Inspired by Charm

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• The tinkling of my wind chimes. I have several on my deck that ring differently  One is made of circular cut shells of lovely shade of light green colored. It picks up the light breezes. There is a rusted Mexican chime that has little bells of varying sizes that clinks when heavier winds come through. And my favorite, is a throaty brass chime that sings a rich tone in all winds. I love the comfort of their notes. 
• Lemon water. Right? It's so fresh and clean! 
• Scentsy stuff. I have one of those warmers that you put a nub of scented wax on to make the room smell good. I've tried different ones and found that I love the really creative smell combos from Scentsy. Right now I have a coconut lime verbena going that's just heavenly.

Inspiring Blog

Inspired by Charm - Just stumbled on this lovely blog by a young man named Michael. He owns a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania, he loves decorating, and shares great recipes. The way I found him was through Pinterest (of course!). Always on the prowl for inspiring quotes, I found this one that features Zooey Deschanel...

I love the quote, love the format. Hmmmm, what's this Inspired by Charm, I wondered? I went to Michael's webpage and found several more he had created. Aren't these wonderful?

All creative and inspiring people, sharing a life of gratitude and positive energy. I love it! 

Well, I'm most definitely Inspired by Charm and have subscribed to Michael's blog. I appreciate the joy in his posts. Thinking you might like it, too!

My precious daughter

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for my Sarah girl:

• My daughter has imprinted me with indelible ink. She makes my heart sing a song that is only hers. And, like her sweet baby smell, it is especially assigned to her. 
• Like a photo negative, she and I are the same picture with different light. Where she shines, I sit in awe and wonder at her unique gifts. 
• As is with most mothers and daughters, we are complicated, convoluted, and changing. Through the years our relationship has taken on unanticipated hues and depths. All making for a rich tapestry that both of us can proudly claim as uniquely ours. 

"Your soul sings to mine. My soul is yours, and it always will be, in any world. No matter what happens. I need you to remember that I love you." ~Laini Taylor

Image credit: Sarah Hepler

A little bird told me

Daily Gratitude

Today I'm shining because I'm thankful for:

• Intermittent rays of sunshine. While bright lovely days of brilliant sunshine are my preference. I find I'm especially thankful for the times the light peaks through dark, stormy clouds. 
• Check-in calls. It's a comfort when a friend calls just to see how I am. The thoughtfulness makes me happy.
• Mad Men Season 6 Premier. Ok, I admit it, I'm a junkie. And I tell you, I've been waiting for foreEEeevVer! for this night. It better be worth it! 

A Little Bird Told Me

by Shelley Hepler

Today I found half of robin’s eggshell,

Still moist from its occupant.

My heart quaked at the astonishing blue.

Its mesmerizing hue compelled me

To madly search for the other half.

Digging and scratching and grumbling served no purpose,

The errant half was not to be found.

That color, that form, it must be made whole!

When I stopped my rustling,

A little bird voice played on my ear.

There was the true beauty, new life, a new beginning.

In my palm I crushed the shell

And blew the fragments into the wind.

Image: Robin's Egg Blue by Kathleen Kendall