Notes To Myself

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I’ve been lost in contemplation lately.

Thinking about my goals.  My dreams.  Transformation.

And then I came upon this poster by Austin Kleon.

It is the how-to guide that my mind requires.  And my spirit embraces.

You don’t waste good.

You march ever onward.  Light.  Precise.  Smart.

With joy.

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I Link. You Click. We Chat.

*  Most inexplicable search term that brought someone to my blog: if i were a bird I’d be an apple.

*  Most intriguing way to start conversations with children: 1973 classroom discussion posters.

*  Most unexpected flashback to my younger days: i make things happen. i’m a catalyst.

*  Most wonderful tutorial about painting your home: how to paint perfect lines.

*  Most logical idea that will make my life better: weekly chore schedule.

*  Most confusing online discussion of the week: pinterest-gate.

*  Most entertaining political website ever: i ride inside.

*  Most interesting test that you must take: word association study.

*  Most beautiful advert with useful information on it: left brain/right brain.

*  Most delightful analysis of online friendships: 10 annoying social media friends.

*  Most remarkable personal revelation about how to cook: crock pot baked potatoes.

*  Most useful exercise in self-awareness that you need to do: your eight auspicious symbols.

*  Most unique glimpse back in time: a few important suggestions for the use of your dial telephone.

Of Kayaks And Sunsets

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Four weeks ago we were in Naples, Florida.

We went to my favorite access point onto the public beach to watch the sunset.

Very few people were on the beach, which was a shame because the sunset was beautiful that night.

Not so much colorful, as dramatic.

Astonishing in its intensity.

As we watched the sun setting we noticed one person kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico.

The kayaker, who was only a tiny speck compared to the ocean, added perspective to the scene.

Peaceful.  Balanced.  Confident.

Moving forward with ease.

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Happy Leap Day Everyone 🙂

‘Tis A Gift To Be Mellow

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Last night our midwestern sunset was unique.

Purple and pink and fuchsia filled the sky.  Those bold colors made a perfect backdrop behind the dark brown tree trunks and leafless branches.  Looking out my kitchen window the jumble of trees and color seemed like one unified whole.

The view was more like a watercolor painting than a glimpse into my mundane backyard.

February has been comfortable this year.  The temperatures have been in the 50’s instead of the 20’s.  The sun has shone more days than not.  Snowfall has been negligible.

As a result of this unusual weather, I find myself much more light-hearted than I usually am at this time of year.  More hopeful.  More focused on dreams and plans and doing.

It’s a gift, this winter of mellowness.  A gift that is difficult to ignore.