Today I played hooky. I didn’t go into the office today. I did a couple of hours of work at home, but mostly, I played. It was fun. Fun. I had a chance to be silly today, to laugh, to enjoy family, to sit in the quiet and feel the sun on my face. To …
Sometimes You Just Gotta…
In the midst of a busy day, with food to cook, lessons to take, games to watch, parties to prepare for, sidewalks to clean, houses to tidy, life is full and hectic. But when the snow is right, and the spirit hits, you just gotta take advantage of the moment, and do what you don’t …
Remembering what is Important
Wise words can come from unexpected places–and then be unexpectedly valuable. I was at a memorial service on Saturday… the second of January…a time when we are all thinking about new starts and fresh, more effective ways of doing things. It was ironic to attend a memorial service—a celebration of a life just ended—to be …
Slipping Through my Fingers…NOT
Time is precious. Children are precious. Grab the moments and love your kids. This time of year has me with more unstructured time than usual. …time to spend playing games, or in outdoor activities with family. Love that. And more time to watch a movie. Mamma Mia has become a favorite of mine. The beautiful …
A Few of my Favorite Things
The days are short, and the long nights are dark and cold…a time when it is important to be vigilant about things that are in contrast to the dreariness of life. Tomorrow is “So-Low-Down-is-Up” Day. These are a few of my favorite things that have brought brightness to my days: Chai tea…something about the boiling …
Pouring Ourselves into Relationships at Christmas
In the Christian church, the four weeks preceding Christmas is a time called “Advent”–the church says it is a time of preparing heart for Christ’s arrival at Christmas. For most, it is a frenetic time of shopping, parties, decorating and brainstorming about what to get the person “that has everything”. The Meeting Place is a …
Refocusing on the Rewards
It’s too easy to forget the positives when the stress and challenge of the day are so present. When discouraged and frustrated, it’s time to shift the focus and see the rewards in balance. Blog readers will suffer the effects of “workshop-itis” that I have. You know what I mean…someone goes to a workshop, and …
Perspective…with a Belly Laugh
The ordinary, when seen freshly, can be absurd. I found myself laughing out loud watching this video which reminded me to put things into perspective, to not sweat the small stuff, to appreciate all that I have. At the end of a busy week, it was great to laugh heartily. sitellite/util/snippets (code=5812a9911ed89dc0970d9d9cf759543d) How easy it …
Turning Cynicism into Wisdom
I’ve been reading The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs for a book club that I will be attending. Though I’m not yet finished the book (and I’ve only got until Wednesday, so I’d better get reading), I’ve been struck by the sorts of ways A.J. has found the experience enriching. Some of …
Embrace your Wabi-Sabi-ness!
“Wabi-sabi”–I happened to come upon the term today, which a totally cool concept I stumbled across. Of the Japanese term, Wikipedia says this: Richard R. Powell summarizes by saying “It (wabi-sabi) nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”….. Fading autumn leaves would be …