happy notes

Gratitude is a very important part of my self care practice.  I have tried to keep a gratitude journal but was never very good at showing up to it each day.  When I would remember to write in it I would see how long ago I was there and feel discouraged for not sticking with it.  Then the incredible idea for a happiness jar passed through my feed from the wonderful Elizabeth Gilbert.  It was simple -- one jar and tiny slips of paper.  Each day you write one thing that made you happy and drop it into the jar.  Easy peasy!  

This was the perfect solution for me because if I missed a day I never noticed and therefore my inner critique never got the chance to jump in and speak negative words.  I definitely missed many days but my jar still filled up with so many wonderful memories.  Simple moments that make this life extraordinary.  Like:

• Sharing sushi with Dustin
• A fun evening at the car show, lots of laughs, plenty of shine, and good people all around
• The sweet smell of wild orange as she rubbed it on my forehead and shoulders while in shavasana

Simple everyday moments that make this life extraordinary.  What a love about the happiness jar is how ordinary the moments are, yet they fill my heart with so much love!  

I have taken the time to read through each one of my happy moments from 2015.  It was fun to go back and read about moments that I forgot about.  I was also able to see how much happiness there was even during such a tragic time.  Each happy moment is filled with love, connection, and so much goodness.  

The jar is now empty and ready for a brand new year of happy.  I am excited to continue this tradition.  I usually write out my note before I slip into bed.  It is the perfect way to end the day.  

If you are interested in doing this I encourage you to go for it.  Any jar and slips of paper will do.  One thing I do recommend is including the date on each note.  This way when you look back you know exactly the day it happened.  You can begin a happiness jar any time of the year, it doesn't have to happen on January 1st.  And if you miss a day or a bunch of days, no big deal ... just pick up wherever you are.  Fill that jar with loads of happiness.  

grateful for this world

I am grateful for the world and the way it let's me live in it
It gives me space to expand
To reach, to grow
Never enclosing me in a little box,
but rather encouraging me to go out and play
Explore
Seek
Roam, free
Yes, this world gives it all to me
The mountains, the ocean, the sunshine, the sky
It gives me stars to wish on
And raindrops to dance through
It invites me to always stay curious
And to never stop dreaming
It fills me up with wonder
And puts on the most beautiful shows
This world is wide and expansive
And it reminds me of that every single day
There are endless roads to travel
New paths to explore
And oceans to swim in
There are mountains to climb
And moments to sit and savor
The world slows me down when I travel to fast
Sending me a heart rock to tuck in my pocket
Or a message through a feather, reminding me that angels do exist
The world is filled with wonder
And endless possibilities
It has opened up it's arms to me
Invited me in and asked me to explore
I am so grateful for the wide expansive world
For the diversity it brings me
The love it shows me
And the adventures it has opened up to me
Thank you for deep deep earth, the wide expansive sky
And everything between
It is here where I get to live
To simply be me
And be in awe of the world's stunning beauty

spark your creativity

As the leaves change around here there is so much color it is a feast for the eyes.  I am reminded of when I was a kid and my brothers and I would rake all the leaves into a pile and jump into them with reckless abandon.  There was so much fun and freedom in that moment.  

As I have grown older there seems to be fewer and fewer moments of reckless abandon.  I tend to focus on what I need to do and am always looking ahead at the next thing on my list.  However, fun and play should have their moment in the sun as well.  

My dear friend Kelly Barton has taught me a lesson or two about infusing fun and color into my every day life.  Her chalk art creations, time on the porch, and awesome watercolor paintings inspire me take time out to play and create.  

This fall Kelly is offering a new online course called soul.FULL.  It is filled with color, awesome projects, and will give you a chance to let go and create.  I am joining in on the fun and I hope you will, too.

soul.FULL. is a one-week guided field trip that explores how to bring creativity into your everyday.  Through this course you will develop new habits that will give you an artist's nudge and put a smile on your face.  

You can read more about it on Jeanne Oliver’s blog HERE.  Hope to be creating along side of you this November.  

ignite the spark

Inspiring me this week is this guy in the picture above
Together we dream up big ideas and take the leap  
He listens intently
Thinks deeply, and challenges me with bigger and better ways to make it happen
He never says no, and thinks in the "how can we" mindset
He pushes me further than I ever thought I could go
Encouraging me to take that next step
He is always there
Ready to help me jump 

The Love Notes Postcard project would be nothing without him
Our brainstorming together solidified the idea that I couldn't put into words
I am so grateful to have him in my life
He is my inspiration
He ignites my sparks
And fuels the fire along the way
This weekend we are taking on our next adventure
I am thrilled to be doing this together
Follow our journey  on Instagram

Without him I would still be me
But with him life is a little bit sweeter
Who ignites your spark?

ignite the spark

"Life isn't about getting and having, it's about give and being." -Kevin Kruse

This week has been filled up with so much goodness including sitting on my patio listening to this interview.  If you ever wondered how Squam Arts Workshops came to be listen in.  So interesting to hear how it all unfolded, and this line from Elizabeth resonated with me deeply:

"I don't have a social disorder. I wasn't with my tribe. Because with my tribe I could talk to four in the morning about things we are passionate about"

My wrist has filled up with color after adding this adorable piece. Erin creates such fun pieces and is such a delight to do business with.  

I am also looking forward July where I will be immersed in 28 Moments.  Michelle GD is such a kind heart and I can't wait to begin the journey of exploring writing and photography as a tool to look closely at how I move through my days.  

What about you?  What has been filling up your cup this week?   

ignite the spark

There has been so much goodness filling my well as I re-enter from my first time teaching at Squam Arts Workshops.  It was an amazing experience and has confirmed what I have known since I was a little girl. . . I love teaching, and am meant to share that with the world.  Dreaming up more ways to make that happen.    

Have you seen the drinkable book?  My goodness!!!  Genius!!!  Inspiring me to see that a book can really be anything and help people in an infinite number of ways.  

My dear friend Mindy Tsonas is hosting an amazing online workshop:  Inner Alchemy Circle - Fire Coven.  The gathering begins on July 6th and the line up of teachers is magical.  I would love to circle with you there.  

Have you heard about Indie Kindred?  Well it is now available for rent on vimeo.  Hooray!  Jen Lee has crafted together the meaning of collaboration so beautifully.  

And if you are looking to get your paint on this summer then look no further than Mindy Lacefield's Image, Play, Emerge online workshop.  Mindy has a fun and playful approach to painting that will get you going.  

Happy Friday!  Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine and giggles.