It’s the last day of November and it’s a biggie with a full moon and the lunar eclipse. Whew. And we are getting ready to head into the last month of 2020.
Today I brought in a message from astrologer Dr. Michael Lennox to go along with the message from Frog, Badger, and Sea Lion. A reminder I think we may all need now and then and that our soul is a pioneer in being here right now on this planet.
This morning, sitting at my vanity I watched as one squirrel, and then another came for a drink from the birdbath. I could simply watch them all day long!
And then a first for me today as I sliced up oranges and dried them in the oven to use with my holiday decorations. Here are a few tucked in with this centerpiece on my kitchen table.
The simple joys that continue to be what gives me hope.
I spent the weekend putting up Christmas decorations in my house. Though I use the same decorations, I always find new ways in which to display them. I also decorated the front porch and the window box on Joyful Pause Cottage. Normally I would have bought greens, red birch branches, and birch twigs and logs from a nearby nursery for outside. But this year, used what I already had plus I cut greens from our large pine tree in the backyard.
In some ways so much feels odd, while at the same time familiar with an added sense of accomplishment because I’m using what I already have and finding new ways in which to be creative without having to go out and purchase things.
Over the years I’ve scaled back on my holiday decorations having had about 4 large bins full to now 1 1/2 bins. This still takes me two days to go through and place throughout my home. But it’s something I enjoy and is a creative outlet for me.
I wonder if this year more women will be feeling the need to simplify and just enjoy the season in a new way – a quieter and more contemplative way? It’s been something I’ve done for a few years now, but this year seems even more so. I like it. I sense a collective pause and reflection of what really matters.
When the orange slices came out of the oven I sat down to pause and watch one of my favorite channels on YouTube. I thought you might enjoy it too. It is called Fairyland Cottage. It’s about a young woman who lives in Ireland and embodies a simple life. Watching her videos always feels like a meditation to me. This one, especially so.
Niamh, of Fairyland Cottage, and her way of life, like author and artist Susan Branch, and the late Tasha Tudor are the women I carry with me more and more as I walk through this life. The nudge and pull grow stronger and stronger for me every day. I wonder often if this is where we are headed in our world as we have shifted, adapted, and continue to evolve with this year being the big pause to examine just that.
It’s a world I’d like to see – a simpler one – connected to nature and creativity – and one I will continue to do my best to be in my own little corner of the universe. Those ripples out can surely find their way to others seeking this way too.
So without further ado… but first, perhaps make yourself a cup of tea or your favorite beverage, settle into a comfy chair, and enjoy a sweet peek inside Fairyland Cottage. Niamh has so many important nuggets of wisdom in this video.
XO,
Barbara
Want to receive notifications in your inbox when I post a new blog? Click here to subscribe.
As I write this blog post I’m listening to a Vintage Christmas music channel on Youtube.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving. So much has changed and has opened us to consider new perspectives…or not.
John and I don’t notice a change this year as it’s been many years since we’ve celebrated with family. And when we did get together it was the Sunday after.
A part of me can still feel a bit melancholy for what was, but I also enjoy the time with just John and myself. We will make a turkey, mashed potatoes and the rest I’m unsure of right now. But we will go with the flow of what we feel like tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to getting up at my leisure. Perhaps a walk after a cup of coffee or maybe later in the day – or both! Then prepping the turkey for cooking. A nap, some reading, and we are planning on doing a puzzle together too.
Now don’t laugh – but okay, you can if you want. I’d ordered two new puzzles recently because I couldn’t for the life of me find the two we’d packed in the camper. Of course, after ordering two new ones, the other ones were found thanks to John. Isn’t that how it goes?
At any rate – ok – this is when you can laugh if you’d like. See a theme here? Can you tell what has been on my mind?
After laughing myself I’m thinking about how this whole year has felt like a puzzle! Trying to figure out what fits and what does not. But it’s clear to me that this kind of life as depicted on the cover of these puzzles – quiet, simple, and in nature, fits for me. This much I know.
To continue with the theme I serendipitly came across a book I’m reading right now by Melody Carlson called, “The Happy Camper.” It’s a happy, simple life, full of joy and for sure a happy ending kind of book.
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, as I mentioned in my weekly oracle reading, I think of this week as taking time to really be in gratitude for my many blessings. And among them is each of you for being a part of my Joyful Pause/Paws community here.
xo,
Barbara
Want to receive notifications in your inbox when I post a new blog? Click here to subscribe.
