The Little Things

My friend Emily and I hold each other accountable for our "daily joys," the little things that we give ourselves to feel happy, alive, and grateful. She loves her morning coffee, good-smelling candles, and organizing her house. The gifts I give myself are eating lunch on the deck, walking in the sunlight, strolling through my garden, and taking the time to cook good food.

Our lives are comprised of millions of moments, each with the potential for joy. What do you give yourself?

Riding the Creative Wave

I'm having the time of my life this summer learning new stuff in classes, meeting new people at networking events, and finding a way to organize my life during the job search. Surprisingly, I've spent less time enjoying my garden this summer than in the past because I've been so involved in the new reality of post-old job, pre-fabulous new job and just enjoying the process.

Having said that, I have have also desperately missed the creativity that goes along with solving complex problems and leading people. I'm thrilled when I get a consulting client who actually needs my brain for a few hours a week right now so that I can feel original and useful.

Since the garden is doing well right now (just needs some more color, which I'm working on a tiny bit at a time), I turn to my other creative outlets to find satisfaction. I recently reorganized my space so that I have lots of room for the seemingly endless supplies and tools associated with my jewelry-making obsession. Now I can actually leave projects out without feeling guilty about taking up all that room and can work on them when I need a fix.

Here are some fun creations from my portfolio: a vintage necklace that I completely took apart, rehabbed, and turned into a bracelet; simple sponge coral earrings; and periodot and pearl beauties that I made for Heather and gave to her for her birthday just yesterday. (She loved them!) My hobbies/obsessions feed my soul, and I'm ever so grateful for them.