Tag Archives: happiness

A Year Ago

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A year ago today, I was celebrating Labor Day weekend with my Pittsburgh pal. We did some fun stuff in her city and took a whirlwind trip up to Erie, PA for some book shopping and outdoor exploration at Presque Isle State Park.

What a lovely time that was. We saw gorgeous views.

Learned about history.

Ate seafood.

Shopped for books.

Saw boats.

And simply enjoyed life.

It was such a fun and joyful time that I hope to repeat the experience someday. Meanwhile, I have memories to enjoy and other adventures ahead!

Here’s one more photo – we cruised around Presque Isle one last time before leaving town and found a kite club!

Friends, it’s always worth a second look and another loop around. Labor Day is late this year so you still have time to plan a little adventure. How will you spend your holiday weekend?

Around Here: Sleep Edition

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Around here, this week has been busy.

Dentist, hair and chiropractor appointments early in the week, busy days at work, a blood drive donation, and an excellent concert one night kept me hustling and on the road a lot. I also got a new phone which has caused another layer of complications.

Unfortunately, I had some sleepless nights too.

Around here we value sleep as a means for overall wellness and it just wasn’t coming. In addition to the tired, I have felt dehydrated and off balance.

This is not a great combination.

So I had a chat with Scout last night. As I carried him to bed, I explained how badly I needed to get some rest. Could he please play quietly if he woke up before me?

Would you believe I didn’t hear a peep out of that little cat for fourteen hours? Long story short, I slept till after noon today – something so rare I can’t recall the last time it happened.

And I’m still kind of tired.

So around here today, I’m thinking it’s going to be a hot shower and fresh pjs kind of day. I am going to light a fall scented candle (because if I don’t go outside it can be any season I want) and curl up with books (maybe even something with illustrations) and pretend that feeling rested and reading is my only job.

Have a great Saturday, friends! At least what’s left of it!

Finally Friday!

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It’s Friday and I’m grateful.

I went to see Lukas Nelson last night on the campus of my alma mater, Ohio University. He did a terrific show that was high energy and nonstop music. If you aren’t familiar, he is incredibly talented with a unique timbre that reminds you of his dad Willie – but his own style.

I’m going to need to channel some of that energy today since I got home well past my bedtime and then couldn’t sleep. But it was worth sacrificing a little sleep. Plus, I got a few snaps of the college green and Court Street which was crawling with young bobcats.

Maybe some of those photos will wind up here. For now, here are a few.

Happy Friday Friends. Let’s go get ‘em!

Chihuly Sighting

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If you ever find yourself in the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pa. you will likely be impressed by the variety of things to see and appreciate.

There’s one in particular piece you should look for while exploring. In a rather unremarkable stairwell, there is a large Dale Chihuly glass chandelier. You can stand under it on the stairs or you can appreciate it at eye level from a hallway.

Chihuly’s work is recognizable because it’s so different than what most glass artists are doing. He mimics shapes found in nature, the colors are brilliant even when he’s using a monochromatic scheme, and the scale is typically quite large.

A lot of places would be tempted to hang this piece in their lobby so you can’t help to see it. They would want to show it off . At Westmoreland, it’s placed somewhere quiet, somewhere that you feel like you’re discovering it, and where you can quietly contemplate how the glass handles the light.

Interested in the Westmoreland? It is worth the trip. Read about it here.

Come Out And Play?

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I was headed out for work yesterday when I found this cute little toad waiting at the screen door to the porch. He seemed to be asking if I could come out and play.

I was in a rush but did pause a moment to say hello to my little visitor and to snap a photo. After having his photo made, he very politely moved aside so I could leave.

I have a number of toads and frogs in my yard on any given day and I especially enjoy hearing their chorus of trills, croaks, peeps and chirps. Never heard a toad before? You’re in for a treat. Click here to have a listen.

I know people who complain about the sounds of country creatures but I think they make life more special.

Making friends with the neighbors is always a good idea!

Stand Still

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Stand still.

Take a deep breath.

And another.

Close your eyes and take another deep breath.

Feel your feet pressing into the ground.

Need to breathe again? Do it as much as you wish.

When you are calm and centered, you are stronger and more confident. You are better ready to face what’s ahead. And while nature has an amazing healing power, don’t think you should wait until you’re outdoors like here in the Hocking Hills State Park. Try it in your back yard or next your bed when you wake up

Ready?

Let’s go tackle the day. It’s Thursday, friends. You’ve got this.