Joy: Christmas in Cali

Tis the season...

And it's taking me some getting used to.  I grew up in the Midwest and Christmas is cold (and if we we're lucky...snowy too).  But I'm not in the Midwest anymore.

And this is what the holiday season looks like in my neck of the woods:

Mohawks, green hair, shorts, tee-shirts. palm trees and warm weather.

And incredible classical guitar...not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon .

And here is their video on youtube...

Yeah...this is bringing me some serious joy!

Happy Monday!


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

I just couldn't wait...

Oh hello there...just sprucing things up for the holidays.  I really wanted to wait until December 1st to unveil my new look...but I just got a bit too excited.  Now it looks like Christmas threw up on my blog...lol.  What the heck it's only about 30 days anyway (unless I get bored sooner and change everything again).

So now, I am thinking about all the joyful things this season brings...hmmmm a possible new theme for December?  Joy.  Yeah...I think I can handle that.

Short and sweet today :)

Have a wonderful Sunday...




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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Full

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

The house is totally quiet except for the sound of the dishwasher.  Such a lovely sound...as I would not have wanted to wash all those dishes by hand (one more thing to be thankful for).

This was a beautiful day.  Not perfect...noooo...but wonderful.  Today the kids were extra loud and crazy...excited to be with Mama and Papa (because they buy them cookies and cupcakes).  But it's one day...and that's OK. I also told Mr. Virgo to run out and pick up some whipped cream...and he brought home cool whip.  Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the package...gah!...there is no actual cream in cool whip. But that's OK too...we didn't die (but I won't send him out for whipped cream again...lol).

And now my family sleeps...full from turkey, fish, stuffing, sweet potatoes, braised veggies, pies, cookies, and good red wine.  As I reflect on the day, I am "full" with peace.  I didn't rush today...I didn't try too hard.  I threw all expectations out the window and just went with it.  I laugh as I look at some photos I took during dinner.  I didn't even notice that at the far end of table is a "My littlest petshop" beauty stage and 10 little dolls that joined us at the table. And a nativity set!  Now if that does not say "Thanksgiving" I don't know what does!

And now I will take a few moments to bask in the quiet and reflect on all the blessings in my life.  Hope your day was "full" of happiness too :)

~Peace~



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Giving Thanks

All of you have inspired me so much lately!  Going to your blogs and reading your words, looking at your photos, and gaining new insights. I am always being reminded to be grateful.  Blogging is my therapy.  Not an escape...no. No way. Lately, with all the gratitude posts I have read, I feel like I am so much more present.  I look around and see so much beauty in this harsh world.

So, I want to say thank you.  Thank you for enriching my life.  Thank you for making me more present.  Thank you for your amazing and uplifting comments.  Thank you for sharing your art and bits of your life.  Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for making me look within.

Wishing you all many many blessings!



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: learning new tricks

WOW...is it really Monday?  I am exhausted...but in that good way.  The past few days have been filled with family, cooking meals, enjoying that time I don't get enough of.  The house is totally decorated.  The gifts bought.  And I am learning new tricks :).  I finally learned how to blend photos...woo hoo!  Not sure why this is such a big deal to me...but it is.  Now I look like I have a twin sister...lol (although I secretly always wished I had a sister). 

And so the next few days are going to fly and I just want to take each day slow...enjoy the moments and savor the delicious food :)

Here's what I am making:
Turkey (my first time ever cooking one...any tips would be appreciated) another new trick to learn...yikes!
My Mom's awesome stuffing
Sweet potato and apple cassrole
Braised purple carrots with potatoes, onion & garlic
Mashed potatoes
Green beans with almonds
Fresh rolls
Pumpkin pie
Pecan pie

Hmmmm...lot's of carbs going on here!  Holy yumminess! I think I will need to wear stretch pants or a dress!

What are you making this year???




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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Breathe

Oh no...my breath.  Too quick today.  I am feeling frazzled.  My Mother in Law comes today in about 4 hours...my house needs to be picked up, I need to run to the store, workout, run errands, and and and.  Not to mention I did the stupidest thing yesterday.  I bought a pair of boots on zappos only to find that they are almost $40 dollars cheaper at Nordstrom...so I cancel the order with zappos, buy online at Nordstrom...only to find out that with tax (and even the free shipping) the total is about $10 difference...and instead of getting my boots tomorrow (from zappos) they won't get here until Dec 4th...and Nordstrom already processed the order. I could have just gone into the flippin store and bought them today!  Grrrrrrr...hate when I do that!  And I hate waiting when I want something so badly...wah wah wah!

So my breath is hurried and I need to calm down.  And when I think about it...if these are my only worries and problems of the moment...well, that's not too bad, right?

So...deep inhale..................and exhale.......................ommmmmmmmmmm.

Life is good.  Now I gotta run! :)



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Joy

Oh yes I did!  I put up three (yes, that's right...three!) trees yesterday.  One in the living room and 1 in each of the kids rooms.  There is something about that light...the way the room glows...that brings me so much joy.  Last year after Christmas, I bought a bigger tree for the living room so I had to do something with the smaller one.  I thought...why not put it in my daughter's room? The kids went nuts and could not believe that I put trees in their rooms.  They jumped up and down and were so excited.  I just stood there and smiled.  My little one was the most excited because I bought her a pink tree (well now, it just wouldn't be fair if her sister had a tree and she didn't).  It really is magical too...they way that pink light dances on the walls. So my home is getting very festive.

And I am feeling really joyful because I am getting a lot of "stuff" out of the way.  I really want to enjoy this season...I don't want it too rush by in a blur (only 35 more days until...yikes!)...so yes, I am getting a head start.  Oh yeah, I am done Christmas shopping too (sorry if I am coming off like an over achiever...cuz I really am not...I just hit some good sales and needed to use the coupons that were going to expire...and thought, what the heck...let's just cross it all off and be done with it). Plus my in-laws are coming on Friday and staying through Thanksgiving and I won't have time to do any decorating.  *Whew...big exhale*

The good thing is I now have more time to bake cookies :)

Ooooh one last thing...and probably the best thing...  I was sitting in the living room after the kids went to bed (feeling exhausted yet content) looking at the gorgeous light and listening to this (one of my all time favorite songs)...*sigh*





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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: comfort

Sometimes in life we need a little comfort.  Some hand holding and gentleness.  I love that when I walk my kids to school my little one reaches out to hold my hand.  She loves holding hands (my older one is too cool for hand holding now).  That tiny soft warm hand wrapped in mine brings me such happiness and comfort.  And even a little security. 

Other things that bring me comfort:

• my hubby sleeping next to me in bed at night
• being wrapped up in cozy blankets on a chilly night
• being safe in the house during a wicked storm
• warm thick socks
• talking to an old friend on the phone
• having my whole family together under the same roof
  
• my 2 big dogs that bark fiercely when a stranger comes to the door
• prayer

What brings you comfort?

P.S.  on a totally different subject, if you are a coffee drinker and like cinnamon...try adding a little cinnamon to the grounds...makes a really fantastic cup of joe :)


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: captivate

Yes...those are my eyes!  Things are looking up :)  I think that eyes are so captivating, don't you?  I love photos of faces, and especially the eyes. You can read so much into them.  I was going for a hopeful look here.

Anyway...something else has captivated me...

On Sunday I went to go see "This is It."  I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and I wanted to share his incredible music with my kids (who only knew of MJ as "that guy who died a few months ago").   I have to say, I was blown away.  This man was 50 years old and could still move like he was 20.  He didn't look frail or ill at all either.  As I sat in awe, I began thinking about how some people just have that natural ability to "captivate."  MJ moves so naturally...like dancing is walking or breathing...it just happens automatically and effortlessly.  How is that some people have such an incredible gift?  He seemed to be such a gentle soul.  So loving and kind...and unfortunately a bit tortured.

Then I began to think about myself.  What are my gifts?  Why does it seem only a few people have such special talents?  Then I thought...geeze, what if we all were so captivating?  Would it be special anymore?  Would we aspire to our own greatness?  Hmmmmm. 

I do think that we all have special gifts.  Just because we may not be famous like Michael Jackson or Annie Liebowitz or Angela Jolie or Einstein or or or... It's OK.  These people give us something to aspire towards.  They captivate our spirits and help us to go beyond what we think is possible.  They make us look inward and discover parts of ourselves that we might not even know exist.  Sure they are special...but no more than you or me.  They are only human. They have bad days. They bleed red.  Just like all of us.

Think about that for a while today...

Enjoy this awesome clip from the movie...if you are an MJ fan and have not seen the movie...do yourself a favor and go!








The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: things

Today I am joining Christina from Soul Aperture and many other beautiful bloggers in celebrating simple things.  How I do love the simple things too!  Heck, this month has been my attempt to focus on "simple."

So today I am celebrating my simple Sunday.  I loved my day yesterday. " Easy breezy" as I like to say.  No hurry to do anything.  Getting up with the warm sun shining in...folding some laundry...eating blueberries and enjoying the simplicity of three stacked bowls.  I even went and saw a movie with the kids...it blew me away (be sure to come back tomorrow...I have a lot to say about it).

I made time to pause yesterday.  I felt my breath and made sure to connect with the divine.  Simplicity at it's finest.

Here's to enjoying the simple things today and everyday.

~Peace






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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: re-connection

The past few days have been really good...  I am reading a fantastic book by Jan Lundy (from awake is good) called "Your truest self."  To say it's eye opening would not do this book justice.  In a nutshell, this book is about finding your spiritual self (your true self that is burried under all the layers of your being).  I could not be reading this at a better time.  Literally, I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and said: "who am I?"  I just stared at my image, I touched my cheek and felt completely empty. Oh boy, I did not like that feeling at all!  I have felt too competitive lately...like I need to be doing more or be more successful.  I have felt empty and worthless (well, my ego has anyway).  As I read through this book, I identify with her words...that as a woman many of us feel the need to be "super."  We feel that we must be successful, a good mother, a provider, a care taker, a perfect wife, with a perfect body, etc.  And in all that keeping up, what happens to our soul?  Where is our true self?  It's gets burried until one day we wake up.  And I am waking up.

And so I need to seek out my true self.  I need to get in touch with my spirtual side...something I have neglected for awhile.  I think that is why I have felt lost...because, I have lost my connection to the divine.  I am not a church goer...so I follow my own path. Which is not always easy.  But I am not comfortable in a church.  And that's OK.  I have always loved meditation and spirtual music and connecting with my spirit guides through these means.  But I have not done this in a long long time.  So, today I will make time to re-connect with the divine.  And I am really looking forward to this journey...

Wishing you many blessings today. 



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: renewal

 1. Widow's windows, 2. breakable, 3. lullaby, 4. 3 in a row. Let's put a bit color these days, shall we?, 5. meh in the mist, 6. an old friend~, 7. There's just too much that time cannot erase..., 8. rediscovery, 9. Magic Path

Yesterday was a tough yet inspiring day.  Thank you all for your caring and comforting comments.  A day does make a difference.  Knowing I am not alone in my thoughts lifted my heart.  I am one that tends to really feel my emotions.  I don't like to run and hide from them.  So when I feel sad, I really feel sad (and happy, and angry, and stressed, and and and).  So last night I did one of my favorite things to do when I get into a funk.  I go to flickr and seek out photos that mirror my mood and bring me hope.  I look for photos that open my heart and mind.

This mosaic I created is called "renewal."  And that is what my soul is seeking right this moment.  Renewal.  And even a little rest.  I am hard on myself...much too hard.  And I compare myself to others.  That was happening yesterday and even the day before that.  My ego starts saying things like: "How come you are not as successful as..." or "How come you don't have a job that makes money." or "You are nothing special."  As you can imagine, this just gets me into a black hole of negativity.  And it takes a lot of courage to pull myself out.

And so I need to work on letting that voice go.  And not listening to that voice when it starts saying those self destructive words.  But that voice is very powerful.  And it takes a lot of spiritual strength to quiet that voice.

Hence...the reason for rest and renewal.  And so when I look upon these photos I see doors opening, spirits soaring, quiet reflection, gratitude and love.  Gifts I need to accept.

Thank you for listening...it means the world to me.




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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: sadness

Just warning you now...this post is not very whimsical...but it is honest.

Do you ever wonder what the heck is going on with your life? That's me in a nutshell right now. I am seriously confused. Last night I got into a huge argument with Mr. Virgo (that's my husband for those of you who might not be familiar with his nick name). Actually we have been arguing a lot (and mostly about stupid stuff).  And sometimes I don't even want to be in the same room with him.  So last night...Mr. Virgo tells me that we should go on vacation over the holidays...which is fine...but. He wants to be away on Christmas, like in a hotel somewhere. Huh!? And I suppose a Christmas tree, presents and Santa are going to magically appear in our hotel room? Really!? We fought hard about this for a good 2 hours. Grrrrrrrr. He did not win. I put my foot down on that. Nothing sounds more awful than waking up Christmas morning in a hotel room. And the kids? Yeah, enough said on that... 

But back to my life for a moment. How did I get to this place? I feel completely empty and depleted. I can't seem to figure out my purpose here. I have felt this way on and off for almost a year now. And this is really bothering me. I feel like I have given up somehow. I look at myself in the mirror and think..."who is this person?" Some days just stretch on and on without meaning. I go to bed exhausted from doing nothing.  I feel like a hamster spinning on a wheel. Get up, make breakfast and lunches for the kids, walk the dogs, clean up, laundry, blog, clean some more, take some photos, get kids from school, help with homework, make dinner, clean up again, blog some more, go to bed. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

I wish I could say I am that girl that has it together.  But I am not.  I struggle often.  My ego gets the best of me. And I don't always live in the moment.  I just can't convince myself to reach out and find happiness today. I am desperately trying to find the light.  But, I'm sad. Plain and simple.  And that's OK...

I just did a self-portrait that expresses my mood...see it here.

Simple: Gentle

Why does it seem that when you try to be simple...everything gets so complicated?





The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Reaching out

I took this photo last night of my hand in the mirror. I am trying to reach out to myself. Well, more like I am giving myself permission. Permission to be creative and happy. Sometimes I forget to do that. Something so simple! But I forget to listen to my heart and then my ego starts taking over...that's not good. Nope. Not good at all. So I decided to create this photo so I can look at it when I need a reminder. To me this photo says..."it's perfectly fine to be who you are. You are a gift to the world. Follow your heart and live in bliss."

I hope that this is a reminder for you today.

When was the last time you reached out to yourself? Have you given yourself permission to pursue your dreams and happiness?


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Trying to find the light

Today is not so simple... I woke early which was great. I was hoping to have some "me" time, but instead was welcomed by a steaming pile of crap. Literally. My dog eat something and could not make it outside. Good times (I apologize if I just ruined your appetite).

Last night I went to bed thinking about how it's so easy for some people. Some people can just do anything! They wave their hands and magic happens. They can handle 20 plates in the air, be creative, organized and maintain a perfect house. Sometimes I feel like I try way too hard (and don't get much in return). I didn't sleep well and had a horrible nightmare on top of it all. The good thing was, in my dream, I rescued a girl that was stuffed in a box and left to die.

Wow...is this a fun post or what?

So it seems that today will not be so simple. In fact, I am not sure any day is simple. I suppose that I just need to try and find some simple moments. Not sure I will get too many of those today.

So today I will look for the light. Where ever I can find it.

Cheeri-o...hope your Tuesday is filled with light...


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: pears

I love this season...pear season! After not eating very much for the past few days, my body wanted something healthy. I picked up a big bunch of pears yesterday and can't believe how delicious and juicy these are. And the color! Aren't they gorgeous? Green and blushing orange...so pretty! Ohhhhh as you can see...these just made my day.

I wish I was more crafty in the kitchen because I bet these would be so good in a tart. Oh well...I guess I will just enjoy fruit all by itself. Simple.

Anyway, I am trying to get back to the speed of life. So funny how you can put your life on hold for a few days and world keeps on going. I will admit, I loved turning completely off (although I wish it was under more fun circumstances...lol). I didn't think about anything...or worry or stress out about this or that. I think I need to do that more often (minus the sick part). Just shut down every now and then.

When was the last time you "shut down" for awhile?

Have a wonderful Monday!


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Roof tops

I'm alive!

Oh my goodness...I am back amongst the living!  Holy cow. I have never felt so sick, achy or tired.  Swine flu is no joke (it's a serious ass kicker folks!).  Friday night I went down hard and yesterday could not get out of bed.  Thankfully, everyone felt pretty much the same.  We must have watched 10 movies in bed.  Finally, last night I sweated it out.  Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how good that felt. It was like my body just pushed out the virus. I have never experience sweat pouring out of my body like that before (not even working out!). My clothes were totally soaked. My hair was sopping...like I took a shower.  It was absolutely the craziest experience! But I am free of that nasty virus now. 

All I know is that being healthy is a blessing!  I still need to take it easy as my body feels weak...but at least I feel more myself.

I need sometime to catch up with you all.  Thanks for the healing vibes you have sent...you guys rock!

Hope you are having a beautiful Sunday



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Water

Simple: Water

Oh man...still feeling like hell.  The Dr. seems to believe that we have the swine flu (oink! oink!).  The whole family is sick...I think I need to quarantine the house.

Anyway, the advil has kicked in and I am feeling a lot less achy, but I am still taking it easy.  And drinking lots and lots of water.  I took a nice hot shower this morning and that felt beyond amazing.  When you are sick water is the best. Cleans and heals your body. Love it!

Something as simple as water...yet we could not live without it.  I am so grateful that I have clean fresh water.

Have you had enough water today?


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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Changes

It's my blog and I can change if I want to...change if I want too...LOL.

Since I am focusing on being simple this month...I felt my blog needed to simplify a bit too. Ahhhhh...I feel like there is lot's of breathing space here.  Don't you?

Well today I got hit with some nasty bug...came out of nowhere.  My eyelids actually hurt!  Seriously.  So I made a simple dinner (pasta with butter...the kids were thrilled!).  And now I am going to crawl into bed and pray that I feel better in the morning.




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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple: Food

When it comes to food, I like simple. Maybe it's my Midwest upbringing... But I love simple sandwiches. Fresh fruit. Braised veggies. Ice cold milk. Applesauce. Comfort food.

Lunch yesterday was such a treat. A simple PB&J (but raspberry preserves instead of grape jelly...it's soooo much better than grape jelly in my opinion). I love the simple flavors of that sandwich especially with ice cold milk. And of course, a sandwich like that calls for a little crunch on the side. I would have preferred potato chips but went for the baked cheese curl alternative (which were pretty darn tasty). I felt like a kid again. And that's a good good thing...

Then I decided to braise some veggies to have with dinner. Oh man, they were good! And so easy to make! Just take a dutch oven (or any oven safe pan w/ lid) add a little olive oil and butter, saute some onions then add any veggies you like (I used figerling potatoes and carrots...I even went the extra mile and added some bacon to make it extra tasty). Clap the lid on and put into a preheated 350 degree oven for about an hour or until the veggies are nice and tender and caramelized. I did this a few years ago with brussel sprouts, whole garlic and green beans...amazing (a great side for turkey day too)!



So those are my simple food ideas for the day. See simple is good...really really good. :)

What are some of your favorite simple foods?



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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Simple

I think it's time to simplify.  I feel that there has been too much going on...too much surrounding me.  I have worked hard to de-clutter and now I want to simplify just a bit more.  With the holidays coming up I want to focus on what I have...not getting more.  Yes, gifts are wonderful...but ones that are meaningful.  Less is more don't you think?  So this month I want to focus on simple things.  And being grateful for the little things.  A simple awareness of all the goodness in my life.

Oh doesn't that sound nice...

So I share a photo of these 3 tomatoes...the last on my vine.  They are so simple.  So pure. I am grateful that I was actually able to grow them from mere seeds just a few months ago...

Enjoy the simple things today.




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The book is here...just in time for the holidays! Click photo to preview.

Mosaic Monday - Halloween edition

Well, I sure hope you had a fun weekend.  I know I did.  I love Halloween!  I love dressing up and taking the kids trick-or-treating.  What a fun way to bring out your inner child.  And I did!  I went back to the 80's puck rock era this year...so much fun!  I just wish the day had not gone by so quickly.  I tried to soak in every moment, but man...the night flew by!  So long Halloween...I shall miss you :)  So this mosaic is a tribute to my favorite holiday.

And so now comes the official "holiday season"...honestly, I am not ready. Gifts?  Yikes!  Oh if you do need a good gift idea...I did just publish my photography book.  It would make a wonderful gift...I'm just sayin'...

To see more amazing mosaics, please visit Mary at Little Red House.