Things I Love Thursday [Spring Edition]

May 16, 2013August 29, 2018 / Ally Bean / 26 Comments

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the geraniums, ‘ya know?

Lately, I’ve been feeling that I’m missing the simple things in my life. That I’m focusing only on complex issues and confused people. That I am way too much in my head and not enough in my heart.

And this behavior is bringing me down.

So, as an antidote to the complexities inherent in my modern life, I’ve decided that once per season I will do my version of a Things I Love Thursday post. Here is my first edition.

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• geraniums • faded denim • truthfulness • the sweet scent of the ash trees in bloom • tralfaz • home decor catalogues • income tax refunds • herbed chèvre • unexpected friendly emails from old friends • laughing • sauvignon blanc • gumption • randomness on my car radio • tetris • walking • the united states of tara • rhubarb • festina lente • no gloves, except gardening ones • gratitude • paper calendars with pretty images • sunshine •

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And you? What are you loving right now?

Power To The Puppy

March 23, 2013 / Ally Bean / 12 Comments

I’ve heard people say:

“Just because someone throws you a ball, it doesn’t mean that you have to catch it.”

I believe that this is good advice.

This video, which is the living embodiment of that advice, makes me laugh out loud EVERY time I view it.

Enjoy!

“Ready. 1… 2… 3… Catch.”

Springing Forward, Feeling New

March 11, 2013November 19, 2015 / Ally Bean / 19 Comments

{ lettering by Kelly Cummings }

Birds are chirping outside our front door this morning. They nest in the river birch trees that create a barrier between our front yard and the neighbor’s front yard.

Then, because the little birdies feel so safe, they like to flit and hop around on our bushes, concrete bench, front stoop. Sometimes they even look in the window at me.

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They are cute, but not all that melodic. No surprise. They are little birdies whose primary purpose in life is to build nests and procreate. And to not get eaten by the neighborhood cats. I’m sure that figures into their nest-building.

I find their presence outside my front door to be the most immediate and clearcut sign that Spring is here. Last week, Winter. This week, Spring. The change of seasons happens quickly and easily in this part of the world with Daylight Savings Time underscoring what is already going on naturally.

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I find March, and the shift into Spring, as inspiring and focusing as New Year’s Day. For me, this is the time of year to start new things. To say: “Today I will begin ______.” And then go out and do it. Rather like NY resolutions, without the formality and fuss, but with the follow-thru.

So with that in mind I plan to start anew today. To follow the lead of the little birdies who are happy as can be doing their own thing. To embrace change. And growth. And adventure. And fun.

Definitely fun. Care to join me?

The Last Snow Of The Season… Or So I Imagine

March 9, 2013March 9, 2013 / Ally Bean / 18 Comments

On Wednesday we had what I imagine will be our last snow of the season.

It was the kind of snow that covers everything it touches with what appears to be wallpaper paste or cotton balls. This snowfall didn’t slow things down like early and mid-winter snow does. In fact, by mid-day Thursday the streets and sidewalks were clear.

But while it remained on the trees and bushes, the heavy snow made for some pretty photos. There are times when the grayness of winter is quietly stunning.

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