Good Morning to You!

It's the first week of May, the temperature is warming and on this overcast Sunday morning there is a fine drizzle of rain.  I woke in early morning semi-darkness and with eyes still closed began to focus on the birds that chirped and sang outside my open window.

I could imagine that I was away at my favourite forest cottage, the sounds were the same and outside the trees were dark silhouettes on a grey sky. "How would I feel, what would my mood and mind-set be if this was a vacation and not a day that I was going to work at the boutique?"  I let that vision sink in and noticed that, yes, I could feel an inner shift. I felt inspired, enthused to embrace these few hours of tranquility and to pretend that I was at the cottage.

I rose and lit a candle, unfurled my yoga mat and let my body warm to the movements. A leisurely but abbreviated dog walk (Jessy hates the rain) was lovely and damp with all the scents of humid soil and  rain itself.  I had to keep reminding myself this was the cottage, it is so easy to get drawn into mindless routines.
I steeped a cup of tea in a pretty mug and wrapped myself in the beautiful prayer shawl that my  mother knit for me several years ago.  Outside on my covered balcony I settled into some comfy pillows on a big wooden Adirondack chair and sipped my steaming tea.  I was instantly rewarded when a bright red-orange cardinal stopped at the bird feeder, a moment later a big blue jay bullied him out of his spot .  The jay was  just a little too big to comfortably perch and soon gave up.  Within seconds the cardinal returned and enjoyed the rest of his breakfast.

The perfect corner for a cup of tea

I allowed my mind to wander aimlessly; such an escape is pure luxury and a beautiful way to begin the day. And while eventually I had to get down to the business of business I felt as though I benefited all day from my morning "escape".  How could you subtly shift your morning routine to indulge yourself?  Would an extra 20 minutes afford you the luxury of savouring  your morning?  A short walk?  A cycle around the neighbourhood? A more leisurely shower?  A hand written note tucked into all the lunch boxes?  What would feel special?  See if you can treat yourself to something special one morning this week, you deserve it.

Thank you for stopping at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Have a beautiful  morning,
Sandra

Of Sparrows and Synchronicity

I just love the synchronicity of life, the unseen web that weaves us all together.  It leaves me in awe when my very thoughts and inward questions are answered in surprising and amazing ways.

For the past two blustery and freezing days I've refilled the bird feeder that hangs on my front balcony several times.  I've watched with amusement, from the warmth of my kitchen, as dozens of sparrows flit back and forth from shrub to feeder over and over again.  Food for birds is scare in January in Canada.

I was moved by their community dining, the way they braved the plunging temperatures and fierce winds, huddling together, taking turns at the feeder and hopping on the snow covered balcony floor looking for seeds that had fallen.

Yesterday I tried taking some photos of the sparrows (an exercise in futility) and then of the patterns their feet had made in the snow (equally unsuccessful).  I had really wanted to write a post about them, but wasn't sure what.  All I knew was that I had spent a lot of time watching them, appreciating them.

Earlier today I received an e-mail from a real estate agent I'd connected with over a year ago from Prince Edward County, Ontario.  We chatted back and forth a bit, I updated her on why I was no longer looking to relocate at this time (divorced, doing work I love now...) and I mentioned my blog which would give her an idea of what had been going on.  She wrote back saying that the last blog entry reminded her of a hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow".  "That's weird", I thought, "sparrow?".  I wasn't familiar with the hymn so I listened to it on my phone as I watched the sparrows from the window; tears welled up as the words assured of how we are known, protected and provided for.  If you're not familiar with the reference, there is a line in the Bible that goes something like this, Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet God feeds them...Fear not therefore you are of more value than many sparrows.

We can all relate to the "winter seasons" of our lives, when the winds blow and we fear that what we need may be scarce.  How reassuring it is to be reminded that we are all connected and that what we require will be provided, sometimes in the most unusual and surprising ways!

Photo courtesy of Garden Safari

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

May you experience the joy of synchronicity,
Sandra

Thank You .....

Welcome to another new year at My Turquoise Kettle Life.  For those of you who know me or follow me, you know that 2015 was a game changer year, a difficult but wonderful year full of challenges and victories.

I cannot help but to be overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the love of God and of those near and dear to me that carried me when I wasn't able to walk (both physically and emotionally).  When I was at my most broken trying to come to terms with a toxic relationship and a serious health crisis I was carried along by love that appeared in the form of family and friends encouraging me, caring for me, who sat beside me at the hospital holding my hand even while I slept, who got the medical team's attention when I was slipping away, who fed me, showed up at my door with tulips, who called and held up images of hope and a future that was bright and shiny.  Of course the amazing team of health care professionals at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital who diagnosed and healed me will always have a special place in my heart.

How do you see this past year?  Can you too create a gratitude list?  Can you point out some silver linings in those dark clouds that threatened to block out the light?

One practice that got me through the most frightening times (mostly scary medical tests) was to repeat to myself, "the perfection of the Universe is held in this moment".   I'm not sure where that phrase came from but it held me tethered to the present moment instead of allowing  my anxious mind to float away like a helium balloon on a windy day.   Its a practice I continue now with morning meditation.

Oh, I also adopted an abandoned little dog named Jessy.  Just look at her. Jessy already has this staying in the present moment thing all figured out:

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Enjoy today,
Sandra

DIY Christmas Tree

It isn't that I don't like a real Christmas tree, the look, the scent and all those decorations but this year I wanted to do something a little different.  I looked on line for ideas for alternatives to Christmas trees but nothing inspired me.  I stood in the middle of my painting studio and figured that there had to be something on hand that would serve as my tree this year.  Leaning in a corner were four simple wooden easels.  I took three and fashioned them together into a cone shape.  I love when an idea starts sparking....

Christmas Tree using 3 wooden artist easels
My Turquoise Kettle Life

I tied the easels together using twine, then strung the mini light around and wrapped several meters of white tulle over the lights.  The finishing touch was a star which I suspended from the ceiling to hang over the top of the tree.  Yes, its a little off beat but it might just be the perfect Christmas tree for an artist.

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas; a time of laughter and love; and may the spirit of Christmas reside in our hearts all year long.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life.

Merry Christmas,
Sandra

DIY Zipper Jewelry

Its December 23rd... two days until the Christmas gifts are placed beneath the tree.  I wanted to give you a sneak preview of my DIY zipper necklace.  For Christmas our family does a gift exchange which I love; it cuts down on the shopping and the gift has to be hand-made.  While some family members find the DIY idea challenging (and it can be depending on who's name you've chosen) I love it.  This year I stumbled across zipper jewelry on line and decided to give it a try.  I roughly copied one that I found at inspiration-of-the-nation.com It was quite simple and quick to make.  

There are several good videos on line that outline the various processes for making zipper jewelry from easy to complex.  I wanted something simple so I bought my zipper by the meter, cut away the excess fabric that runs along the size of the zipper teeth, swirled the zipper into circles and used a hot glue gun to hold everything in place.  The most challenging part of this project was trying to avoid the necklace from sticking to the work surface and not burning my finger tips with the hot glue. There is a black felt backing that hides all the raggedy edges and excess glue.  Jewelry joiners, clasp and ribbon add the finishing touches.  

Thank you for stopping by My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Wishing you a wonderful and creative day,

Sandra

How to Create Perfect Tabletop Displays at Home

I haven't written much lately.  I sometimes don't know what to write, what to share.  My life is in transition (who's isn't really?) and what I write one day may not reflect how I feel the next.  What I wrote about work a few years ago is no longer how I feel today. Today I'm deeply grateful that I work at an elegant home decor boutique, surrounded by beauty, meeting so many people and helping them to create homes that they love.  

Of course there is also the personal need to exercise restraint when I'm at the store... there are so many gorgeous items, I am constantly reminding myself that my own home and budget are not large. Thankfully the inspiration I find there is free and I can always bring loads of that home.  

Three is the magic number for displays

Simple displays or "vignettes" as they are referred to in the boutique are easy to re-create when you know the formula.  As many of you probably know 3 is the magic number in creating a display, also the concept of pyramid and triangle.  Three items displayed: tall, medium, short; don't line them up in a row, rather set them up in a triangular arrangement on your tabletop.  If there's too much discrepancy between heights, (such as when you have a tall lamp and two smaller items) place one of the items on a few stacked books to bridge the gap.  Try to choose either a common theme, colour or style to further unify your display.  Finally, re-purpose items; in the photo above that little vase is actually an empty pill bottle.  Poke around your cupboards, what items have you tucked away that could be used to create a pretty vignette?  

Do you have a favourite store, next time you're there really look at how they create their look.  What colours have they used on the walls, in displays.  A smart customer will often bring in photos of their room(s) and get personal advice on how to get a particular look for their home.  Don't be shy, sales associates are usually delighted to help you create the look you want for your space.

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Have a beautiful day,

Sandra

I Nearly Shut Down My Blog

I nearly shut down this blog.  Over the past 18 months my life has been turned upside down and inside out and at many times I thought that "My Turquoise Kettle Life" no longer applied, there were weeks (months) I barely recognized my life.  I've had health issues and my marriage ended.  Where is the life I described to you in my early posts?

Well, that life is not here any longer.  I can see now (with a bit of time and distance) that what has been stripped away was actually toxic for me. I used to have a lot of fears about my health, about medical tests, about food, about life in general.  But recently a freedom so contrary to the self I knew has crept in and I find myself deep in gratitude for all the events which have brought me to this place; my recent health crisis and the changes in my personal life.  Its a personal renaissance.  God is so good.  I am still regaining my health and strength; but rather than creep away I will continue to write and share about my life.  About painting and creating and now more than ever (because life necessitates) living simply.... yet in freedom and joy.

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

May your day be filled with joy.

Sandra