Covid19 Routine

Life is so different right now. Sometimes I pause and am amazed. Like many of us, I have struggled hard for a routine during this Covid19 pandemic. The day speeds away from me and easily run together. So for my mental health I purchased a book to help me calm down at night and focus my creativity.

The first challenge was to document my day. Often we try to set up "perfect shots" but I just let them be. As I am feeling the chaos of the times, well, the chaos of my photos make sense. I took mostly morning shots and decided to only do black and white images.

Do you have creative projects during this time to settle yourself? If not, no worries! Do not add more stress right now if that's what a creative project would bring your spirit. But, if you are looking for simple ideas, then I'll be sharing my experiences from the book above.

Shot List

• Google mini rise and shine
• Hmmm, Coffee
• Ground control, Major Tom

 

Ataraxia - A State of Freedom

For my birthday, I escaped to the woods. I enjoyed a Getaway cabin around La Rue, Texas for two nights of peaceful relaxation. 

The cabin, named Marie, was set off the road and had a drive way lined with daffodils. My stay there was calm and simple. I could barely see the neighboring cabins so it felt secluded but I did not feel nervously alone. 

During my visit I caught up on some reading, wrote in my journal, roasted marshmallows, did some items in their activity book, and let the sounds of the forest breeze over me. 

Below are a few photos in random order. 

Birthday Dinner

Part of their activity sheet

The Willing Heart - Chasing Surrender

Photos by my daughter

'She drove through the darkness and her intention was resolute. By appearance an outsider might envision her chasing the sun and finally catching up with the light as it crested over the horizon. However, she had driven for hours because something else was driving her…an anxious heart. 

She pulled into a parking lot next to a lake. As she watched the water caress the edge of the earth she knew this would be a place of surrender and connection. Silently sliding from her car, she took a long, gentle stretch to allow her muscles to lengthen, as well as her mind. Eventually, she reached inside again to grab her pen and notebook, bible and coffee then strolled over to a sizable rock. 

After arranging all her items, she took one small sip of coffee and plunged into the depths of vigorously writing. Dark blue words 'wet' the page in rhythm with the waves as they reached their zenith on shore. In the aftermath of her heart being completely poured out, she ripped those fibrous sheets from the notebook and trudged over to her rock's edge with them. Her hands tore those written words and fears to shreds while she whispered prayers of surrender.

Then as she stood there softening, the wind swept up from behind her towards the lake and her hands loosened their grip so that the pieces were gently taken away. Quietly watching them land in the waves to be carried far from her, she smiled.' by Silver Trumpets

Snazzy Car Kits for Caregivers

 

Most of us know people who are full time caregivers. Often these sacrificial people spend a lot of time at doctor's appointments which usually means a lot of driving. If you've been wondering about ways to support full time caregivers, why not create an inexpensive car kit. Unlike an emergency kit, this is more about comfort and convenience. 

Simply grab a larger food container and fill it with some helpful items (most of them I already had around my house). I placed a list on top so the driver can easily be reminded what is inside before they go digging.

2020 Resolutions & Finger Hearts

Happy 2020! 

I'm trying something new for this year's resolutions. Instead of resolving to pursue different experiences in the upcoming year, I'm resolving to change my evenings. For 2020, I selected different focuses on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Check them out:

• No Tech. Tuesday & Thursday - These will be my two NO social media nights. No FB, TikTok, TV, Pinterest, or the Gram. Instead I'll use those evenings for dates with God, reading, creative hobbies (hopefully writing more blog posts) and more time playing with my pets.

• Family & Friends Friday - Fridays will be dedicated to connecting with my kids and parents as well as reaching out to friends so we can revitalize and encourage our connections. 

• Skin Care Sunday - Just what it says. I've been ignoring my skin care in the worse way. I could have easily made this Self Care Sunday or Spa Day Sunday but honestly, my skin is the thing in my routine I neglect the most and what I wanted to focus on overall.  

I'm excited about these decisions! Also, something new I wanted is to have some type of symbol for the year? I've been drawn to the Korean finger heart symbol. This is a small gesture that creates a little heart with your thumb and index finger. I think it's a cute, simple way of expressing love. I have a cartoon drawing of it on my phone screen as a peaceful reminder to be full of love and patience for others. 

Anyway, I pray whoever reads this little post will be blessed in 2020, that you will have love, peace, and a renewed spirit.

Ten Bedtime Affirmations

Here are some bedtime affirmations to help you wind down for the night. You could write them slowly in a journal, focusing on each word, or you can recite them in your mind as you lay in bed and take a deep breath after each sentence.

1. I am calm and peaceful. 
2. I have done my best today. 
3. My mind can rest now. 
4. I am grateful for today's opportunities. 
5. The positive things I did today will lead to an even better tomorrow. 
6. Any mistakes I made today, I can figure out how to fix in the morning.
7. My body is relaxed.
8. I am proud of my efforts. 
9. The morning will bring new possibilities. 
10. My bed is a sanctuary for a great night's sleep.

“Beauty is the harvest of presence.” - David White, Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words

Summer Rainstorm in Texas

Flashes of light that mimic electrical transformers exploding.
The rumble that follows shakes the house.
Rain drops, large as the lone star, flood the brown yard 

but from the inside looking out 

I can pretend it's cool instead of 90% humidity.

The sudden storm keeps my neighbors quiet;
the air is clear of weekend yard work sounds.
A summer rainstorm in Texas is the reprieve longed for
from our annual inferno sentence. 

I thank God for the rainstorm
that places my Saturday plans on hold.
I smile to myself to see
the Earth happy from the gift it just received. 

Huge cracks in the dirt begin to fill in
and plants perk up.
Birds chirp during the moments
between the sectioned storm. 

Rest. Recovery. 

Rain.