Happy Luscious Hearted Monday

As I hope for a peaceful week for myself, my family, my friends and my readers I find my self overreaching, setting goals, making lists, but sometimes, not listening. This little list is a good reminder for me that the best things in life are the simple things... dream big, but take all of the little steps to get from here to --------------------------> there.

I'm reposting this from the blog of Gretchen Rubin author of The Happiness Project.

Secrets of Adulthood

• The best reading is re-reading.
• Outer order contributes to inner calm.
• The opposite of a great truth is also true.
• You manage what you measure.
• By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
• People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.
• It's nice to have plenty of money.
• Most decisions don't require extensive research.
• Try not to let yourself get too hungry.
• Even if you think they're fake, it's nice to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day.
• If you can't find something, clean up.
• The days are long, but the years are short.
• Someplace, keep an empty shelf.
• Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
• It's okay to ask for help.
• You can choose what you do; you can't choose what you LIKE to do.
• Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
• What you do EVERY DAY matters more than what you do ONCE IN A WHILE.
• You don't have to be good at everything.
• Soap and water removes most stains.
• It's important to be nice to EVERYONE.
• You know as much as most people.
• Over-the-counter medicines are very effective.
• Eat better, eat less, exercise more.
• What's fun for other people may not be fun for you--and vice versa.
• People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
• Houseplants and photo albums are a lot of trouble.
• If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.
• No deposit, no return.

One more little thing *I'm wishing for the speedy recovery of my friend who is in the hospital healing with ease*

Now, go get your craft *ON*

xoxo

jul

Walk on the Wildside Wednesday - We're in the PINK and GREEN and Black and White and stuff

Sometimes when you go to Napa for your buddy's birthday you may be the one who is surprised! 

I never ever imagined that we would end up at a monastery... or that it would be the COOLEST place I ever seen in Napa... talk about inspiring, check these out!

I also wouldn't have guessed that Ali and I would end up taking the SAME pictures!

JC by Jul

JC by Ali

Ok, so they're not eXaCtLy the same, but darn close!

Frogs that chirp! 

I also would not have anticipated hearing frogs that sound like a bird!

I have no idea what that was, but the frogs were leaping out of the water and I SWEAR they were chirping! 

Such a trip!

Monastery - Hillside view

The Lady is definitely in the Pink

Lovely light

 Back in our East Bay dream land The People and I enjoyed a gorgeous walk in the misty clouds

Delicate and Fragile omen of the future

My field fairy, Queen Protector 

Those Eyes mean business

 And off to another monastery... 

This time the Buddhist Temple and in the rain its just that much more of a gift

Quan Yin and all that's GREEN

Fu Dog a keeper of the gate

There is definitely something that stirs in the soul this time of year... rebirth, renewing, growth and the cycle of life its all happening and its all happening, now. With everything that's happening in the world right now, our Spirits are absolutely on notice. Its a challenge to keep focused, stay positive and be BRAVE, but we are prepared to do what it takes. As one of my girlfriends would say "Its ON" 

Happy Spring!

Now go CRAFT something!

xoxo

jul

Walk on the Wild side Wednesday

Well, today may not be really wild...

in fact sort of tame

quiet 

and time worn

more like a comfort

an old fashioned

inspirational stroll 

through things that take time

to truly be 

loved

and find a special place

in the world of our hearts

Walk on the Wild side Wednesday

You know, when you're tapped out... you've given your all too many days in a row, you're spent and its gonna take that somethin' special to get YOU back. Where do you go, what do you do, who do you turn to? What is your source that you can go to for replenishing? We all get there from time to time. For me its critical to not wait too long before filling the well.

I think it most likely differs from person to person; for me it differs from one day or experience to the next. Most days a little German Glass Glitter and Glue will get me all "Juled" up. Sometimes its as simple as a hug from The People or a long hot bath with a long hot book. It never fails, though for those times when I'm feeling scuffed up around the edges a walk in the woods makes my soul feel as smooth as silk.

One of the most beautiful walks on our big blue home exists virtually in my backyard.  Muir Woods offers some of the most lovely things you can feast your eyes on both great and teeeeeeenyyyyy tiiiiiiiiiiny:

With my heart all filled up and warm from plenty of hugs from The People I'm ready to begin anew.

How do you refill, replenish and renew?

Now, go get your craft on! 

xoxo

jul