As May Winds Down....

Sarah Ban Breathnach says in her wonderful and uplifting book Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort & Joy  that "Dreams cost money, sweat, frustration, tears, courage,choices,perseverance, and extraordinary patience. But birthing a dream requires one more thing, Love. Only love can transform a houseful of needy, self-centered individuals into a loving close-knit family, a passion into a livelihood, or a mere dwelling into a home that perfectly expresses your authenticity. " I have recently found myself between semesters at school and with a little more free time than I usually see. I have been celebrating with good food, a night or two out with the hubby, relaxing, getting to a place in mind and body where I am able to slow it down. Doing my yoga getting plenty of rest to the point I am worried that perhaps it is too much. These are all good things however and I am eternally blessed. In small ways every day I continue on this path of living a gentle and pure existence. One of the more inspiring posts that I have read lately puts emphasis on how important it is to continue to change and evolve in a positive manner as human beings we often times get stuck and just stop in one place as a person and remain stagnant. To keep growing is the key to happiness. As we enjoy these last days of May and Memorial Day soon approaches lets get into a "Simple" frame of mind and reap the pleasures and enjoyment that these last days of Spring will bring....

Get fired up for next weekend..dig out your Grandmas old potato salad recipe and give it your own flair. Mine involves hard boiled eggs,red beets and jalapenos. Get the grill ready for whatever you may throw its way. Give it a good scrub down and get ready to throw on some zucchinis eggplant and heirloom tomatoes drizzled in balsamic. Or butter up ears of corn with a little mayo and cayenne and roast in the husk. Whether you are making Tbones or Hot dogs be Grateful for the time spent with family & the true meaning behind this holiday.
White shoes, white shorts, white pants, dresses and hats. Tis the season. I have found the cutest of all of the above at H&M and nothing was over 20 bucks.. Banana Republic has the most beautiful long dresses for when the day calls for a dressier look and I am loving Tom Fords Neroli Portofino body products and the delicate and lacy new looks by Van Cleef & Arpels. But what am I spending my money on these last days of Spring. Why this necklace of course. It is so odd it is striking and I must have it.I have always been fond of Elsa Peretti and this will compliment my collection and will have a special place among it.
Take the time to wander about flee markets garage and estate sales. New finds find a new life among your home. There is no greater joy for me when thrifting than finding an item handmade years ago thrown amongst the rick rack, it may be a token of a grandchild's affection signed by an endearing young child..or a cookbook with handwritten notes between the pages along with an ornate paper napkin from a fancy restaurant one wanted to keep or a shopping list ..it may be someones baby book complete with a lock of hair and photographs. All of these things I have found and brought home to dust off and proudly display and cherish. It makes me feel as though I am the keeper of things which meant something to someone once and that I am privileged to have taken on the task.
Whats on your reading list going into next month? I am thinking of revisiting Mary Engelbrights Home Companion magazines I have socked away from years ago. I will soon be doing a little redecorating and revitalization of the rooms in my house and  the photos are beautiful and inspiring.Part of doing so will involve a little Feng Shui practice of moving about 27 belongings.I will be looking for inspirations in all sorts of things with a focus on creating an  even more beautiful and natural environment for which we love and live.

Be Happy & Be Grateful
But Most Importantly Enjoy Each & Every Moment In the Present That This Week Will Bring