Happy Birthday!

My younger boy turns one today. What a joy he has brought to our lives. His laughter is contagious. His sense of adventure is a marvel. I hope he never doubts the love and joy he has brought to my life. I love him very very much and can't wait to get to know him better.

Brotherly Fun

12 Rules to Live By - Robert Louis Stevenson

1) Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.
2) Make the best of circumstances. No one has everything and everyone has something of sorrow.
3) Don’t take yourself too seriously.
4) Don’t let criticism worry you. You can’t please everybody.
5) Don’t let your neighbors set your standards; be yourself.
6) Do things you enjoy doing but stay out of debt.
7) Don’t borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than actual ones.
8) Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish enmities and grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.
9) Have many interests. If you can’t travel, read about places.
10) Don’t hold post-mortems or spend time brooding over sorrows and mistakes.
11) Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.
12) Keep busy at something. A very busy person never has time to be unhappy.

an autumn view from our kitchen window

joy in simplicity

I've been inspired of late in the simple everyday wonder of things around me. Perhaps it is because I am now a mother raising two sons. My view of the world has changed a bit. What inspires me has been stripped down to the basic, functional, and fundamental. I am inspired and energized by things that I hope my sons take notice of and appreciate as well. This includes joyous wonder observed in nature and art, poetry and literature, color and texture, taste and touch.



It is my hope and aspiration to find joy in simplicity. To appreciate the beauty around me. And to continue the quest of engaging my sons in this adventurous and beautiful world.