I’ve decided to delight myself often this week. School will be out in a few days and the energy flow of my life will shift into full gear momma. I made a conscious choice to keep this mid-June week full of blank, free, open space in my daily planner. Time just for me, to fill with soul feeding experience. To give to myself and nourish and replenish the internal wellspring, so that I will feel charged and refreshed, with more energy to give to my children once vacation starts. I invited myself to do whatever I felt like doing, and as it turns out, I am wishing for very simple things that make me happy.
After the school bus pulled away this morning, I slipped into my garden and snipped a bouquet of pink double peonies. I arranged them artfully in a vintage honey jar and allowed myself to become lost in their ripe, citrusy, otherworldly, and delicious scent. I sipped multiple cups of vanilla nut creme tea sweetened with a teaspoon of raw and unfiltered Maine wildflower honey as thick as custard, and wrapped my body in a cozy blanket (it’s a bit chilly here in Maine today). I sat still, comfortably, quiet and listened to the birds singing and fluttering through the clusters of green outside the windows, paid attention to my thoughts and feelings, and focused on my belly breath. As is natural when one sits with herself, not all thoughts and feelings are pleasant. But, being with the thoughts that arose, naming them, turning them over in my mind while I sat protected and comfy, made all the difference, and soon any uncomfortable feelings were transformed into something much softer, especially if I spoke gently to myself, as I would a good friend.
This good book has been my companion.
I do gravitate toward scents and I fill my world with ones I love. Today I’ve been adorning myself throughout the day with Auric Blends patchouli oil. Mmmm. It smells like wet woods.
Composing still life scenes with natural objects and indulging in the swirling visuals and hypnotic scents of smoldering incense sticks are two simple practices that are making me sing. Oh, I’m currently burning Hippie Momma — appropriate methinks:-). And I added two more pretty crystals to my collection — angelite and selenite, both of which are associated with serenity, gentle self-expression, and angelic communication.
I took a stroll in town, taking snapshots along the way… this angel gravestone in an old, local cemetery is one of my favorites. I look up at the gentle face set against the sky and instantly feel calm and peace.
Relish. That’s the perfect word to describe how I’m going about moving into my new art studio in an old mill. It has three windows that directly overlook one of the largest rivers in Maine. I took two more boxes into the space today. I’m fully immersed in the process of this move — slow and deliberate, savory. I’m only filling the space with art supplies, books, and objects that I truly love. My vision is to keep it simple and minimal, with space to move and breathe. An L-shaped wall, built by my carpenter friend, defines my space and is now completely blank. I envision hanging some art on it, twinkle lights, and taking my friend up on his offer to build some custom shelves for it (bartering is the best). It feels deep down good to have a creative space of my own, separate from my home; a space where I can play with paint, write, develop new online course content, whatever I feel like making. No chores calling, or cats that would love constant love and attention. There are several artists who have studios on the same floor, so I actually get to connect with other adults (quite different from the hermit life that goes along with having an at-home studio — which I definitely like, but not as a constant state of being). It’s invigorating to connect with them, having conversations about art, interesting road trips, the best local coffee roaster, gardening, you name it. One person is making batches of elderberry syrup, filling the space with a sweet, intoxicating smell. I’ll show more photos as the space evolves and as I begin to play.
I will be enjoying the lull and slow rhythm of this week, fully tasting all of the experiences I choose to be a part of. Soon it will be full-on juicy, vibrant, adventurous summertime! What are your plans for this summer? (if you are in the northern hemisphere that is) We are getting geared up to hardcore camp in the northern Maine woods in the middle of nowhere (full-bodied joy!) and do some cruisin’ up the coast in a sailboat (my man is a hot-n-burly sailor). I am excited by the photos yet to come. I wonder what they will be.
Sharing:
Fire Coven:
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XO