Mindful Monday: Making Time

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I feel like I've had enough on my plate lately that I haven't had room for blogging.  But, I've also said many times here that I must make time to be thankful.  So, let's start the week out with another thankful list.

potential for change
sound advice
helpful input
handfuls of wild blackberries
cooler weather
the sound of treetops rustling in the breeze
the smell of a farm (ummm yeah, never thought I would be thankful for/miss that smell)
hills and valleys loaded with trees
vibrant bouquets at farmer's market
a friendly conversation
new books to read
time to play with a few recipes
a thoughtful phone call
abundant provision
laughter
a playful twinkle of the eye
learning life lessons
hopeful expectation
curiosity
clear communication
feeling an inner peace or stillness
support in decision making
fun dishes
sharing recipes
fresh air and sunshine

Food for Thought: "Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't." -Steve Maraboli

Mindful Monday: Day to Day Perspective

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I've been out in the fresh air and sunshine and away from the computer.  And you know what?  It feels great.  Anyway, I'm just dropping in for a quick thankful list.  Here goes:

open communication
farmer's market
bursts of color
freckles
sunshine
a cool breeze
those little cotton seed things that float down from the trees
fireworks
time with friends
thoughtful provision
going the extra mile
abundance
new insights and perspectives
lessons to learn
hope that doesn't disappoint
fresh air
dancing sunbeams
clouds of all shapes and sizes
shade
open fields
fans
cold water
matching socks
hand sanitizer inside an impressively clean outhouse
flip-flops
piano music
reading a magazine outside
soap that bubbles nicely
structure
leaves rustling in the wind

Food for Thought: "You can not find peace by avoiding life." -Virginia Woolf

Mindful Monday: Choosing Thanks

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

To be honest I'm not in a very thankful mood right now.  Hopefully by the time I finish this list my attitude will  have changed for the better.

fresh air
sunshine
new books
a neighborhood with a trail to walk on
decreased humidity
pleasant conversation
thoughtfulness of a neighbor
the fragrance of peonies wafting though the air
my dad (Happy Father's Day again)
reconnecting with friends
a new mixer
kneading bread dough by hand
freshly baked bread
pink and purple tinted clouds
the outline of the moon
learning opportunities
color
quiet morning space
potential change
patience
grace
hope

Food for Thought: "When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears." -Anthony Robbins 

Mindful Monday: Thankfully Busy

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

The weekend was jam packed and this week promises to be just as crazy.  I'm not sure I'll get to any new recipes in the next few days, but one can always make time to give thanks.

a full schedule
farmer's market in the early morning sunshine
tart rhubarb
crisp, juicy watermelon
a day without rain
helping hands
strength and energy for moving boxes, furniture, etc
an abundance of items to move in the first place
leaders and directors
organizers
teamwork
motivation
the old loft bed my dad made for me
a new bed (with no more ladder climbing each night)
handmade quilts
vacuum cleaners
a field of bright yellow dandelions
blowing fluffy, white dandelions
walks in the sunshine
a phone call with a friend
laughter
fragrant lilac bushes
kitchens with windows
busy productiveness
churning clouds
crackling lightening
rumbling thunder
beams of sunlight
multiple shades of blue in the sky

Food for Thought: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Mindful Monday: Weekend and Thanks

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

The weekend was filled with celebrating my grandma's 80th birthday.  Her older sister drove up form Ohio to visit.  Saturday was the official party and they spent Sunday at our house.  There's a lot to learn from older generations.  I bet you didn't know you can get a free colonoscopy if you make it to 100 years. Motivation at it's finest, eh?

But let's not get into anymore exciting details from the weekend.  We'll just go with another thankful list.

thunderstorms
lightening
growing up close to my grandma and other relatives
celebration of life
new growth
flowering trees
bright green of newly opened leaves on trees
sunshine
a warm breeze
the fragrance of spring in the air
challenges that help you grow
mistakes that point you in the right direction
patience
chances to learn
reminders
the patter of rain on the windows
fresh air
sinks with garbage disposals
watermelon
differences that balance each other out
opportunity for growth
perspective

Food for Thought: The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. -Proverbs 20:5

Thursday's Thoughts: Always Time

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Even when I feel stretched for time there is always time to be thankful.  With that in mind, here's a quick list of what I'm grateful for right now.

chirping birds outside the window
open windows (hello spring!)
walking inside just before a downpour starts
plenty of tasks to stay busy with
the health and resources to complete those tasks
stillness of the morning (on the rare occasion I'm up that early)
color in the sky
when the sun turns dew drops on grass blades into a rainbow of diamonds
blooming spring flowers
evening walks
longer daylight hours
emails with far away friends
the hum of crickets at night
sunglasses
can openers
dish soap
pleasant conversation
a family game and pizza night
handwritten recipes
magazines to page through
fresh green beans
a good night's sleep
anticipation


Food for Thought: " 'After all,' Anne had said to Marilla once, 'I believe that the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.' " -L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea  

Thursday's Thoughts: Thankful List Continued

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

In the hustle of day to day life I often get my priorities mixed up and neglect to make time for what's most important.  Once again, I'm going to use this space as a means to slow down and reflect on what I'm thankful for.

loud thunder storms
cracks of lightening
the patter of rain on the windows
windshield wipers
windows
friends as close as family
games
lessons learned by experience
crawling into bed after a long day
straws in drinks
reminders
good deals
silence
curling up in a comfy chair
clean dishes
new perspectives
old examples
structured time
ample time
purpose
a good laugh
books to read
running water
microwaves
a day to sleep in
footprints in the snow

Food for Thought: "When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator." -Mahatma Gandhi

Thursday's Thoughts: Another List

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

Like I explained here I find it helpful to make lists of what I'm thankful for.  It may seem silly or trivial, but try it out for yourself and you'll find out just what I mean.

a big round full moon
cheery yellow daffodils
new learning opportunities
ambidextrous scissors
spell check
moonlight shadows on clouds
sunshine and slightly warmer weather
conversations that make you think
choices and decisions
planning via lists
pictures and memories
care-free laughter and songs of children
clean socks
when every clean sock has a matching clean sock in the same load
the twinkle in an eye that accompanies a smile
popcorn
thoughtfulness and concern of a friend
a good stretch
lint rollers
lip balm
laundry baskets
unhurried time
decluttering
making up words
the hope and promise of spring
trust and patience
working alarm clocks
large cutting boards
fresh rosemary
helping hands
selfless sacrifice
forgiveness
intricate patterns in unexpected places

Food for Thought: "The great gift of Easter is hope- Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake. -Basil Hume 

Thursday's Thoughts: Thanks Again

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking

It's time for another thankful list.

softly falling snow
fuzzy pajamas
snow shovels
a good book to read
afternoon sunlight streaming in the window
curling up in the sun to read
longer daylight hours
fresh vegetables
citrus
warm coats
ice skates
weather mild enough to go for a walk
wool hat knit by a friend
wool socks knit by another friend
dry shoes (as opposed to ones still wet from snow)
comfortable shoes
when you give and realize you've been given more in return
understanding not expressed in words
learning new tricks and tips
fresh opportunity and new possibility
accomplishing a significant item on the to-do list
small victories
reminders
finding my favorite tea at a new store for an even lower price
white and purple stripes in the cross-section of a red onion
ice that crackles when stepped on
winter sunshine in open blue skies
freshness of cold winter air
a faithful promise
new ideas
bubbles
smiling faces
laughter
true friends

Food for Thought: "Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts