a facial (Wednesday);
• Savor a pre-wedding salon evening on Thursday (haircut, french mani and highlights);
• Read as desired;
• Art journal in accordance with my Wise Self's insistence;
• Write daily;
• Make needed time for nightly exercise bike workouts;
• Light candles each evening at home;
• Luxuriate via lengthy soaks in the tub nightly;
• Relish getting a salon updo on Saturday morning--before the wedding.

What powerful pampering is in store for you this week?  Would love to hear about it!  T.

Bloom Where You are Planted

Right now, I am planted in a hotel room in Washington, Indiana.  It is late.  I am tired. This has been one of the most challenging weekends in my life.  Nevertheless, as I write, I feel the "bloom" starting within--for I am doing that which I so truly love--I am writing.

Bloom where you are planted... Words I heard, today, as part of a simple, yet lovely, eulogy given for my dear sister-in-law, who we lost, last week, so very prematurely.  Yet, those words (Bloom where you are planted) both comforted and inspired me this morning.

No, this hotel room is not barren terrain.  Even so, I compare this moment to one where a breathtaking flower proudly emerges from a rocky crevice high atop a cold mountain top.  Still somewhat sleep-deprived, grieving, feeling the rug was pulled out from under me--but, here I am--I'm writing...which means that, despite it all, I am getting my "bloom" on.

Tomorrow, I'll be planted (at least for a good seven to eight hours) in a car as I ride back home.  Despite the long car ride, this "flower" can still bloom by enjoying mindful time in conversation with Mark, healing my spirit through moments of stillness or simply allowing myself time to merely rest while en route to Bowling Green.

Where are you planted in this moment?  And, what enables your bloom to come forth?

Joy and peace.  T.

Blossoming is a Fall Thing, Too

Mums in bloom remind me blossoming is a fall thing, too...

We arrived in Indiana, yesterday.  The mums, here, are at their peak--so vibrant and lovely.  

I've always associated the spring and summer with blossoming--in both the actual and metaphorical sense.  Leaves have already begun to fall from the trees, making it hard not to consider this a season of withdrawal, decline.

Yet, mums (like the beautiful ones pictured above) provide proof that nature simply doesn't work this way.  Blossoming (of both the botanical and metaphorical sort) endures.  New growth and beauty present themselves gracefully amidst loss.

May you blossom this early October day.  Peace and love.  T.
  

A Gifted Badge of Courage

“You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.” 
–Mary Tyler Moore

There is nothing wonderful about having bad things happen to us.  Yet, I find the quote above to be so very true.  Bravery is earned, not granted.  And, the earning part? Well, it comes from transcending life's difficulties.

No, I have not earned my "red badge" yet.  But, I'm working on it.  Today, and in the next few days, my own courage is the gift I give to myself (and, as a result, those around me).  

What gift will you give yourself, today? In choosing, let it be the one you need most.

Love and peace.  T.