simplicity

The Ordinary Life

Posted by Barbara Techel

I can’t remember the name of this flower, but this stem — is the last of what is left of an annual now gone for the season.

I was attracted to them in early spring while visiting a local nursery. They looked so old-fashioned and like something you’d find in an English garden.

I have several small bud vases I’ve collected over the years. They dot my kitchen windowsill just for the purpose of collecting treasures I pick from my gardens in the summer months.

It was late afternoon on Sunday when I placed the single stem in the vase. I then placed it next to this framed photo of a favorite author of mine and someone I consider a mentor, even though she died in 2008, Tasha Tudor.

I’ve mentioned here before how I appreciate when I first heard Tasha say, “I don’t believe in hurry.”

It has become my mantra. Though at times I forget. It’s why I have a reminder on my windowsill.

Such an ordinary thing of creating this vision of loveliness upon my windowsill.

It filled my heart with complete and utter joy.

So many more of these moments I wish to make up my days.

My mind drifted to wondering…

When did we lose sight of the ordinary? How did we become consumed with wanting more?

What ache were we trying to fill?

When all along it was right here in front of us and within the space of ordinary life.

But we were too busy running here and there, chasing after this and that.

Ordinary life is about resting longer in the pause.

The in-between that by default offers to us, without any effort on our part, what’s really important.

xo,

Barbara

 

 

Let’s Hygge! Are you with Me?

Posted by Barbara Techel

Let's Hygge! Are you with Me?

No, that is not an error in spelling of the word Hygge in my blog post title. Though I have found different versions on line of the definitive way to pronounce it. One resource says “HOO-gah” while another says “HEU-gah” and yet another says “HUE-gah.”

Well, no matter how you say it, I’ve been doing it a long, long time. I’ve been attracted to it way before I knew about this term. In fact, the older I get, the more I crave it and need to have much in my life as possible because it helps ground me and keep me in balance.

It’s a feeling, really, like no other.

And until recently, while I knew the name for it here in the states, I didn’t know the Danish had a name for it, which they call Hygge.

What is Hygge, you may ask?  Well, once you know, I know you will want to do it too!

According to the book I read while on vacation, The Cozy Life by Pia Edberg, the Danish concept of coziness is…

the art of creating warmth, comfort, and wellbeing through connection, treasuring the moment, and surrounding yourself with things you love.

I’ll bet you want to join in and Hygge with me now, now don’t you?

I LOVE TO HYGGE!

Some of my favorite ways to Hygge:

  • Snuggle up to the woodstove with a good book and cup of tea or glass of wine (and not to be left out, a wiener dog curled beside me)
  • Decorate my home with vintage, nostalgic, upcycled furniture and treasures.
  • Nap in the winter with the sun streaming on my face (which I just did today!)
  • Create altars in my writing cottage from items in nature, animal totems and oracle/SoulCollage(r) cards
  • Listen to music that stirs my emotions.
  • My favorite person to Hygge with is my hubby John, whether we are nestled in our small living room around the woodstove catching up on the day’s events, sitting around the chiminea on our deck, or out at a restaurant on date night. 
  • Watch my dogs, Kylie and Gidget play outside.
  • In spring, summer and fall, my newest favorite Hygge since getting new landscaping, is walking around the house checking out my flowers and shrubs.
  • A soak in the tub and then slipping into my flannel pajama’s.
  • Spending time at my Sistah V’s home — her house oozes Hygge!
  • Slowly peruse Cottage Journal magazine.
  • Mindfully walk through piles of fall leaves.
  • Sit in silence and gaze out the window.
  • Light candles

I could go on and on, really. So many Hygge things to relish in.

And this time of year…so perfect to Hygge…winters gift of slowing down, getting cozy, and going inward.

Do you have a favorite way to Hygge?

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The Joy of Simplicity

Posted by Barbara Techel

The Joy of Simplicity

I wanted to share with you today my mini nativity. I just adore it and thought it might make you smile, too. It was given to me by my friend, Diane, many years ago.

It sits on my altar in my writing cottage. In the early morning, before the sun rises, I love sitting in my cottage for a few moments with the lights turned off. I enjoy just having a candle burning as a way of invoking the Christmas spirit this time of year.

Also, being in the quiet before the world begins to stir is such a delicious treat.

It’s the small, but simple things that I find so much joy in.

It was fun coming across this quote also that I felt is so fitting…

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
~Eva Logue

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