As we come to the close of this past year, we can take a bit of time to reflect and ponder all that went into filling it…what we might have hoped would have been different and what we are grateful for that took place. We can also give some thought to our aspirations for the upcoming year…

As a writer I like to have a special place to put my thoughts on paper. I found this lovely ‘one line a day’ memory book this past November at one of my favorite stores in Stillwater, Rose Mille. It is always such a pleasure to have a peek at their offerings and get inspired to create something or just dream. This little gilt edge book allows a line a day to be written for five consecutive years, I thought it was so clever and had to get one for myself.

One of my hopes for this coming year is that I would like to do more hand crafting and enjoy the slowing down that this mode of creativity often requires. There are no plans for elaborate projects, but I would like to try small, useful, simple projects for myself and gift giving.

Never far from my reach is a favorite cup of tea, always welcome, soothing and uplifting at the same time. With the beautiful melodies of Enya in the background, what more could one want.

I am looking forward to my first entry in this lovely little book; such a great idea to have one special place to write a quote, thought or plan and see what is revealed over the five years. There is so much to inspire us, we just need to slow down a bit and see it. So as one chapter closes with the end of 2011, what do you aspire to for the new chapter of 2012?

dawn xo

Beauty is all around us, some more obvious and some more subtle. Thought you might enjoy these lovely flowers given to me by someone most special. Love, love, love pink!

seize the day…

enjoy all life has to offer…

and live each day with gratitude and love in your heart…

Have a lovely weekend xx

So, we are just over half way through 2011.

How does your year look so far? Is it unfolding the way you had hoped it would? Have there been more bumps in the road than you were expecting? Are you still contemplating your new years resolutions and perhaps modifying them somewhat?

we all need encouragement…

No matter how much we focus upon our chosen vision, are aware of the intention for our vision and embrace the clarity we need to undertake our vision; we all still need to feel a sense of encouragement. To feel as though we are not alone on our journey, to feel we have support for our dreams and desires, to feel that what matters to us also matters to those that we come in contact with. We all have the same desire to feel a sense of value and worth and this can be bolstered when we are given encouragement.

not discouragement…

We live in a wonderful world of beauty and blessings, but often what is portrayed on television, in movies and song lyrics is despair, destruction and desperation. Discouragement can drain our wells of enthusiasm very quickly. It can make us doubt ourselves, draw us into poor decisions and in some cases lead to depression. It can be a slow and incremental undermining that sneaks up to erode our sense of purpose and well-being.

We each look for bits of encouragement daily, whether it is someone saying ‘I love you’, a stranger smiling at us as we pass on the sidewalk, or a card in the mail to let us know someone is thinking of us. We all welcome the words ‘well done’ and ‘I appreciate your hard work’ in our day to day routine. 

encouraging others…

So how can we encourage others, which in turn boosts our own outlook? Here are nine simple ways to make an impact on others and brighten their day. Try to do just one or two each day and see a difference.

E engage:
:: clear distractions, focus and give undivided attention, even for a short time

N nurture:
:: place your arm around a shoulder or give a hug to break down barriers

C connect:
:: smile at a stranger, compliment a store clerk, thank the postman 

O offer:
:: hold the door, help carry something, let someone ahead of you in line

U uplift:
:: buy from a kids lemonade stand, send a card to someone special

R relate:
:: briefly tell your own story and listen to theirs

A attend:
:: show support by being at events important to those important to you

G give:
:: share time, knowledge and resources with others

E express:
:: life is short, don’t wait to say what is in your heart

my story…

My story begins in the north woods of Minnesota, on 80 acres in the mid 60’s. My parents were very self-sufficient, hard-working and frugal. When I was young my mother would read aloud the Laura Ingalls Wilder books each winter to my sister and me.

Our life was somewhat similar to these books…my parents cut and split their own wood to heat our home, my mother sewed, knit, crocheted, made candles, canned and raised chickens. My parents built our house nearly completely by themselves. It was a very hands-on life. My father worked full-time and a bit later we also had a seasonal gift shop that my sister and I worked in, bought merchandise for and made crafts to sell in.

Over the course of the next 15 years or so I went to college, lived overseas, traveled and kept my belongings to a minimum. I then moved back to my home country.

It was just over a decade ago I found myself reading once again the ‘Laura and Mary books’, as I affectionately call them, to my own daughter.  At the end of the second book Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura and baby Carrie are moving from the prairies where they had lived and made their life for the past year, easterly out of Indian Territory. With my own thoughts, at that time, of moving fairly soon those few paragraphs made a deep impression on me.

after breakfast next morning…

“After breakfast next morning, Pa and Ma packed the wagon. First all the bedding was made into two beds…covered with a pretty plaid blanket. Next Pa took the small cupboard from the wall and in it Ma packed the food and the dishes….Ma packed all the clothing in two carpet bags, and Pa hung them…he hung his rifle…bullet-pouch and powder-horn…His fiddle in its box he laid on one end of the bed…Ma wrapped the black iron spider, the bake oven, and the coffee-pot…Pa tied the rocking chair and the tub outside…the water bucket and the horse bucket underneath…Now the wagon was loaded.”

For the five years I had been back in the US I had so easily amassed possessions, more than I had ever had. There were so many things at discounted prices, treasure at the curb-side and yard sales through-out summer. When I read that passage I realized I had moved beyond what I deemed enough and had far too much.

i could not imagine…

I could not imagine at any point in my life being able to pack all that was dear to me in the short span of a morning, as the Ingalls had. I have lived in small dwellings from a caravan measuring 8’ x 25’ to a town-home with a total of just 490 sq.ft. I have also lived in larger homes, as I do now. Whilst I am a proponent of simplicity and the value of quality over quantity, I do not believe I will ever reach the place of being a dedicated minimalist.

8 reasons why this is so… i can not imagine…

Only owning ‘100 things’
Having my photographs displayed in digital frames
Having what I read viewed only on a screen
Living where I do without a car
Detaching from my most sentimental items
Discarding my daughters kindergarten papers
Having only one set of dishes
Selling the objects d’art collected on my travels

“Life is about balance and realizing that contentment and peace can not be purchased or found within things, is a concept as old as time”

I do, however, enjoy curling up on the inviting sofa with one of our many books and holding it in my hands while I read. I love pouring over old letters and cards from special people throughout my life and reading their thoughts captured in time. I love seeing the rustic bench from my grandmother each day when I wake up. I enjoy serving simply prepared foods on different pretty dishes, depending on the season. I am a touchy-feely person with creativity running in my veins. I like things that are beautiful, well made, tactile and purposeful.

to create a home…

A house is far more than the pieces or belongings contained inside. To create a home, a feeling of safety and refuge is very important, especially when children are part of the environment. We need somewhere warm and dry with enough food to eat. But, we also need a place that allows us to be open and talk about what our fears, dreams, concerns and aspirations are. I believe when we surround ourselves with intentional pieces that connect us to our past, comfort us when we look at them and inspire us to connect to our vision, then we are creating a home that reflects who we are and fosters our relationships.

Simplicity is finding the balance between too much and too little.For me, as a designer and writer, I will continue to be intentional, but surround myself with tangible beauty and bound books. How do you find the balance?

Over the past two weeks I have seen the word ‘inspiration’ written over and over again…inspiration lifts our spirits above the mundane and guides us to what could be better.

Having just written a post about motivation, my mind turned to inspiration and how the two are related, yet quite different. Motivation, as I see it, is much like a cheerleader, spurring us on to action. Inspiration however, seems much more like an angel on our shoulder whispering to us, so our hearts listen and take note.

Motivation roars like a lion while inspiration is peaceful like a lamb. It stirs something deep within us and gently nudges us to say ‘this is my gift to you, please take it’. We all need inspiration; it seems to be the one component that continually works as a catalyst for change.

So, where can we find it? How can we embrace this gift that presents itself in the everyday of life? Here are eight simple places it can be found.

nature…

Get outside and take a walk in the fresh air. Spend time in the sunshine. Really look at the trees, plants and flowers that are close to where you live. Gaze at the water; be it ocean, lake, stream or pond. No matter where we live or what the season, nature is abundant with inspiration.

travel…

Whether we stay close to home or travel half way round the globe, experiencing a new backdrop to our life can be uplifting. The new sights, sounds and smells give us an opportunity to learn and grow. Visit new shops, markets, cafes and attractions near and far. Immerse yourself in foreign magazines, books and film; this is travel too.

art…

Often times art speaks to us and stirs an emotional response. Art encompasses so many avenues; from superb museum pieces to humble handcrafted treasures. The soul of the artist comes through and prompts us to listen. Visit museums, art fairs, craft shows, linger over lovely publications on the subject.

design…

Being able to experience an inviting room, a delectable meal, a stunning outfit, great architecture or a welcoming garden allows us to find inspiration in the daily activity of our lives. Be aware of the way items are grouped or composed and what impact this has.  

music…

Listening to or making music can instantly transport us to another time or another place. It is a powerful medium for connection and community. Even in oppression, people raise their voices in song to unite themselves together. Listen to a variety of music and do not be afraid to hum, whistle or sing aloud yourself.

words…

The written word or words spoken aloud inspire and transform us. From a persons life story to poetry; engage in reading and listening to a variety of genres.

others…

The kindness we see in others can inspire, it can be a smile, a hug or a listening ear. An answer to a question, a door being opened or a meal shared. Sometimes life is so busy we miss sweet gestures of others and their willingness to help.

quiet…

We can find inspiration in doing nothing more that quieting ourselves. To hear the whisper and accept the gift we need to slow down and become more attuned to what we have been given.

So where have I seen this word ‘inspiration’ written over and over again? It is in the many kind comments written for our on-line instructors. I am currently taking an e-course called Blogging Your Way created by Holly Becker of decor8 and co-instructor Leslie Shewring of A Creative Mint. This course has been motivating and inspiring to me and I can see it has had a similar effect on many of my classmates. It is lovely to be in an environment of openness, honesty and kindness.

If you currently have a blog or are just starting one, this course has an abundance of advice, instruction, hands-on projects and interaction. It has far exceeded my expectations and I am appreciative of having the opportunity to be part of it.

So, where do you find inspiration?

I am writing this as the sun rises; I am typically not a morning person. So, what has motivated me to jump right into things this early?

Excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation…

Why am I feeling so motivated? I am currently taking an e-course run by Holly of Decor8 and Leslie of A Creative Mint called Blogging Your Way. We are halfway through the course as of today and I have felt a great sense of motivation reading the material, listening to the pod-casts and interacting in the forum.

Motivation can come and go, much like the tide. At certain times it is up and at other times it is at a low point. How can motivation remain more consistent? In an earlier post I suggested that having a tangible image can help motivate us to keep our vision alive.

As part of our course work Holly suggested each student create a mood board relating how we wanted our blog to look and feel. As I was putting mine together it helped me define what was important to include; images and items that represented the desired topics and reason I began this blog. This was a motivating exercise because I now have an image that inspires me to keep moving toward my goal. Here it is…

a sense of purpose…

Motivation can grow when you believe there is a sense of purpose for the actions you are taking. This sense of purpose can be rooted in circumstances that may be uncomfortable or undesirable and you are motivated to change them. Or this sense of purpose can be rooted in knowledge that by refraining from certain action steps your situation may become worse.

an example…

As an example a person may be unhealthy. This may mean they eat a poor diet, rarely exercise and do not consistently get enough sleep. They may be motivated by what they see as an undesirable circumstance and want to change it.

By contrast a healthy person who engages in a good diet, exercises regularly and is well rested, is motivated to continue practicing certain habits to help ensure they do not become unhealthy.

Motivation is like a cheerleader, it gets you moving and prompts action.

Motivation can be found in the words you read, a voice you hear, a project you undertake, music you listen to, people you engage with, a certain place, images that surround you or being still and listening to your heart…

Many times motivation can be found by stepping outside of ourselves and what we feel we need and turn to someone else to help them.

Where do you find your motivation?

with thoughts of warmer weather and inspiration…

here’s to an early spring…what do you heart?