Do You Do What You Love Every Day?

I found this on Awakened Musings instagram page.
It immediately struck me - and I set to making my lists. At first glance I found I was including many of the things on my Happy List every day!  
But then I kept going, digging a little deeper, really thinking about my happiness list... and admitted to letting a lot slide by the wayside. Getting caught up in the daily to-dos and get dones, forever checking the calendar, the time, next, next, next... doesn't leave much space for it.

But this was an excellent reminder to take note of what does bring me happiness - the little things that make me smile, feel connected, content and joyful. 

Some were obvious to me like painting, drawing, mixing paint, walking/running, meditating and hugging my family.
 

But what about wearing beautiful shoes, drinking hot coffee and daydreaming as the sun comes up, deep belly laughs, poking around in a bookstore or antique shop, writing morning pages, and eating dark chocolate, to name a few.
This is certainly a work in progress and I intend to continue listing and adjusting, listing and adjusting. 


Will you take time to make yours today? 
And then, adjust accordingly...

 

Zinnias in Bloom

About 6 weeks ago I stumbled upon zinnia seeds on clearance and couldn't resist them. I knew it was really past their planting season but I bought the box anyway. I had just delivered a house portrait to a client and was captivated by the home directly across the street - with hundreds of zinnias in bloom.
Besides, I couldn't pass up a big box of seed for only 50 cents!  I figured there was enough time before the late fall frost to at least see some bloom.  
That evening my husband came home from work with the same box of seeds!  
Not just more zinnia seeds - but the identical box!

We were clearly of like mind that day so had to check the meaning and symbolism of zinnias and found out they have several meanings including: of the heart, lasting affection, and daily remembrance.
Very apropos!
It is also believed to mean joyous endurance - happy to bloom in the broiling heat of summer. My seeds survived a super hot and dry summer, and even with Fall right around the corner we have lots of joyous buds opening this week! They were my inspiration for my daily watercolor illustration.
Next spring I will be sure to plant loads of them so we can enjoy them all summer long.

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

 

Hurricane Spaghetti

Hermine came and went earlier this week, with little effect on Northern NJ.  I consider it very lucky that she turned out to sea - and hope we can get through the rest of the season with that kind of luck! 
But, that doesn't mean I wasn't ready. After living through Irene and Super Storm Sandy - I do not take hurricane threats lightly.  Best to be prepared with essentials, because we know what bad can be.

So I stocked up on bottled water, batteries, did a little baking, brewed just-in-case coffee, filled the gas tank, had cash on hand, and kept all electronics fully charged.  
And food. 
Gluten-free food that could be eaten as is, or cooked on the stove. We have a gas stove, which has been a lifesaver when we have been without power. (I will always choose a house - and stove - with gas!)

One of the warmest memories I have of Super Storm Sandy is cooking 'Hurricane Spaghetti' by candlelight, while my husband was getting a fire going in the livingroom. We ate dinner that night at the coffee table warmed by the roaring fire, and it is one of the loveliest memories I have. So while I was gathering essentials for Hermine's arrival, spaghetti was at the top of my list.

 Illustration from Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Sept/Oct 2016