Inspiration Board: Yellow

While out walking this week; I haven't been able to take my eyes off the big piles of the last fallen leaves in the most spectacular shades of yellow and brown… I think I might need a little more yellow in my life...

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Happy Weekend everyone!

LOL

I love it when my guy returns home from the States with a big stack of books and magazines for me to dive into; which happened this past Friday….

Based on the recommendation of a couple of friends; I've been anxious to read "Cold Tangerines" by the inspiring Shauna Niequist.   Here's what she writes on the back cover "I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud.  And I don't want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes.  I want to eat cold tangerines and sing loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now.  I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift."

Oh, how this resonates with me!  Here is how mine would read…

I want a life that sparkles and fizzes like champagne and makes me laugh out loud.  And I don't want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of folded laundry and Pinterest pins and nice outfits and clean floors.  I want to eat pimento cheese and take long walks and go barefoot and stay up all night laughing with fine lines on my face taking residence where all those smiles have been.  I want to paint my walls the exact color of the Mediterranean right now and take naps on clean white sheets and hear the sound of my family and friends' voices in my home.  I want to eat dinner by candlelight and listen to music that makes me dance or cry with joy and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift… even of an ordinary day. 

Yours?

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” 
― John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

Be(you)tiful

My guy and I watched Song for Marion over the weekend (he's sweet about letting me pick them).... a charming movie in large part due to the always compelling performances of actress Vanessa Redgrave..... (who also happened to inspire our first European road trip)....

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..... and is a testament to the true beauty found in growing older gracefully.....

master of my domain....

.... or, in this case, my inbox.  The idea of "simplifying" keeps screaming at me in all parts of my life (why do we often resist what we know will make us happier?!?) .... so I've been spending some time this week unsubscribing from all of the online promotions and/or web-site subscriptions that only serve to bungle up my brain (and my wallet) and complicate my day with distraction.

However, there are certainly sites that truly do inspire..... one of which for me is Domaine Home.... have you seen this?

Chock full of beautiful images, sources, recipes and tips.... this one is a keeper.

Now back to the task at hand..... darn you J.Crew!!! :)

Art & Inspiration: Jumpology

I'm incredibly charmed by the decades old work of LIFE magazine photographer Philippe Halsman.... wherein he asked many of the world's most notable personalities at the time "May I take a picture of you jumping?"  In his theory of 'jumpology'; he believed that you could tell more about a person 'mid-air' than when their 'face-mask' was on during a typical photo.

Philippe Halsman

... I'd certainly agree although I have to say I think it's because jumping is just plain 'ol child-like fun.

.... and who doesn't need a little more of that?

I feel a another little photo project brewing....

Inspiration: Children Learn What They Live

A friend of ours sent us some little devotional cards in the mail and we've been reading them at the dinner table.  I found this one especially insightful...... and thought I'd share with all you fellow moms (& dads) out there.....

author unknown

And, Heaven knows we could use a little more love in this world.....

Inspiration: Life & Love

We lost my dear Aunt Linda yesterday.  I am humbled once again by how fragile and precious this life is.  I will always remember her for her sweet spirit, easy laugh, deep Southern accent, amazing camp stew and cornbread, and the sound of her voice calling me "sugar"..... just like my grandma used to do.  Just a couple of weeks ago, I received an afghan that she made for me (navy :))..... working hard to make one for so many members of the family.... little did I know that it would so soon become something that will forever serve as a beautiful reminder of the warmth that radiated from her soul....

Ashtyn, my mom, Aunt Linda and me - summer 2012

Ironically, I had written a post for today that talked about how I always get choked up when I go to this website.   I know why..... in this season of gift giving, there is simply none that can fill the soul like LOVE.

Must See: Simon Birch

.......since moving to Switzerland, we've been watching a lot of Apple TV (which I highly recommend by the way)...... downloading podcasts of the "Nightly News", "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", "The Bachelor Pad"  (embarrassing.....but in an effort to keep it real) :) and  revisiting old movies like this one......

Our family has a "family movie night" tradition on Friday evenings where we all cuddle up, eat Snocaps and Mike & Ike candy (thank you sister-in-law Christine for the care package!) and watch family friendly flicks.  This is our family's favorite..... a wonderful story of friendship that is always heartwarming (warning.... there is some language, however).  

Do you have a Friday night tradition?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Inspiration: The Intouchables

My guy and I caught this movie on our date night last week and I highly recommend it!  (if you can get your guy to agree to reading subtitles :)).  Based on the true story of a quadrapalegic aristocrat and a street-wise young man who becomes his unlikely caregiver; it is a wonderful (and funny) reminder that true friendship and love know no social or economic boundaries. 

In fact, this film has become the 2nd most successful film in French history.  

Real life always makes for the best stories, doesn't it?

You can watch the trailer here.

Sea Glass.......

A little inspiration by way of sea glass today.  I am in a state of perpetual amazement at the beauty found in nature and of God breathed color palettes.   I've never been to a beach that has sea glass but it's on my bucket list to get there and collect some one day.

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Do you have a favorite color palette inspired by nature?

Resolved: A Picture a Day

...... so while many people are likely resolving to take a multi-vitamin a day in the New Year; I'm resolving to take a photo each day.

..... and why? you ask add something like that to an already crammed "to do" list?  Well, a couple of reasons:  1) I'm horrible at keeping a journal of any kind and this will be a more creative and fun diary of sorts; and 2) (this one's deep) :) To help me achieve a much loftier and worthwhile goal.....  being more present in my own life.  I've noticed thru writing blog posts over the last several months actually, that when I have a camera in hand or I am consciously looking to be inspired; that I am more alert and engaged in the moment and in my day-to-day surroundings.....I'm on the look-out for pretty things; listening more intently; my mind is quieter; and most importantly, I'm happier......

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..... which is as beneficial as a Centrum any day. :)

Inspiration: A cup of cocoa

I adore hot cocoa.  Add in a dash of peppermint..... bliss.  So when I saw the title of this devotional come across in my e:mail I was intrigued.   

A Cup of Christmas Cocoa

Tracie Miles

"They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 (NIV)

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there’s one thing that always calms my heart and quiets my thoughts – a cup of hot cocoa. Who doesn’t feel warm and peaceful while sipping a cup of steaming cocoa with marshmallows piled on top?

But, there is another reason I love cocoa. Each letter of my favorite winter drink helps me focus my heart on Christ at Christmas:

C – CHRIST
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18 (NIV 1984)

We all know Christ is the reason for this season, yet it’s easy to focus on shopping and planning instead of Jesus. This month, let’s spend as much time seeking God’s heart as we do searching for the perfect gifts.

O – ORNAMENTS
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV 1984)

We can easily spend more time decorating our house to look like the holiday edition of a magazine, than we do adorning our inner spirit with God’s love and compassion. Let’s ask God to make our hearts beautiful by giving us His patience and kindness. Then let’s look for ways to bless those around us, especially those in need.

C – CHEERFULLY CELEBRATE THE SEASON
“A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

As gift lists grow and calendars get full, our physical and emotional energy can be drained. Although Christmas is meant to be a joyous season, many of us struggle with depression and discouragement during this time of the year. Let’s take time each day to focus on how much we are valued and loved as children of God. The holidays are merely a season, but God’s love and compassion for us are permanent.

O – OVERJOYED not OVERWHELMED
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)

Do you ever feel overjoyed to kick off the holiday season but overwhelmed by the middle of the month? If we take time each day in December to thank Jesus for coming as our Savior, we could become overwhelmed by His kindness instead. When we focus our hearts on all God has done, we won’t get as easily overwhelmed by all that still needs to be done.

A – ABUNDANCE
“…I came that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b (NIV)

Whenever I think of Christmas morning, from my childhood to the present, the word ABUNDANCE comes to mind. Abundance of presents, food and activities. But these things are temporary. What we need is the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Our hearts need His mercy, peace and love, not only on Christmas day, but every day throughout each year.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a cup of Christmas cocoa. Will you join me? Let’s take time to ponder these Christmas truths and, as that chocolaty goodness warms us, let’s allow the warmth of God’s love to pour into our hearts and His abundant goodness to pour out into the lives of those around us.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of Your Son. Please help me not get so caught up in the earthly celebrations of Christmas that I forget to celebrate all I have in Christ. Remind me of Your love each day and show me how to share it with others each day of this month. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I love this message.  I'm honestly convicted that my heart tends toward worldliness more often than I'd like this time of year but I love the gentle reminder that He is always drawing me back in simple ways like this devotional or a cup of cocoa each day. :)