“Little Friday” Musings...

For those who read this blog consistently, you know I refer to Thursday as “Little Friday.”  It’s yet another way I practice a perspective that supports me in a positive fashion (smile).

Well, today is Little Friday and I couldn’t be happier about it! It’s been a supremely busy couple of weeks.  Today will be another big day in the office (a federal program monitoring is on my calendar). 

Come 4:30 p.m., though, the really big deadlines and projects are behind me (at least until the next few in line crop up!).  What I’ve found this week (and last week, too) is that when I adopt the attitude that all is well, and the universe is working on my behalf—somehow, it is and it does! 

In the spirit of adhering to my vow of bestowing little treats upon myself this super-busy work week, I donned another whimsically-fun outfit yesterday.  I paired the maxi dress (TranquiliT) I wore to my son’s wedding (last fall) with a white jean jacket (Coldwater Creek).  Of course, I added my python print belt (J Crew), a thrifted scarf and vintage pin for “character.”  An added aside: I love the fact that I invested in a dress that can be worn for the dressiest of occasions as easily as it can into the office--or casually for that matter. 

Tonight, after work, Mark and I are headed out for a rare weekday date night.  It’s something I can look forward to today; plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the fact that crazy-busy time will have subsided a bit.

What’s your “Little Friday” look like?  I’d love to hear about it! 

Joy and peace.  T.

Creative Resourcefulness: Scarf as a Statement “Necklace”

I enjoy infusing a spot of “new life” into accessories and clothing items of mine.  It helps stretch my wardrobe and allows me to get my creative on in a super-fun way.  It's what I call, "creative resourcefulness."  

The picture below features me sporting a scarf in a fave way. It's simply wrapped once around my neck and draped down on both sides.

May 2010

 Yesterday morning, I thought I’d try something a bit different: give my scarf a bit of oomph by making into a statement necklace of sorts.  I did this by simply tying a knot in the middle of the scarf; then wrapping and draping it as usual.  I could have easily added a pin for extra pizzazz.  Another option would be to use a shorter scarf.  That would truly lend itself to the statement necklace look.

Share with me your favorite ways to creatively repurpose items you own.  I would love hearing about them!

 Linen Dress: Flax

Shoes: Candies

Scarf: Charlotte Russe

Linen T-shirt: J Crew

Bracelet: Vintage

Necklace: Vintage

Watch: Pulsar

Joy and peace, T.

Little "Treats" for a Busy Week

Work-wise, another busy week is in store.  Deep breathing, affirming, yoga, journal writing...  These are my fave tried and true strategies for ensuring me a more relaxing, delightful week--even when it's (um) a bit action packed.  

This week, a few added treats are planned, however...  Yes, I’m hedging my “bets” a bit (smile).  Thought I’d share my efforts on this front--in the event they inspire others to treat themselves as well.

Teleclass

I signed up for a teleclass Wednesday evening.  This one's on implementing positive life changes.  I’ll light a few candles, brew tea, have my growth journal at hand—maybe even enjoy this luscious time from the patio...

Vino

Friday evening, post major deadlines being met, I plan on opening this bottle of dry raspberry wine—enjoy a glass or two.  I purchased it last weekend at a sweet country winery while luxuriating in a day trip to Lake Huron.

Candles + Candlelight

Sometime this week, I'll buy myself a few candles at the dollar store. Then, I'll light them--while bathing, dining, enjoying creative time. This is a small luxury with huge impact.

Whimsical Styling

This week, I plan on sporting a few whimsically-fun outfits into the office.  Featured above is what I wore yesterday: striped vintage dress, python print belt (J Crew) and chetah print scarf (also vintage) paired with slacks (Chico's). Fun, yes?

Bouquets o' Flowers

I asked Mark to pick up a small bouquet of flowers at the grocery store.  My original intent was to bring them into my office space (flowers on the desk=bliss!). He (being a sweetheart) brought me back a super-big bouquet; which, I was able to refashion into three separate arrangements.  Now, I’ve got two bouquets displayed at home and one in the office (Ah!).

What about you?  What little treats can you incorporate into your week to make it lighter and brighter?  I’d love to hear about it! 

Joy and peace, T.

In Blogging + Life, Mama Nature Wins Out Every Time!

Nope, I'm not hamming it up--I'm battling Bowling Green's ever-present windiness!

LOL!  I know the pic above looks as if I'm glamming it up.  What you are actually seeing is me battling Mama Nature a bit.  This shot was taken Saturday morning post breakfast downtown with Mark.  What I had wanted to convey (through photographs) was my joy of supporting local business.  You see, both my scarf and lace dress were purchased at independently-owned boutiques in Bowling Green (where I live).  The wind, however, was blowing my hair every which way (including into my eyes and mouth!). As you'll note in the very last two photos, the day's windiness took it's toll on my hair.  That's okay, I was, most resourcefully, armed with a hair tie! 

As a blogger, I've found natural light is my fave setting for shooting photos.  I've also learned I must honor the fact that Ms. Nature sometimes decides what I can and can't do in terms of taking pictures outdoors (smile).  I'm guessing other bloggers have found this to be true as well..

Nevertheless, nature brings me far more bliss than angst.  Following a busy work week and in adherence to last month's promise to myself to enjoy a day trip a month this summer, we set off after Saturday's breakfast for an adventure in Michigan.  This time, we enjoyed quaint towns, a country winery and wonderful scenery along spectacular Lake Huron.  It was relaxing and inspiring! I'm now better ready to face a busy work week head on, and it is all thanks to time spent, gleefully, in nature.

The photos, throughout this post, capture my love of supporting local business (via what I'm wearing).  They also convey the importance that time in nature plays in my overall well-being and happiness.

Enjoying the St. Clair River in Port Huron, Michigan

The Canadian shoreline is in the distance!

Savoring a Lighthouse and Spectacular Lake Huron!

A Short Walk Along the Marina After Outdoor Dining at a Microbrewery 

(Port Huron, Michigan)

Joy and peace!  T.

Perspective is an Eternal Present

This may have been the most (um) interesting work week I've had to date...  Following last week's fab five-day break, I returned to the office Monday to find a funding source decided to push a statewide deadline up significantly (meaning the grant I thought was due in late August is now due week after next--yikes!).  Add to that: the State began conducting their annual audit of our programs this past week, the Federal folks are coming to do a full program review next week, a secondary deadline was bumped up due to the first one I already mentioned... Oh and did I tell you I'm going to be short staffed for the next month (Yes, this, too, I also learned on Monday.)?

This week, amidst problem solving, juggling a whole host of figurative plates in the air and racing to beat the clock, I found myself tapping into an old strategy I learned.  It's one that enables me to gain the right perspective on things. What I know is that the right frame of mind makes all the difference in how things "go down."  My strategy is as simple as this: I tell myself, "It's really not that bad.  Nobody's seriously injured or gravely ill.  No one's died.  And (tongue in cheek), there's not anyone being sent to jail."

It's the exact same thing a professional colleague told me about 14 years ago, one afternoon, when I was on the verge of a complete "melt down" over what I now realize was merely a trivial annoyance. Back in 2006, I wrote a book, Eternal Presents: Accepting and Using the Precious, Intangible Gifts Others Give Us.   Chapter 5 of my book is dedicated to that afternoon and the wonderful lesson I learned as a result of it.  The gift of sound perspective is undoubtedly a present I'm still "unwrapping" and using a number of years later (smile).

Today... Well, it's Saturday.  I'm about to head downtown with Mark for our standing breakfast date. Afterwards, we are en route to Michigan for a day trip to Lake Huron.  Monday, I know it's back to reality.  This weekend, though, the past week's craziness has been stashed squarely away (which is exactly where it belongs!).

Joy, hugs and peace.  T.

Mindfully Enjoying the Path of Self-Reliance

Stepping stone path in my flower garden...

Late yesterday morning, I headed out for a brief work-related meeting in Toledo (roughly 20 miles north).  My destination was a location I’ve traveled to several times before.  It was such a gorgeous day...

Post meeting, as I exited the office building, I realized the street's westbound lane (the one I normally take to get back to Bowling Green) was closed.  The GPS was at home; so, I ventured off in a new direction--with no real idea where I was headed (!!!). 

Interestingly enough, I chose to hang a left at a turn that just “felt right” about a half mile up the way.  The route was wooded with a mystical loveliness to it.  Pretty soon, I found myself driving in what felt like the countryside.  Along the way, I encountered several twists and turns in the road.  Despite the unknown elements, I had no qualms about where I was headed.  Amidst hills, dales, fields, woodlands--all unfamiliar terrain to me--I felt assured I’d chosen the right direction.  It was a peaceful, picturesque drive...

Before too long, I descended a hill, and came upon a busy thoroughfare. It was the same one I had originally hoped to find. 

My luxuriant jaunt was only three to four miles long, but what an interesting expedition it was! Without a doubt, I ended up taking a far more scenic route, and it turned out to be about the same distance--had I driven my usual way back.  Most importantly:  I mindfully savored the path I selected, and relied on my own judgment to get me where I needed to go!

I liken yesterday’s little journey to life itself.  Having faith in our ability to choose the best “road” for ourselves, along with enjoying the ride, itself, makes life memorable and worthwhile.

What’s on your agenda this weekend?  I would love to hear about it! We're headed to Lake Huron on Saturday, and I can't wait!

Joy, peace and happy Friday to you!  T.

Capturing Beautiful Moments...

Taken yesterday--on a quick lunch break at home...

I’ve found an easy way to express myself creatively while simultaneously capturing some of life’s more beautiful moments.  It’s my cell phone...

Potted pink tulip (February 2013)

Actually, this sweet feat is achieved via the camera on my cell phone.  A simple snapshot of a flower garden I pass while walking to a meeting, or a sunset I enjoy viewing from my own patio, challenges me to stop and truly indulge in life's beautiful moments more often.  It also encourages me to get a bit artsy with my photography (allowing me to further stretch my creativity muscles a bit!). Oftentimes, a simple photo will inspire a future blog post (that’s certainly a good thing, right?).

Field of tulips at Simpson Garden Park in Bowling Green, OH

(May 2013)

Sunset from my patio (May 2012)

About eight months ago, I vowed to get more active on Instagram.  In fact, all the pics featured in today’s post are past Instagram photos of mine.  As a result of making that pledge to myself, I peruse others’ photos there almost daily, and publish some of my own roughly four to five times a week.  It has become a place where I get inspired by others’ snapshots, share my own beautiful moments, and enjoy time with the wonderful community of folks gathered there!

Getting ready for the Fine Art, Food & Fashion Luncheon

(April 2013)

Even if you are not on Instagram, consider challenging yourself to pause, more frequently, and capture life's beauty with your camera (or, like me, cell phone camera).  For me, it’s been a worthwhile endeavor!

View from our hotel room at the Indiana Memorial Union at Indiana University

Bloomington, Indiana (April 2013)

If you are on or decide to join Instagram, I’d love to have you follow me.  I do follow back (smile)!

Relaxing spot at Edith Wharton's The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts

(June 2013)

Joy and peace, T.

 Selfie: Me displaying my henna tatoo (August 2012)