Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Humpday Help - Think About the Moment


It's a busy week but take a moment to refresh your spirit. Here's a little exercise that will help you slow down, even if it's only for a moment.

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and sit down. If you are a writer, I challenge you to write this exercise down. But I want you to sit still, even for five minutes and look around you. Now think about the moment.


Silence is golden, or at least something to be cherished. Even though I have some smooth jazz flowing into my ears, the lack of the playful noise of my three boys is music to me. I feel my mind sigh in relaxation.

The morning went unusually smooth. No arguments or temper tantrums. Trevor and Devin go up easily, dressed and ate. Devin completed his homework willingly. Both boys boarded the bus on time.

Nathan is still sleeping and even the dog is napping. The guinea pig shuffles quietly in his cage as if he doesn't want to interrupt the moment. Perhaps he is lost in his own thoughts. I am in my own little piece of heaven.

This is my moment.

I’m sitting at the dining room table that is covered with an antique cloth purchased for $1 at a garage sale. A cup of polluted coffee cools next to a carob chip muffin resting on a plate. Fading flowers lay in a tarnished urn on the center of the creamy cloth.

The table is uncluttered like my mind at the moment. Both are a rarity. Everything is smooth, creamy, peaceful. I know the moment is fleeting but it feels so good.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Cleaning Day - The Simmer Pot


There is a gypsy in my books who is wise and has many wonderful tips to share. When I'm cleaning my house I use a Simmer Pot simmilar to one she uses.

A Simmer Pot is any large pot of water placed on the stove to simmer for many hours. Of course one can make a pot of soup, which will fill the home with awonderous, welcoming aroma that will also fill a body with nurishment.

Here are many Simmer Pot recipes I like to use when I'm cleaning.
*add orange slices, whole cloves, and a few sticks of cinamon
*lemon slices, slices of fresh ginger
*lemon slices, sage leaves
*dried lavendar, sage leaves
*lemongrass, dried lavendar, sage leaves
*a handfull of pine needles, couple of cinamon sticks
*a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few drops of peppermint

Now, if you make a pot of soup that simmers all day... make sure you share it!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wednesday - Humpday Help, Little Indulgence


Everybody gets grey sometimes, and we all need a little indulgence.

Here in Michigan, the temp outside is -4, my furnace isn't working so the heat in the house isn't over 65. My fingers are too cold to type. Hubby is in Florida complaining about how cold the air conditioning is and having to go to Hooters again for dinner. The kids don't have Cabin Fever yet... but I think I do. Everything is grey today. Blahhhhh...

Here is my thought on a little cure for the day.

Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. They are easy to find at the grocery store these days. Split them up so you can have at least one flower in each room of the house. You can use any kind of container; a small vase, a cute little glass, a teacup, or my favorite - an old salt shaker.

Fresh flowers can also add a touch of romance to any room.
Enjoy the simplicity of fresh flowers! A little bit of life and color can brighten any home on a grey day as well as lift our spirits.