December Views 12/19

“Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around.” ~Stephen King

Can you believe that 2011 is almost over?
What a year?!!

I feel like I have hardly had time to process it all.  Feeling the need to get the old journal out and scribble away. However, maybe somethings are best left open-ended.

If I am learning anything this year is that everything is not immediately solvable.
Sometimes, you have to struggle, sit and retry many times before you get even to base one. Don't take that as discouragement but comfort. It's life. We all go through this in some area or another in our lives. I don't mean that to be flippant but rather as something I am finding to be a truism is my own life.

My saving grace this year{besides friends, family and love} has been the arts. Making, seeing or just thinking about art fills my heart with excitement. I have for years had tons of art supplies storied and stashed here and there, recipes I've wanted to try,books half read and piled and so many intentions. it has been nice to try my hand at things, finish and start adventures. I am not saying that it's all been dealt. What I am saying that I am keeping at it.

Keeping at it. One day and one step at time. This is what helps you build the life you desire.

What is filling your heart with excitement?

*Loved this article on motivation.
*Scheduled thinking time seems like a great idea to me.
*This is a lovely blog to visit. Very inspiring.

December Views 12/16

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.~Maya Angelou

Life is simple.
Lots of work.
Lots of love.
Endless possibilities.

What's making you hopeful lately?

December Views 12/12

-Give me the courage to love with an open heart An open heart. I wanna love with an open heart.~India.Aire

We spent a chilly Saturday at a local park and find a sweet grove of pine trees. I confess, it felt good to in the midst of pines again. You see, I grew up in the Piney Woods and finding the grove (at the bottom) was beautiful surprise and reminder of home.

Lately, I have been counting my blessing. A day in the pines is definitely on my list. As is- making awesome amazing food with B., catching up with some friends, sunshine, apple sausage, earl gray tea on lazy afternoons and loads of books to read from the library{best public place, ever!}. What's on your gratitude list lately?

* Love this article on gratitude.
*Current favorite pose:legs against the wall. Perfect for centering on busy days.

Have a sweet week,

December Views 12/7

It snowed earlier today.
I had a big meeting in the middle of the day
All I have time for is--
a cup of tea and a steaming bowl of rice
topped with kale, carrots and coconut, if I'm lucky.
What's on your plate lately?

P.S. Currently reading this. Such a lovely book.

Should the "Not Enough Blues" Strike You

“but if you can plant yourself in stillness long enough, you will, in time, experience the truth that everything (both uncomfortable and lovely) does eventually pass.”~Elizabeth Gilbert

today, i am feeling a little off
it happens
mountains are made out of molehills
a body just feels weary

then i talk to an old friend 
not about my troubles but about
life and upcoming birthdays and cooking
and feel a spark of life

i call my mother and she holds
my heart over these thousands of miles
all the while preparing for my 
prodigal brother's return
that alone is enough 
to flood the light

later my love will come
and hold me
because i asked
because sometimes, you need silence
sometimes, you need connection
and sometimes, you just need to be
touched tenderly.

should your heart be heavy or light
should you feel lost or found...
take care of your heart
like it was your dearest friend
invite her to tea, give her a nap
look her in the eyes and tell her the truth.
You are enough. I am enough. This too, shall pass.

P.S. Love this post. You could say it inspired this post. 

December Views:12/5

This December, I'm participating in december views. The idea is to to simple post a picture, when the fancy strikes during this month.

P.S.  Lately, I'm loving this blog. It's just perfect to curl up with.