good advice

What are you dreaming of?

Why Don't You...

... learn something new every day?
... sign up for tips and newsletters?
... use a daily calendar to learn a new joke or practice your origami?
... learn a new word every day?
... read fiction to learn how people think?
... read non-fiction to learn facts and information?
... read memoirs to learn about other lives?
... read blogs to be inspired?
... read poems to learn how to live?
... read the Bible and learn how to love?
... listen to learn compassion?
... write to learn what you think and feel?
... try something new and learn from your mistakes?

An autodidact is a person who is committed to self-education. Years and years ago I read a book by Kendall Forsythe Hailey called The Day I Became an Autodidact. It's still one of my favorite books ever. When I saw this sign, I felt at home. Do you know what I mean?

Why Don't You...

... decorate your closet as though it were a room designed for pampering?
... buy wooden and padded hangers and treat your clothing well?
... get rid of the clothing that doesn't flatter your body?
... hang pretty little bags full of lavender from three or four hangers?
... keep a squirt bottle of Febreeze handy?
... install a pretty hook on the back of the door? Use it to hold your clothing for the next day.
... paint the walls a color you'd be afraid to use in public rooms? Pink is always flattering.
... wallpaper the walls in something outrageous?
... install a pretty light fixture?
... buy an incredibly beautiful rug?
... make your own shoe sachets out of vintage hankies and pretty ribbon? Fill them with lavender to go with your closet sachets.
... move the laundry hamper to a well-ventilated spot?
... hang a framed full-length mirror on the back wall?
... drape your best necklaces on the corners of that mirror?

The wallpaper above is by artist Ximena Escobar. The link is above.

Why Don't You...

... make an artful list of things you should remember? See above.
... buy a poster that inspires you and hang it near your desk?
... put your deepest belief into words and begin to live by it?
... write words like laugh and smile on post-its and leave them everywhere?
... have your family choose a motto?
... turn that motto into a piece of art and hang it over the fireplace or among the family photos?
... begin a quote journal? Fill it with inspiring quotes, images, and doodles.
... remember that words really, really matter?


This wonderful poster if from Studio Mela. Shelli Dorfe is the amazing artist.

Why Don't You...

When Diana Vreeland was fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar she wrote a short column each month entitled "Why Don't You..." She filled it with stylish ideas that continue to inspire modern style icons like Kate Spade. I've recently become fascinated by Mrs. Vreeland's life and accomplishments. But, most of all, I love her "Why Don't You..." columns. I thought it might be fun to have my own Why Don't You post each Monday. I hope to offer food for thought and a bit of inspiration to kick off your week.

... commit to sitting down one evening a week and writing at least three handwritten notes, cards, or letters?
... actually mail the notes or cards you write?
... make the time to connect in non-digital ways?
... visit the stationers and order some gorgeous, personalized stationary?
... go to a museum gift shop and stock up on art postcards? They take almost no time to write.
... mail a thank you note to someone who won't expect it?
... carry a few pretty note cards in your purse? When you receive excellent service, leave a real thank you note behind.
... write personal correspondence in colored ink? Kelly green is so much more cheerful than black.
... save the letters and notes that make your day? They will make you smile every time you read them.

See what I mean?

Happy Monday, friends.

the best of 2010, your posts

I let go of an old year slowly; adapt to that change reluctantly.
It's important to me to celebrate, to savor, to cherish the things that have passed.

Today, I offer you a few of my favorite blog posts of 2010.
All written by you.

A few favorites
to make you sigh, and dream, and want to be a child again
a touch of summer to warm up your cold winter evening
words to make your mouth tingle with giddy delight
on seeking your own unique perspective
a friend who makes art of everything
more words, these will inspire
stunning eye candy
great advice
an image to haunt you
a list to get you motivated
one of my favorite pictures of the year
just one of many charming thank you notes
guerrilla art with a heaping helping of encouragement
why I wish I, too, were a poet - so I could write prose like this
I long to attend a party just like this one. Please, please, please?

Imaginary Friends

You know how you hear a song and you cry? You just can't help it. And you wonder who you know that can write songs like that, because surely it had to be written about you.

You know how you read something that just stops your heart for a moment? And you sit, entirely still. Then your heart resumes beating, but it's pounding. Trying to make up those lost beats.

You know how you see a picture and you gasp? And your stomach quivers a little because the photographer got it so exactly right. That if you were to try and define perfect, you could use this as an example.

Karey's like that. Often. So is Mary.

Meet the T.ruffle girls. They are my favorite dynamic duo. Even better than peanut butter and chocolate.

Have a sweet weekend, my friends.

Happy Week, Saturday

One of the things that makes me happy is reading a really good post. In fact, in my bookmarks I have a folder called Perfect Posts. It's packed full, and for the past hour I've been enjoying rereading some old favorites. It occurred to me that you might enjoy them too. I hope so.

* posts that offer wisdom

** posts that ignite a spark

*** posts that make me laugh

**** posts that hold up a mirror

If you have a little time and are feeling generous, won't you leave a comment with a link to a favorite post? I'd love to discover more perfect posts.


The image above is a card one of my friends made for me years ago. If you liked these links you might want to click here and here.

Inspiration Everywhere

I wrote a this some time ago to share just a little of the incredible inspiration I find in my travels around the blogiverse. Since then, I have amassed a favorites folder full of wonderful posts. Here is a sampling of my favorite blog posts ever. I hope it brings a bit of joy to your winter weekend. Rest and play, my friends, rest and play. Our souls need more of both.
~ Start here for wishes and dreams.

~ Here is where you will find beauty in the most surprising of things.

~ Discover one of my favorite pictures. Ever.

~ This is a reminder we all need from time to time.

~ Click here if you've ever wanted to keep a journal.

~ Here to find out some of the best news. Ever.

~ And, finally, here for one of my favorite images, and words to melt your heart.

What are some of your favorite posts? Your own and others, I mean.



Rest by DanielKHC. Play by jasfitz.

What Inspires You?

I was blog hopping during my lunch break earlier this week, and I encountered a very honest blogger. Someone who was feeling tired and uninspired. Instead of wallowing in it she asked for help. Her question was, "What inspires you?" Oh, that was a fun post to comment on. What a great topic to ponder. Here's my answer. I'm wondering about yours. What inspires you?

* Blogging! I just love it. I love that I can share whatever I want and that there is a real, live, breathing, appreciating audience on the other end. *
* I love following the candy trail. You know, roaming link to link to link catching bits and pieces of other peoples' wonderfulness. *

* Discovering new artists. Making new friends. Visiting old ones. *
* Lists. Books. Rereading old journals. *
* Book shops. Cafe lunches. Girlfriend dates. *
* Beauty. *
* Holding hands. Coloring with my little one. Walking. Listening to glorious music. *

* And always, always: love. *

Good night, sweet friends.

The amazing image above was taken by my friend, Jaime. You can find more of her wonderfulness here and here.

Good Things Thursday, Week 6

I find our world to be full of so many amazing, beautiful, good things. There are incredibly talented artists, generous people, amazing projects, incredible parenting, beauty abounding, helpful products, and on and on. The idea of Good Things Thursday is to pass along information about the good things I have discovered. This week, I wanted to share some of my favorite posts. Ever. (Please remember that ever is only about 4 months. I didn't discover blogs until then.) So, for your viewing/reading pleasure.... some good things for you.

~ I love Tangobaby. She is funny and passionate, well informed and wise. I had to use two of her posts. This one, for obvious reasons. This one, because I love fairy tales. It represents only one facet of her blog, though. Pull up a chair and spend some time. You won't regret it.

~ Studio wellspring is a real southern belle. Her graciousness shimmers in her words, her sweet spirit, her insights. Read this post. Choose your favorite. Then, read the comments.

~ It was Persisting Star's joy-giving blog that inspired me to start blogging. I wanted to be a joy-spreader, too. Maddie's style of living inspires me to live a better, more generous, more beautiful life. I picked this post because I think it is representative of her gorgeous spirit..

~ Hula 70 is a woman of many, many talents. Stay and poke around for a while. You will leave brimming with ideas and inspiration. I chose this particular post because I am a list lover and this is probably the best list I have ever read.

~ Ragamuffin Gal really knows how to be a friend. She is also wildly creative and generous. Check out this awesome idea.

~ In the Land of the Lovelies is a relatively new discovery for me. I knew I had met a kindred spirit when I saw this post. How can one woman write a single sentence that completely captures a mother's love?

~ Blue Yonder is part of my daily dose. I love her writing, her insights, her wise parenting. I absolutely love this post because it is full of amazing, creative ideas. It also demonstrates what a terrific parent and teacher she is. I am a teacher in an incredible school district, and I have received a lot of professional development. I know a good bit about the way brains learn best. Let me tell you, Blue Yonder gets it exactly right.

~ Sally Jean makes the best "Pretty Little Things". She also has a wonderful blog. I look forward every month to her list of things to do. I love them all, but this one really cheered my long, long February.

~ Since I am hoping you will share your own favorite posts with me, I figured I should share mine with you. Of my own posts, I have to say that this one is my favorite. I love it because it really reflects who I am.


Oh, I could keep going. There are so many amazing bloggers that I may have to do this again in a month or two. What are your favorite posts? Would you tell me your own and one from someone else? Please won't you send me a link or two?

Happy blogging. Sursum corda!