Natural, found objects can make amazing art supplies. Not only is it fun for children to explore outside and find these objects, but being able to turn them into a work of art brings another level of perspective to the task.
When kids are looking at items with an eye for using the materials in an art project, it helps to develop careful observation skills by encouraging them to look closely at things and to picture them in an entirely different context.… Continue reading
Life sometimes throws difficult things our way. Unexpected events occur; at times these are pleasant and at other times they are not. We all face hardships in some form or another (for example, a litigious person may threaten you with an unwarranted lawsuit — see HERE). People around us will make mistakes and there will be instances when we will be negatively impacted by them.… Continue reading
Last year I wrote a post about the things a child can learn by building a gingerbread house (see HERE). This year, I’m writing a post about the practical things I’ve learned along the way as the parent supporting the project.
First, if your kids have a ton of food allergies, it’s best to treat the gingerbread house as an art project.… Continue reading
For the last few weeks I’ve been heavy in thought, about the current status of my website, about where I want to go with it, and – mostly – about its name.
You see, I received a letter from the lawyers representing the Mindful Living Network, LLC threatening to sue me for my use of the name Everyday Mindful Living.… Continue reading
The world can be a tough place. There are times when the pain and sadness seem overwhelming. But there is always good if we look for it.
While there are injustices and hardships and the deaths of those we love, there are also sweet embraces, exuberant toddler giggles, cups of freshly brewed tea, sweet grandmothers, songs to sing, kind strangers who become new friends, tall trees, and the beauty of the moon.… Continue reading
Our lives all have different seasons. Some seasons are busier than others. This true over the course of years. It is also true over the course of weeks.
You may have noticed that I haven’t been posting daily on my blog for the last couple of weeks. During this time, a several unexpected things have occurred. (I’ll post more about one big issue that arose in the coming week or two).… Continue reading
About two weeks ago my 6-year-old asked if we could bring in our holiday lights from the garage and hang them up around the house.
I responded, “Sweetie, Christmas isn’t for a long time yet. Why don’t we wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put them up. Let’s enjoy one holiday at a time.”
He quickly turned to me with astonishment flashing in his eyes and answered, “Mama, I don’t want to put lights up for Christmas right now.… Continue reading
Life is full of magic and beauty. We all hope (and plan!) to live a long time, and to enjoy many more years of wonder. But the only moment we are promised is this very one.
So the time to do what you want to do is now. The time to become who you want to become is now.… Continue reading
When it’s cold and snowy outside, as it is today, I find myself desiring hot drinks. While I typically drink plain hot herbal tea, I sometimes mix it up with other things. Today, I wanted a Hot Spiced Chai.
The warming spices were perfect on a cold, blustery day, heating me up from the inside out. The richness of the cream made the drink feel like a special treat. … Continue reading
When our hearts are quiet and untroubled, life proves to be a feast for the soul. There is beauty and joy within and around us, if we can only look and appreciate it.
When our hearts are anxious, stressed, distracted, overly busy, or caught up in taxing emotions, we lose sight of life’s beauty.
Today, let’s feast on the beauty that comes from a quiet heart.… Continue reading