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! 

(Almost) Summer Time and the Reading is Easy....

                       
I don't think there is anything more relaxing than enjoying a good "summer read" outside on a warm, sunny day. If at all possible, while lying on a sandy, beautiful beach.

 I love reading, all year long and all types of books. But there is something special, even nostalgic about summer stories and books. Sometimes conjuring up personal happy summer- time memories too.

The following two books are my all time favorite "summer books". I hope you enjoy these reviews. And DO share your own favorite summer book(s) too!  I'd love to add some new favorites to my summer reading list. I've got a pile of books on the go most of time but I'm always happy to be steered to another good read.

And right now, summer reading is on my mind!

                                            
                                                               

Beachcombing at Miramar by Richard Bode

I bought this book several years ago and after reading it once, proceeded to immediately buy numerous copies to give away as gifts. I was that impressed.

One close friend carried this book around in her purse for weeks. When she needed a ’stress break’ she would pull it out to enjoy a peaceful page or two. Another friend stayed up all night, not able to put the book down until the last page was enjoyed. I can relate, it really is that good.

For me, this was a life-changing book and one that touched me deeply. The story of Richard Bode’s journey from the rat race to a peaceful and contemplative life on a California beach at Miramar. A dream that for most people remains just that. Bode went for it. Gave up his high-paying, high-pressure job and left behind the life he had always known (including a marriage that wasn’t working any more) to find himself. To live out his dream of a life filled with meaningful and one- of- a -kind “memory” days.

Beautifully written, this is a book you will never forget. A rare glimpse and chance to share an extraordinary life transition along with the author. I highly recommend this book to add to your summer reading list. In case you haven’t read it already.
                                   

　
Summer's Lease by John Mortimer 


If lighter reading with plenty of laughs is what you are looking for; perhaps this next one will be more your cup of (iced) tea…
                            
 John Mortimer’s: Summer’s Lease. I’ve read this book at least 5 times, yes it's that good!

This is the travel journal of an English family. Mother Molly: plump, disillusioned with her marriage and the demands of motherhood; decides to respond to a rather cryptic newspaper ad for a Italian vacation rental. She takes a rather bold step (for her) and rents a “villa” in Tuscany for the summer and so begins the tale…
                     
As one reviewer on Amazon so aptly put it: ” A delicious Italian dish; sun-drenched and garlic-scented novel” .

I won’t spoil the story. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining and well-written summer novel with a touch of suspense, romance regained and even strange water-shortages abounding….. you may want to give this one a try.

Have a wonderful weekend and happy reading!

A " Monk" Joke

Warning: Goofey joke alert!!!

On the plus side, it's still funny I think and definitely suitable for all audiences LOL

Here goes:

A young man became a monk, with a religious order that only allowed very limited speaking in the monastery. For every 10 years in the order, they were allowed to speak only 2 words.

After ten years, the young monk was called to the office of the Abbot of the monastery to see what he had to say:

"Food bad."

The Abbot dismissed the monk and told him to return to his work.

Ten more years went by and the same question was asked by the Abbot. This time the reply was:

"Bed hard."

Again, the Abbot dismissed the monk, and told him to return to his work.

After 10 more years, the same question was asked and this time, the monk's reply was:

"I quit."

The Abbot, quickly replied:

"I'm not surprised. All you've done is complain for the past 30 years!"
                                   

Wishing you  a wonderful weekend filled with laughter and fun!

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!

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!