summer adventure

Amazing how this beautiful planet keeps spinning and before you know it another season is here. So I thought I'd like to look back at this summer and take stock of what I learned from her:

*I'm a contemplative mutt, a happy contemplative mutt

*Steaming farm fresh eggs is the way to go, although I'm still finetuning the timing

*Just because my work was really mellow in July didn't mean August wouldn't come along and basically kick me in the side of my head

*I really want to learn Spanish, even if it would make sense to learn Italian or brush up on my French for the traveling we may be doing

*On a related note, I could listen to this song every day

*When shooting off That's Your Problem fireworks, pay attention to the label and make sure they're well secured

*It may be time to take an ecourse hiatus

*Watching tree frogs eating moths on the window of our back door while I'm eating dinner is pretty much paradise

What did you learn this summer?

calm adventure

A sweet friend gave me this wonderful mug recently and I love drinking my Rooibus tea out of it. It's such a welcome message every morning, as I can feel myself getting revved up about my day. I'm so grateful to be reminded that #1 I'm not living in war-time Britian, despite the level of fight or flight might be feeling, and #2 keeping calm is a really wise option. Carry on, my dear friends! And have a great week.

safari adventure

We had such a fun time at the Nashville Zoo's Sunset Safari this week, having been very generously gifted the tickets. Wandering around a zoo at dusk, eating delicious samples of amazing food, and having sort of surreal experiences like this - we can't wait to go back next year!

simple adventure

These days I'm enjoying keeping things simple and being in the moment. Instead of obsessing over things, as I'm inclined to do, or trying to pack in too many activities, I've been exploring creating a list of things that really need to be addressed and then working through them, one at a time, just doing what I'm doing and then when that's done, doing the next thing that needs to be done. It's been a helpful way to eliminate time wasters and to put more energy and creativity into the essential things. And essential for me includes exercise, contemplative practice, moments of beauty, 750 Words, simple, delicious meals, and loving the amazing people in my life. Slowing down and living simply feels just right these days.

If anyone wants to join me in my simple adventure, Leo Babauta's mnmlist and zenhabits blogs provide practical tips and inspiring encouragement.

Hope you're all enjoying a lovely Monday, wherever you are!