I'm Taking a Happy Break!

 

 

I'm taking a break from blogging here for now as I am on my own special Happy Break!

 

I had some wonderful news in October and now I am following-up with a couple of projects that are taking up most of my time these days. All good stuff!

 

Some of you already know what I am referring too. :<)

 

 

In the meantime, I wish you lots of happy days, happy breaks and great surprises.

 

 

Dreams... can come true.



Warming the Soul: My Version of Black Bean Soup

Brrrr....it's a chilly one, here today in Interior BC.
 

 

I just posted this recipe for my version of Black Bean Soup over at my cooking blog and thought I'd share it here too. I'm making this for supper tonight along with Cornbread Scones.

 

When it comes to " "nurturing" and "warming the soul" is there anything better (especially on a cold day) than a big, steaming bowl of... oh, so satisfying soup? Right up at the top of my list!!! ;<)

 

 

 

What's on the menu at your place this weekend?

 

Have a Wonderful  Week!

Word of the Week: Focus

FOCUS

 

It's so easy to get distracted, isn't it?

To have our thoughts go in all different directions, instead of being focused on one thing at a time. This is an issue I am constantly working on.

But I know how important it is to be focused. In theory at least. ;<)

If we are going to do our best work on any kind of project or task, we can't also be mulling over: what to make for supper, whether the plants need watering, filing nails at the same time...the list goes on and on.

 I have also been making an effort recently not to get signed up for too many "extras" online, that take up time and often in rather trivial ways including: too many newsletters, email alerts...lots of distractions. I'm also not a fan of Facebook or Twitter anymore. I know a lot of people just love these social media sites but for me, they were just more ways to waste precious time.

On the other hand, I don't consider blogging a waste of time, at all. I find it energizing and stimulating. Writing posts and visiting my (many) fav blogs. These pursuits add to my day, in a positive and productive way. Within reason for blogging time, of course!!! LOL 

I have a number of wonderful and diverse creative projects on the go right now that I am really excited about. I'm swamped, but in a good way! But in order to proceed with all of them productively, I need to have a plan each day what I'll be working on.

 Focusing...instead of randomly trying to work on several tasks and getting diverted and distracted along the way.

Multi-tasking appears to be productive but apparently it isn't. That's been proven again and again. I blogged about multi-tasking vs chunking  previously here.

I hope you find this word/mantra for the week helpful with your own creative pursuits.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE WEEK!  :<)

Word of the Week: Open

OPEN

 

Being open to new ideas, suggestions, opinions...I think it's so important.

 Something that I've noted in my own life, again and again. When I had a belief, opinion, sometimes a misconception... about a particular topic, then did a complete "360" after talking to someone or reading an alternate opinion. Sometimes right away and sometimes, it took some time.

 

Being open keeps us "in the loop" vibrant, young at heart. Not that it isn't good to have personal beliefs that don't change and are part of who we are. But there are so many things that aren't "written in stone". That might at some time, be good to take another look at. Listen with an open heart.

 

Nothing is more beautiful than a flower, just opening it's beauty to the world.

Here's to being open and as fresh as a blooming flower, throughout life.

Makes things interesting too, don't you think? :<)

 

Wishing You a Wonderful Week! 

Taking the Time to Say: Thank You!

Recently I was having yet another bout of insomnia at around 1 in the morning (that happens quite a bit) and decided to get up and do some browsing on the Web.

While on Google, I "happened" to find my way to a Doctors Review site. It got me thinking about a doctor I had met many years ago when I ended up in the emergency ward at 5 AM with what I thought at the time was either a heart attack or stroke (it was neither, just a lot of stress-related physical symptoms...long story).

Back to the "thank you" theme of this post. After finding this doctor's name on the review site and reading many glowing (they really were) reviews (and not one negative one!) from patients he had treated and cared for over the years, I decided to try to locate an email address for him. I wanted to send a note of thanks for his kindness and compassion on that very difficult night, so many years ago.



My email:

Many years ago, I ended up at the ..... Hospital emergency room at around 5AM, suffering from what I thought at the time was either a heart attack or stroke (it was neither, just way too much stress in my life). I had the good fortune to have you as the emergency room doctor who attended to me that night.

I was reading some reviews of doctors and came across your name. I vividly remember you and that night. You were so kind, professional and reassuring, I never forgot it. It appears from the reviews I was reading tonight, that I am not the only one who has been impressed by how you conduct yourself as a doctor. If I didn’t thank you that night (Oct. 1998) I just wanted to say that now. My sincere thanks to you for helping me so much on what was probably the most difficult night of my life. I lived to tell the tale though! I’m so glad you were there.

And the Dr.'s reply:

Thank you so much for your kind words! You made my day Geraldine. I will speaking to my Dad later today (both of my folks are well) and I will pass on your greetings.
Take care. R....


I've left out the names for confidentiality. Coincidentally,  I happened to know his parents, wonderful people.

It left me with such a good feeling to have been able to reconnect and to express my sincere appreciation, after all these years. I needed the care of a truly compassionate and professional doctor that night and that's exactly what happened.

If there's someone who you've always wanted to say thanks to and it got forgotten along the way for whatever reason, it really is worth the time and small effort to write a note, email or make a phone call. I'm so glad that I did....

Enjoy ALL Kinds of Weather. A Rainy Day Haiku too!

                                    

                                      

It's been raining here in Interior BC,  a very LOT!  Much more than the usual for June.

As I'm such a rain-lover, that's just fine with me. But the complaining starts almost immediately. I hear it everywhere: "where is the sun"  "I'm sick of all this rain" "I hate the rain" "Rain, rain go away" "why does it have to rain"...it goes on and on.

I love the rain but I also love the sun too. And the changing seasons. The snow, the fog, a wicked good storm now and then. Thunder booming. I kind of like it all!

We can't do anything about the weather so we may as well enjoy what we can about it.


It's a big part of every single day, isn't it?

And what an added "bonus". When we can enjoy the beauty of nature, in all it's verdant glory, thanks in large part to the rain. I'd say:

Rain can be a very good thing. :<)

A Tanka Poem: The Beckoning Spring

                                                                     

Tree on the hillside

barren branches, wait for green.

Sun to warm it's boughs

and as in life, will renew.

For now, the whispering winds.

GHH/2011

This is my second attempt at tanka poetry.

Tanka is the oldest form of Japanese poetry, you can read more about it here.

My first tanka poem: Spring Thaw is posted here, I wrote that one quite a while ago.

 I still prefer haiku but I've enjoyed trying tanka too.
                        

What is your favorite form of poetry?


For me, writing poems is so relaxing and rewarding. Succinct and timeless forms of expression. Reading and writing poetry is a true joy in my life. I hope that's the case for you too!

Photo (isn't it wonderful) courtesy of my blog friend: Jason Evans.
                                               

PS: It's been a very busy day in Blogland for me!

Here are some new posts at my other blogs:

My Poetic Path: Rainy Days and Monday...

Veggies, Yarns and Tails: Save a Bundle, Make Your Own Sprouts 

My Real Life Reviews: Breathe Right nasal strips


And a couple more in drafts!!!LOL

Time to call it a day on the computer. Happy Wednesday and see you soon!

"Simple" Acts of Kindness Haiku

                                

                                                                                              

Sometimes, we may never know, the far-reaching branches of one simple "act of kindness".



An Inspiring Quote for Friday the 13th!

"There is no digression, only added detail."

Here's to adding the right details, to every day.

Thanks to Brenda for suggesting this wonderful quote.

From the book: Salt and Saffron by Kamila Shamsie.
                 



and


Happy Friday the 13th!


 Here's to a lucky day for all of us.


Forget about the superstitions.
                       


Heh, Bloggers back (sorta, I lost some comments) that's a start! 

Word of the Week: Bliss

This is one of my favorite photos and bliss is one of my favorite words. I hope you enjoy the haiku too.

Bliss...such a lovely state of mind and word to contemplate and reach for. Sometimes it seems unattainable but I don't think that's ever really the case. It's just a state of happiness taken to the next level, isn't it?

I hope you find your own special BLISS this week!

Want to Live Longer? Lighten Up!

Just found this interesting article about a very inspiring 104 year young woman!  You go Dot!!!


Yet another plus of being happy, taking life as it comes, going with the flow, putting on a happy face...you can actually add YEARS to your life! 


This is just one of many articles on this topic and again and again the results conclude: happy thoughts and an optimistic outlook = a longer, healthier life. It's another good reminder to not sweat the small stuff and keep things in perspective throughout each day.


Does it really, REALLY matter if you burnt the toast this morning? What about finding a stain on your favorite blouse that you were planning to wear today? Getting caught up in traffic on the way to work...the list in a given day can be endless. Small, annoying delays, set-backs etc. Negative energy that can slowly but surely change a good day into one that you just want to end.


When an annoyance or delay happens, deal with it as quickly as possible and move on. Put it behind you.

Speaking of  traffic jams  put the time to good use, not dwelling on frustration:

• Sing along with the radio.
• Take some slow, deep breaths.
• Think about a pleasant event coming up.
• Catch up with your knitting or a good book.
• Gaze at the sky and the scenery that usually flies by in a blur.

                     
the list goes on and on...

Think about how lucky you really are to: have that toast to eat (personally, I like a bit of burn around the edges!), that special blouse that your best friend gave you that will still look great to wear again after a wash. And wow, having your own car and a job to go to and get paid for! Triple bonus! A lot of people who would be happy to have those and don't.  

Choose happiness today.


Make it a better day for you and everyone in your life. Living a longer and healthier life is kind of a nice plus too, don't you agree?

PS: Mr. Cheddar has also been busy today. He has a new cat treat review (there's a dog- variety available too) you might enjoy. As the Ched says: Chiao for now!!!

A Gerber Daisy Haiku

                                                            

This beautiful gerber daisy was a pretty and thoughtful gift that I received from a couple of friends. They dropped it off, as a much-needed "pick me up" for the day (I was having a less than happy one). It certainly did that and went on to weather the winter on the bathroom window sill, leaves crumpled and flowers nowhere in sight.

And then, to once again emerge in all it's loveliness.

Daisies of all types and colors, always make me smile.

                               

Wishing you a Wonderful Spring Day!

Also submitted for: Today's Flowers

Put On A Happy Face!

                         
This happy, classic tune was playing in my head the other day.

It doesn't get much better than when it's sung by the amazing Tony Bennett!


The smiling kids and happy faces in this video made me feel happy too.

                                                    

Click to sing along: Put On A Happy Face

                                                           

"spread sunshine all over the place...."

PS: Speaking of things that make me happy, I just wrote this new post over at My Real Life Reviews today that's oh so yummy! Caution: chocolate alert!!! LOL

This Weekend, Take Time for A Special Breakfast

Many of us don't have the time to make a special/substantial breakfast during the week, at least not on a regular basis. It is the most important meal of the day, according to most experts.


  Breakfast = break the fast.     

                               

It's nice to have more time and plan for a treat on the weekend/or days off.
                                     

                    

I've been on a "pancake kick" lately and have been giving several "scratch" pancake recipes a try. Oh so yummy and a great way to treat yourself and those you love.

I usually stir up the dry ingredients the night before and then just add the wet ingredients in the morning. Almost as quick and easy as pre-mixed! And so much better, cheaper too. I like to add fresh blueberries (pick one add-on from the list in recipe) to these oat pancakes and they were extra yummy. Very nice flavour and texture.

A couple of changes I made to this recipe: I add 2 T. of fructose for a bit of sweetness and use a combination of 1/2 water and 1/2 cereal cream in lieu of the fat-free milk. Your choice on this. Finish off with some maple syrup or homemade jam! Yummm....

Link to: Quaker Oats Oatmeal Pancake Recipe. Photo courtesy of Quaker Oats.
                                               

Have a wonderful weekend.
If you can, take time to treat someone you love, including yourself!

It's Your Lucky Day!

May this day bring you extra special luck and good fortune.

I've got a "bit of the Irish" in my blood so I feel especially blessed and lucky today! LOL

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

           

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

Spring Is On My Mind

                                

It’s coming.

The quickening pace.

The earthy fragrance of the still frozen, yet warming soil.

The underground network of vines.

Forgotten seeds and  satiny bulbs….wait.

Wait for the soft touch of the sun-fairy’s magic wand.

                           

Shifts everywhere.

The horizon, the sun.

Birds return. Water rises. Animals venture out.

Earth awakens slowly. One eye open, then the other.

The promise: again renewed.

Life sustained.

As we gratefully anticipate, another spring.

  

GHH ♥ 2011

                               

                                    

A poem that I recently wrote to welcome this spring.

The emerging season, full of promise and on my mind throughout the days.

Hugs and Happy Spring!

Art Can Inspire and Nurture the Soul

Isn't this beautiful?

This "Idea Mandala" has been kindly shared by Teri at: Teri's Mandala's and Haiku.

Visit Teri's blog to read more about this unique form of art and also the meaning/inspiration for this particular mandala.

I could look at these for hours. I feel calm and peaceful enjoying each mandala. 
                                   

Art in all it's forms, can be so inspiring.

 I hope this beautiful selection brings joy to your day.
                          

PS: I also have a new product review post over at MRLR for a natural cosmetic product you might enjoy. Hope you can stop in soon!

Find Your Passion, Follow Your Heart!

                                  
"Live your life on your own terms.

To the beat of your own drum.

And to the rhythm of your own heart."


GHH 

Isn't that what it's all about?

What or who (or lucky to have more than one) makes life exciting,unpredictable (in a good way) and worth getting up for.

Here's to following your heart, your passion, your calling.

 Whether it's a talent, a person, a journey, a pursuit, a dream....whatever or whoever it is, it is so worth it.

It's what makes life a technicolor experience that we will invent and re-invent for ourselves, every second, minute, hour....a life well lived.

     Seize the day! 

                                                                            

Also submitted for the OSI prompt: Passionate

I Love You: A Happiness Haiku

Word for the Day:Abundance

The abundance of beauty in nature.

                          

Recently, I have felt the abundance of life flowing towards me once again after a very long "drought" of feeling a lack of it, on many levels. It is a very good feeling.

When I look back to years ago, I have had so much to be thankful for and often didn't realize or acknowledge it all, at the time. I will not make that mistake again. I truly believe that abundance comes and goes in our lives for many reasons. And not just in terms of material things although those are important too.

                                   

If you have abundance in your life in it's many forms: love, success, wealth, friendship...treasure it and never take it for granted. If  you feel the need for more abundance in your life, dwell on it, make it your mantra and believe that it is on it's way to you, in whatever ways you need it.

                                            

NEVER give up, never give in that all is lost. It will return.

                                          

Wishing you abundance in your life!