Hello sweet soul!
Where did the weeks go? We are half into summer - did you feel it yet? The sand between your toes, the cool of the pool? Not me, not yet... but, I did go to a hot air ballon festival. It was magical!!
Hey, we still have a good four weeks or so and I intend to make the most of them. It's not the length of time (or the short of it) it's the quality, right? So how do you plan on making the most of your second half of summer?
Unless you are in Australia - shout out to my cousin Rivky - is it still winter there, or are they headed into spring? Even in winter there are ways to bring in summer - ice cream is delish, all year long! My fave is a vanilla soft serve on a wafer cone with rainbow sprinkles. What can I say, I'm a kid at heart!
🍦Let's make believe this blue one in the pic is vanilla ;)
If I got you craving a cone, go on and get one, I'll wait - but, hurry back because I've got to fill you in on my latest creative adventures! As always, I share because I care - hope that a nugget or two sparks your curiosity and delights and/or inspires you in some way. Ok! Onwards and upwards...
Creative Updates
Book Exploration
This book was a gift - Thank You Ilene S.! I am finding it to be validating, encouraging, motivating and comforting. Yes, all that! The author describes thoughts, conflicts and concerns that I felt somewhat alone with while reconnecting with my creative side, this author "get's it." It's always nice to feel understood :)
Site/App/Product Discoveries and Faves
- Crystal Identifier app - I find this one to be fun, since my newfound interest in gems and crystals.
- Merlin bird identifier app (by sound of the chirp) - Thanks Sheila D. for this sweet gem of an app - I truly enjoy it! Can't wait to share it with my grandson who shares my bird-love. Ooh, that reminds me, I need to order a bird whistle!
- Salt and Soul NYC - Candles that are packages in a way that make you feel - well, as you should feel when you get a candle - lit with love and wrapped self-care. Thank you Paula R. for creating this soulful product. I love each one of my candles - it feels so good to have a go to gift that I feel proud to share.
- Pentel gel pens in purple, green, pink, blue or black ink - my go to pen. I've been asked about the one I use (purple!!!), so here ya' go! They are sold separately by color as well.
- Perfume by Sue Phillips - luxe at its finest!! I found out about Sue's establishment from an ad in Fortune magazine. She answered the phone with her lovely English accent - and she was so very welcoming... I am keeping her number in my phone for a later date, when I can justify this mega-mega-splurge for her custom perfume session. Maybe I'll pick up a lottery ticket today, or even better, get a move on with my journals. What would you treat yourself to if money was no object? Because, c’mon, say it with me - “You're Worth It!!”
- Great post on the morning pages - morning pages are a core exercise from The Artist's Way book by Julia Cameron (see playshop mentions at the top) and I found this post to be helpful in explaining the benefits and how-to of the exercise.
Delightful Artist Dates!
Here comes the sun, here comes the fun, tadadada...
Go, on, play the song while you enjoy the pics... Joy is just a click above!
- Falafel Tanami Brooklyn, NY - this was the hubby's idea. He heard about this kosher falafel place that was written up in the NY Times and had to try it. It's only a few blocks from my mom, so when I went to visit, I picked some falafel for us. Then I stopped by another place to compare. Both were delish, but I must say the ones from Tanami were really really mmmmmm good!!
- Pretty funny Vintage Tarrytown NY - A delightful shop ful of new and old treasures.
- Wild Birds Unlimited Paramus, NJ My favoriite shop for all things bird related.
- Taipei 101, Taiwan - via flying carpet - with VR goggles from my bed ;)
- Kosherpalooza - Finally met the editor of my Shabbat Cookbook, the awesome Paula Shoyer, Celebrity Chef and author of at least five delish cookbooks of her own!
- The Karl Lagerfeld Exhibit at the MET Glam gowns that made me feel like playing dress up. Always love any excuse to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Loved that place since I was a kid and read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. FrankweilerbyE.L. Konigsburg
Upcoming, G♡D willing:
I renamed my Shabbat Cookbook - Title soon be revealed! This time, in addition to the E-Book it's available on Amazon in Hardcover and Softcover!! WooHoo!!!
Between you and me, it already done, but I want to refine the cover just a tad - the spine needs a tweak. tuned! It’s allllllmossssst doneskees!!!!
I’ll leave you with a lift off of my most recent Artist Date - Took a drive to Readington NJ for the New Jersey Lottery Balloon Festival - something I wanted to do for over five years now. It was like spending a day in Disney World.
I highly recommend you experience it if you haven't yet. If you're in NY or NJ There's one going on this week and another coming up Sept 1-3.
The feeling of standing under one as it goes up is indescribable kiddie-like joy!
Oh, wait - one more thing! In case you are thinking - this gal is just too much. What does she know about real life and work and home and family stuff, obligations and lack of sleep and disappointments and, well - LIFE?
Let me tell you that I am a little too familiar with that and more, and it is not in spite of that - but because of it - that I made a decision to serve G♡D with joy. To take an hour in my week, or even a few when I can, to fill my cup so that it can spill over to the people in my life. It is what gets me through the tough times.
I have given this a lot of thought because of a number of friends bringing this up, that they wish they can live this way, that they realize they NEED more joy in their life - but in essence they are saying they miss connecting with their soul and with all that used to light them up.
I’m telling each one of you that you can connect with your joy center - with your essence - your Divine soul. All it takes is an intention, a decision, a commitment, and yes perhaps an accountability buddy - or a few, plus a real sit down with yourself to write down what you need to make it happen - boundaries, delegation, waking up a bit earlier… you get the picture.
Yes, it does take “work” - it is not easy, initially at least, to create a life filled with more celebration than frustration, but it can be done.
I actually took the time to write down what works for me into a wee little book that I’m hoping will inspire you to bring your joy on in a way that works - for you! I will share it as soon as I have it neat and complete. Be sure to be in touch after (or before) I do - I'd love your thoughts on it!
Sending you lots of love, always. Thanks for being along for my ride - which actually makes it “our ride” and it's so much better - together!!
With gratitude and balloons filled with blessings,
Leia
