Happy Halloween...

Halloween is upon us, and October is nearing it's close. It's been a busy month for me, working on little projects, catching up on some reading, putting away summer clothing and pulling out warmer things for autumn.

We've had such a beautiful week. Cold nights and cool days. My perfect choice for weather! The fall colors have been amazing this year! Varied and bright!

On Facebook I participated in a 7 day photo challenge. You post the following challenge, adding the day as you go.

     Day ___ of 7 days,

     Seven black and white photos of your life.

     No photos of people. No explanations.
     Challenge someone different each day.
     I challenge: ____________________

I don't often participate in FB games and challenges, but this seemed like a fun one! I tried to choose pictures representing different moments, memories, or other aspects of my life. Here are the seven photos I chose.

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5:

Day 6:

Day 7:

This challenge made me think a little bit about who I am and how people may see me or not see me. If you've read my blog, you already know I love books, writing, movies, music, art, and family, as well as being a spiritual person. I hope this gives you an interesting look at some other aspects of who I am, even without the descriptions of each photo.

Well, it's time to get on with my day. Though I'm not a fan of all the scary Halloween stuff, I do love costumes, candy, little children knocking at my door, and Charlie Brown! Look for the fun, and have a Happy Halloween!

Peace in the Storm...

It seems like every time I turn on the TV, there's more unsettling news. Social media isn't much better. I went on Facebook this evening, looking for a fun break. Instead I read some things which broke my heart. I also read some things which lifted my soul. Isn't that the way of life? The road is not without twists and turns, but there is beauty to be found all along the journey. Sometimes we have to make the effort to look for it, but it is there, like the little bird singing in the middle of a storm. Chaos may be all around us, but peace dwells in the heart and soul. May God grant you peace in your storm, whatever that may be.

Happiness, How to get it...

Right now, I'm watching the Today Show. It's a segment on happiness. The number one happiest city in America is Boulder, Colorado, but Dan Buettner, the author of The Blue Zones of Happiness, says you don't have to move to Colorado, anyone can be happier. Here are some of the ways he suggests, as a result of what he's learned while traveling the world with National Geographic:

1. Get a dog, petting a dog affects those hormones which fight stress. (I don't currently have a dog or cat, but agree with this one.)
2. Have a front porch rather than a back porch. It leads to more human contact. The happiest people are socializing 5 or 6 hours a day (Hmmm... something to consider.)
3. Have at least three close friends. People you can call and count on through good and bad times. (Done!)
4. Have good light. Open a curtain. Having a window looking out at nature makes people more happy. (Though I love a cityscape as well)
5. Get religion. Studies show people around the world who have some kind of religion tend to be happier than non-religious people. (Since I've believed in God from childhood, I don't know the other side of this. I do know that religion brings you in contact with other humans and shared activities. I also know I feel more at peace because of my faith, which is part of me whether I'm in a church building, at home, or anywhere else.
6. Get married. Stay married. Studies show people are happier with a partner than without. (Unless you're in a miserable marriage, with no hope of reconciliation. I know many would say "stick it out no matter what" but I've seen the dark side of that. I also know single people who are not only happy, but thrive as single individuals, so I think this one is up for debate.) 
7. Volunteer. Being generous raises your happiness level. (Something my grandparents and my mom taught me by example. Giving really is it's own reward!)

He also says money can bring you happiness, to a point. If you have enough to feel secure. It's not about having lots of things, it's about knowing you have enough to provide for yourself and your loved ones.

Wishing you more happiness in your life!

Rested and Ready to Decorate...

The past few weeks had been rather stressful, so I took a short, self-imposed break from social media. I spent more time reading books and magazines, and indulged in watching several movies. Some time was also spent browsing Pinterest images and a couple of decorating blogs. I haven't "put my Autumn on" yet, but here's a blogger who is always on top of the seasonal changes.

Hmmmm... Blogger won't let me load the link for you to click directly there, but you can copy and paste:  http://www.bargaindecoratingwithlaurie.com/

Bargain Decorating with Laurie can also be found on Facebook. I love looking at all the treasures she decorates with! Enjoy the eye candy! Maybe it will inspire you. I'm heading to the garage for my box of Autumn decor!

Hard Times...

I've been absent more than I'd planned. Life has tossed some hard things my way recently. I'm taking time to rest, recharge, and find my center again. I never started this blog to be all joy and brightness, but with so much sad in the outside world, it's hard to find words to share here. I will try. I'm taking a break from Facebook, phones, and even visits with friends. Do you ever lose track of who you are? I certainly have. As I find pieces of me, I'll come back and post. It may be every day or so, or every month or so. Whatever feels best. I hope you won't stop checking in with me.

This song is what I needed today. Maybe it will speak to your heart as it did mine.

Love and blessings to each of you who happen to pass this way!