Have you ever had one of those nights when you simply long for some lazy peace and quiet? When all you want to do is curl up with your thoughts and just... be? Do you like jazz? How about the sound of rain hitting the pavement while the thunder rolls in the distance? Do you love escaping into the glow of a cozy fireplace... but don't have one?
Well, my friends, do I have have a treat for you! The other night I found myself on StumbleUpon, clicking away at random links and pictures, trying to kill some time before bed. A few minutes into my Internet coma, I found myself on this reddit post. WAIT! Before you click the link, please read on.
The post is the perfect answer to all the questions listed above. Essentially, the poster has enabled you to get all three of the elements needed for that perfect mood, with three simple clicks.
Dim your lights, get comfortable and open three tabs on your favourite browser. Then click the links listed on the website, opening each in one of the tabs. The three videos will play together, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation and ease.
It was a fabulous experience for me -- it was hot, humid and absolutely muggy outside, and my mind was racing with thoughts that didn't belong there. But with the lights turned down and my computer sitting at a distance, I was able to get the tranquility my soul needed at that moment. It took me out of my Internet coma and sent me to a happy place.
And if you REALLY like it, the site even instructs you on how to loop the videos so that they play for longer than the time allotted.
Check it out, and tell me what you think of "Time to Get Classy".
xo
SC
P.s. There's a ton of comments on the post for the link provided... don't let that distract you.
P.p.s. You're highly encouraged to use this 'mood' for other purposes as you see fit.
P.p.s. Don't forget to relax!
Showing posts with label feelings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feelings. Show all posts
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Just another Sunday thought
A few weekends ago I got thinking: It’s amazing how sometimes in life you get more than you bargained for. Some days, you might feel as though you’re in complete control of your present – your ‘here and now’. You have all your ducks lined up in order and you are conscious of all your next steps. But then, something happens that throws you off, and all of a sudden, everything you set out to do or planned, either ends up on the back-burner or destroyed all together. It just goes to show, you can never be too prepared when it comes to life.
John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." I guess he wasn't kidding. When we plan our lives, we create it in our view of perfection. We take steps, measures and precautions to ensure that by the end of the journey, we’ll feel the least amount of hurt as a result of those around us. We build bridges to those who make us feel loved, strong and happy, while creating walls, closing us away from those who make us feel pain, hurt and anger.
In some cases it’s a defense mechanism, but for others, it’s just the way they’re built. Some are born with the ability to compartmentalize and disconnect emotions from reality, while others need to learn the techniques along the way.
But what are we to do when someone builds their own bridge to you, sneaks past the wall when you’re not paying attention, and ends up hurting you anyway? Or, what are we to do when we don’t build bridges leading us towards the ones who will undoubtedly make our lives better?
I guess, that’s the ‘life’ part, isn’t it? You can’t really ever know these things, or when they will happen. It’s the risks and gambles we have to take when we play the game.
Sometimes the risks we take come at far greater prices than we bargained for… but we take them anyway, because we think, “Let’s live a little and make this journey a bit more interesting...” And because it’s a risk, we know from the beginning that the outcome can end up in one of two ways. But isn’t it funny how we’re never prepared for the negative one?
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, said that people come into our lives with purpose. In knowing them in time and place, we are forever left changed. And this change can be for better or worse… and we usually don’t figure this out until it happens.
But I suppose the point is to embrace it all – the goodness, the negativity, the pain, the happiness, the anger – all of it, in hopes that we can grow and understand a little more of ourselves, through the experience.
Life is an ongoing journey, and it’s not always a steadily positive one. Sometimes it’s pretty accurate to say, “Life just sucks!”
But the point is that if we can get through the experience, for better or worse, and come out on the other end (which, we usually do – give or take a few scars and bruises), we can grow in understanding that this is what it means to truly feel alive. That, despite the walls around us, or the bridges to our support systems, we can allow ourselves to feel pure happiness, pain, joy and sadness, and still be OK.
The only goal is to ensure that we don’t become slaves to our feelings, and let them run our lives. Because when that happens, we’re not living for ourselves… we’re living for those who ignited the feelings in us. And doing that, well that would really make life suck!
xo
SC
John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." I guess he wasn't kidding. When we plan our lives, we create it in our view of perfection. We take steps, measures and precautions to ensure that by the end of the journey, we’ll feel the least amount of hurt as a result of those around us. We build bridges to those who make us feel loved, strong and happy, while creating walls, closing us away from those who make us feel pain, hurt and anger.
In some cases it’s a defense mechanism, but for others, it’s just the way they’re built. Some are born with the ability to compartmentalize and disconnect emotions from reality, while others need to learn the techniques along the way.
But what are we to do when someone builds their own bridge to you, sneaks past the wall when you’re not paying attention, and ends up hurting you anyway? Or, what are we to do when we don’t build bridges leading us towards the ones who will undoubtedly make our lives better?
I guess, that’s the ‘life’ part, isn’t it? You can’t really ever know these things, or when they will happen. It’s the risks and gambles we have to take when we play the game.
Sometimes the risks we take come at far greater prices than we bargained for… but we take them anyway, because we think, “Let’s live a little and make this journey a bit more interesting...” And because it’s a risk, we know from the beginning that the outcome can end up in one of two ways. But isn’t it funny how we’re never prepared for the negative one?
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, said that people come into our lives with purpose. In knowing them in time and place, we are forever left changed. And this change can be for better or worse… and we usually don’t figure this out until it happens.
But I suppose the point is to embrace it all – the goodness, the negativity, the pain, the happiness, the anger – all of it, in hopes that we can grow and understand a little more of ourselves, through the experience.
Life is an ongoing journey, and it’s not always a steadily positive one. Sometimes it’s pretty accurate to say, “Life just sucks!”
But the point is that if we can get through the experience, for better or worse, and come out on the other end (which, we usually do – give or take a few scars and bruises), we can grow in understanding that this is what it means to truly feel alive. That, despite the walls around us, or the bridges to our support systems, we can allow ourselves to feel pure happiness, pain, joy and sadness, and still be OK.
The only goal is to ensure that we don’t become slaves to our feelings, and let them run our lives. Because when that happens, we’re not living for ourselves… we’re living for those who ignited the feelings in us. And doing that, well that would really make life suck!
xo
SC
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Gift wrap 2009
As 2009 begins to take its final bow, I can't help but sit and wonder of all that's transpired in my life since January. To say this year has been a roller-coaster ride would be an understatement. Looking back to the earlier months, I never would have imagined I'd find myself spending Christmas in Seoul, Korea... writing this entry in a staffroom filled with teachers who continue to glance (very obviously) over my shoulder as I type. Hi, Mr. S!
I've endured a lot this year, but I've learned more. The lessons have come as a result of peculiar situations and odd circumstances, but, having made it through, I feel as though I can now sit back and reflect.
I remember stressing out in January about starting my internship with the CBC. I didn't think it would actually happen, but working with the News at Six team was an experience I'm glad I had. There's nothing quite like working in a breaking newsroom, where the gun is held to your head everyday, to have your stories in... yesterday. I had a chance to move fast and learned more than I ever imagined I would. I met some wonderful people who I know I'll be in touch with for a long time to come.
The following months were spent at the magazine -- definitely not what I expected it to be. I was blessed with editors who looked after me and were truly concerned about my well-being in the industry. I was fortunate to be offered some wonderful advice from professionals who I consider not only mentors, but friends. Though it was difficult at times, I don't regret it for a moment, because I know I grew through that experience. Working at the magazine also allowed me to focus on my style of writing more, and I now know the direction I'd like to head in... you'll hear more about this in 2010, I assure you. Sit tight.
The last quarter of 2009 brought me to Seoul, Korea. Who would have thought? They say everything in life happens for a reason, and, without a doubt, I can say that I was meant to be here, at this time. Despite the difficulties, there's something serendipitous about the whole experience. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I'm sure it will come to me one day.
There's something to be said about fate, isn't there? It's been so surreal meeting people from all across the globe, and forming friendships that feel as though they're antiques -- precious and old. I've met many wonderful people from all corners of the planet, each with their own wonderful and unique gifts that have come as blessings into my life. It's hard to imagine that I've only known some of them for a few months... and it's even harder to fathom that one day, not too long from now, I'll have to say goodbye to them as we each scuttle off to our own neck of the woods. But rest assured, these will be life-long friends.
One of the main things this journey has taught me so far, is that we live on a very small planet. Truly... mobility is so easy these days, with all the options available. And what's even more amazing is the fact that technology has brought us closer than ever. Actually, this is also quite scary. I suppose it depends on how you look at it.
All I'm saying is that I'm grateful to Skype, Facebook, Hotmail, Gmail, snail mail, cellphones and text messages for allowing me to stay in touch with those I love and care about. This journey might have been quite different otherwise, I think.
Along the way, I think this has been one of the biggest years in terms of personal growth, trials and achievements. I'm fortunate to have a dear family who have been nothing but a constant support to me, and friends who have stood by and been the best cheerleaders and entertainers a girl could ever ask for.
So this quick note is for you, dear readers and people in my life...
I'm thankful to
those of you who make me think
those of you who tell me to stop thinking
those of you who insist I think a little harder
those of you who put dirty thoughts into my mind
those of you who make me laugh till I cry
those of you who insist I try everything at least once
those of you who make me take risks
those of you who see what's past the surface
those of you who've broken down the wall
those of you who let me vent
those of you who share your stories with me
those of you who I've shared unbelievable coffee dates with
those of you who I've shared eye-opening conversations with
those of you who've made me feel like a million bucks
those of you who let me be me
... but mostly, I'm thankful to those of you who are active participants in my life right now. I'm looking forward to spending and sharing an amazing 2010 with you.
xo
SC
Image courtesy of Dreamstime Stock
I've endured a lot this year, but I've learned more. The lessons have come as a result of peculiar situations and odd circumstances, but, having made it through, I feel as though I can now sit back and reflect.
I remember stressing out in January about starting my internship with the CBC. I didn't think it would actually happen, but working with the News at Six team was an experience I'm glad I had. There's nothing quite like working in a breaking newsroom, where the gun is held to your head everyday, to have your stories in... yesterday. I had a chance to move fast and learned more than I ever imagined I would. I met some wonderful people who I know I'll be in touch with for a long time to come.
The following months were spent at the magazine -- definitely not what I expected it to be. I was blessed with editors who looked after me and were truly concerned about my well-being in the industry. I was fortunate to be offered some wonderful advice from professionals who I consider not only mentors, but friends. Though it was difficult at times, I don't regret it for a moment, because I know I grew through that experience. Working at the magazine also allowed me to focus on my style of writing more, and I now know the direction I'd like to head in... you'll hear more about this in 2010, I assure you. Sit tight.
The last quarter of 2009 brought me to Seoul, Korea. Who would have thought? They say everything in life happens for a reason, and, without a doubt, I can say that I was meant to be here, at this time. Despite the difficulties, there's something serendipitous about the whole experience. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I'm sure it will come to me one day.
There's something to be said about fate, isn't there? It's been so surreal meeting people from all across the globe, and forming friendships that feel as though they're antiques -- precious and old. I've met many wonderful people from all corners of the planet, each with their own wonderful and unique gifts that have come as blessings into my life. It's hard to imagine that I've only known some of them for a few months... and it's even harder to fathom that one day, not too long from now, I'll have to say goodbye to them as we each scuttle off to our own neck of the woods. But rest assured, these will be life-long friends.
One of the main things this journey has taught me so far, is that we live on a very small planet. Truly... mobility is so easy these days, with all the options available. And what's even more amazing is the fact that technology has brought us closer than ever. Actually, this is also quite scary. I suppose it depends on how you look at it.
All I'm saying is that I'm grateful to Skype, Facebook, Hotmail, Gmail, snail mail, cellphones and text messages for allowing me to stay in touch with those I love and care about. This journey might have been quite different otherwise, I think.
Along the way, I think this has been one of the biggest years in terms of personal growth, trials and achievements. I'm fortunate to have a dear family who have been nothing but a constant support to me, and friends who have stood by and been the best cheerleaders and entertainers a girl could ever ask for.
So this quick note is for you, dear readers and people in my life...
I'm thankful to
those of you who make me think
those of you who tell me to stop thinking
those of you who insist I think a little harder
those of you who put dirty thoughts into my mind
those of you who make me laugh till I cry
those of you who insist I try everything at least once
those of you who make me take risks
those of you who see what's past the surface
those of you who've broken down the wall
those of you who let me vent
those of you who share your stories with me
those of you who I've shared unbelievable coffee dates with
those of you who I've shared eye-opening conversations with
those of you who've made me feel like a million bucks
those of you who let me be me
... but mostly, I'm thankful to those of you who are active participants in my life right now. I'm looking forward to spending and sharing an amazing 2010 with you.
xo
SC
Image courtesy of Dreamstime Stock
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Will Write For Chocolate
A quick note after receiving my first care package while in Seoul.
One of my friends back in Toronto had the bright idea to purchase a bunch of magazines and send them to me as a package. I realize she knows me better than I thought she did, because I was going through some major reading withdrawal. This is just what I needed! These magazines will keep me entertained for weeks. I am thrilled.
Aside from issues of People, Cosmopolitan and Elle (sure to satisfy my need for trashy reads), she also included a December '09 copy of The Writer, a magazine I used to browse through while strolling around Chapters or Indigo. One of the first things I saw while flipping through it at my desk, was a comic strip I had completely forgotten about.
Will Write for Chocolate is a pretty entertaining cartoon published on the web by Toronto-based Debbie Ridpath Ohi. It chronicles the life of a writer trying to make it through her first novel. I've found myself chuckling to these little bursts of entertainment many times, because on so many levels, I can relate.
Here's one that's my absolute favourite.
Lesson learned for today: Never underestimate the power a well thought out care package can have on your emotions... especially during a chilly, mind-numbing winter's day!
Love you lots, HC!
xo
SC
p.s. You can click on the picture to make it bigger.
Image courtesy of WillWriteForChocolate.com
One of my friends back in Toronto had the bright idea to purchase a bunch of magazines and send them to me as a package. I realize she knows me better than I thought she did, because I was going through some major reading withdrawal. This is just what I needed! These magazines will keep me entertained for weeks. I am thrilled.
Aside from issues of People, Cosmopolitan and Elle (sure to satisfy my need for trashy reads), she also included a December '09 copy of The Writer, a magazine I used to browse through while strolling around Chapters or Indigo. One of the first things I saw while flipping through it at my desk, was a comic strip I had completely forgotten about.
Will Write for Chocolate is a pretty entertaining cartoon published on the web by Toronto-based Debbie Ridpath Ohi. It chronicles the life of a writer trying to make it through her first novel. I've found myself chuckling to these little bursts of entertainment many times, because on so many levels, I can relate.
Here's one that's my absolute favourite.
Lesson learned for today: Never underestimate the power a well thought out care package can have on your emotions... especially during a chilly, mind-numbing winter's day!
Love you lots, HC!
xo
SC
p.s. You can click on the picture to make it bigger.
Image courtesy of WillWriteForChocolate.com
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
A bright spot
I saw this on another blog and couldn't help but share. It echoes my thoughts and sentiments at this very momement in time, as I find myself on the other side of the world, away from comforts and routine.
I hope you take something away from it as well.
xo
SC
Image courtesy of A Life More Fabulous - Quote by Eve Ensler, as published in Glamour magazine's Dec '09 issue
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Drum for your Life
The only thing better than watching a drumming festival live, is watching a drumming festival live... in a forest... at night... for free.
A few weekends ago, a bunch of the other expat teachers and I ventured on a post ladies-night trip down to the Han river, in search of Seoul Forest. We had learned not too long ago that there was a drumming festival taking place there, so we figured we'd make a day of it and check out the happenings.
After a two hour walk along the river we found ourselves in the heart of Seoul's man-made forest, just after sunset. Greeted by the pounding of drums that literally resonated in our souls, we walked into the clearing to see thousands of people who had the exact same plans for Sunday evening as we did.
Check out some of the photos from this awesome International event.
The 2009 Seoul Drum Festival held in Seoul Forest in September, 2009.
This all-female group was awesome! They performed complicated drumming routines while still managing to look elegant and poised. A true talent, I think... and a wishful dream that I could be one of them!
The traditional Korean drum. "Goom-ta-ta-goom-ta-goom!"
This was a samba dancer who performed with the Brazilian troupe. Traditional drumming and music that made me feel I was back in Cuba... I was in heaven!
A small glimpse at the crowd that showed up for this wonderful event.
A few weekends ago, a bunch of the other expat teachers and I ventured on a post ladies-night trip down to the Han river, in search of Seoul Forest. We had learned not too long ago that there was a drumming festival taking place there, so we figured we'd make a day of it and check out the happenings.
After a two hour walk along the river we found ourselves in the heart of Seoul's man-made forest, just after sunset. Greeted by the pounding of drums that literally resonated in our souls, we walked into the clearing to see thousands of people who had the exact same plans for Sunday evening as we did.
Check out some of the photos from this awesome International event.
The 2009 Seoul Drum Festival held in Seoul Forest in September, 2009.
This all-female group was awesome! They performed complicated drumming routines while still managing to look elegant and poised. A true talent, I think... and a wishful dream that I could be one of them! 
The traditional Korean drum. "Goom-ta-ta-goom-ta-goom!"
This was a samba dancer who performed with the Brazilian troupe. Traditional drumming and music that made me feel I was back in Cuba... I was in heaven!
A small glimpse at the crowd that showed up for this wonderful event.All in all, a fabulous way to spend a Sunday evening, I think.
xo
SC
xo
SC
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Why'd I keep that?
It's a question I've been asking myself for over two weeks now, as I've spent the greater part of my spare time cleaning up the remains of the past 12 years of my life.
And each time, I'm not quite sure what the answer is.
All I know is that at the time I put the items away, it felt as though I'd always look at them as fondly. I imagined that every time I pulled out the Shakespeare paper I scored a measly C+ on, I'd look at it and say "Awesome!"
That's not quite the case.
In fact, I'm pretty irritated with the teenage version of myself, and in parts, am also furious with the twenty-something me as well.
What was I thinking holding on to every bank statement, paper, receipt, magazine, critique, clipping, cover, CD, nick-knack, stuffed animal and lanyard from years gone by?
My room is a landfill of crap! Few items of substance and a majority of dust-gathering nothingness.
The fact that I haven't searched for or even looked at any of these items for so many years should have been a warning sign.
Sigh!
Regardless, after a couple week of intense labour courtesy of my former self, I can finally see empty shelves and clean table-spaces in my room.
So far:
3 bags of clothes and accessories have gone to Goodwill
5 garbage bags of paper and old school assignments have headed to the recycling receptacles
3 boxes of books have been packed away
Approx. 20 (yes 20) pieces of makeup, hair product and expired moisture have gone out the door
And although I'm not quite done, I am starting to feel more relieved. When I first started, I went into panic at the fact that this would be such a daunting task.
There's really something liberating about cleaning away items that are reflective of yourself. You start to realize that, at the end of the day, they're just things and aren't of much substance. What matters is how and if those items added to or helped develop the person you are at the moment.
Then, you realize it's time to leave the past behind, live in the present and look forward to the future.
I'm feeling good today!
Incidentally, I also feared turning into Marjory the Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock.
It works on so many levels.
xo
SC
Photo courtesy of EnvironmentalGraffiti
And each time, I'm not quite sure what the answer is.
All I know is that at the time I put the items away, it felt as though I'd always look at them as fondly. I imagined that every time I pulled out the Shakespeare paper I scored a measly C+ on, I'd look at it and say "Awesome!"
That's not quite the case.
In fact, I'm pretty irritated with the teenage version of myself, and in parts, am also furious with the twenty-something me as well.
What was I thinking holding on to every bank statement, paper, receipt, magazine, critique, clipping, cover, CD, nick-knack, stuffed animal and lanyard from years gone by?
My room is a landfill of crap! Few items of substance and a majority of dust-gathering nothingness.
The fact that I haven't searched for or even looked at any of these items for so many years should have been a warning sign.
Sigh!
Regardless, after a couple week of intense labour courtesy of my former self, I can finally see empty shelves and clean table-spaces in my room.
So far:
3 bags of clothes and accessories have gone to Goodwill
5 garbage bags of paper and old school assignments have headed to the recycling receptacles
3 boxes of books have been packed away
Approx. 20 (yes 20) pieces of makeup, hair product and expired moisture have gone out the door
And although I'm not quite done, I am starting to feel more relieved. When I first started, I went into panic at the fact that this would be such a daunting task.
There's really something liberating about cleaning away items that are reflective of yourself. You start to realize that, at the end of the day, they're just things and aren't of much substance. What matters is how and if those items added to or helped develop the person you are at the moment.
Then, you realize it's time to leave the past behind, live in the present and look forward to the future.
I'm feeling good today!
Incidentally, I also feared turning into Marjory the Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock.It works on so many levels.
SC
Photo courtesy of EnvironmentalGraffiti
Friday, 31 July 2009
Critical Mass
Wow, this city gets more interesting by the minute!
I finally had a chance to end my week in style - the company of good friends, a beautiful evening avec sunshine (thanks, Mother Nature... no hard feelings, right?), a spacious patio, and margaritas in glasses that resembled fishbowls.
I was in heaven.
After a couple of hours and a few ounces, Kabs and I decided to head on down to Dundas Square to check out the Caribana eve happenings. We could tell that activities were abuzz, as people leisurely strolled around Toronto's downtown core... many with confused looks on their faces. They clearly weren't from this part of town.
As we crossed Bay Street, we came across a swarm of cyclists, headed south during rush-hour traffic. It seemed like a large group at first, but as they stopped and collected at a red light, we noticed the masses, capped off with a row of police officers on their bikes.
Curiosity getting the best of me, I asked one cyclist what was going on.
"Oh, it's Critical Mass!" she said, nonchalantly.
This one was going to be tricky.
"Not sure what that is," I replied. "Is it a biking group?"
"Nope. We gather at Spadina and Bloor on the last Friday of every month and cycle around the city," she said. "It's for anyone."
"Oh that sounds like fun!" I replied.
The lady gave me a half smile that I didn't think too much of at the time, and rode off as the light changed.
When I got home, I Googled.
And what do you know? Critical Mass is actually a form of protest, showcasing how unfriendly the city is when it comes to cyclists.
It does take place on the last Friday of every month, as she mentioned... but it happens in about 300 cities across the world.
It baffled me. I've lived in this city for half my life and have NEVER encountered Critical Mass before.
It excited me on one hand... but on another, it broke my heart.
Do I really not know Toronto as well as I'd like to?
xo
SC
Photo courtesy of TorontoCranks
I finally had a chance to end my week in style - the company of good friends, a beautiful evening avec sunshine (thanks, Mother Nature... no hard feelings, right?), a spacious patio, and margaritas in glasses that resembled fishbowls.
I was in heaven.
After a couple of hours and a few ounces, Kabs and I decided to head on down to Dundas Square to check out the Caribana eve happenings. We could tell that activities were abuzz, as people leisurely strolled around Toronto's downtown core... many with confused looks on their faces. They clearly weren't from this part of town.
As we crossed Bay Street, we came across a swarm of cyclists, headed south during rush-hour traffic. It seemed like a large group at first, but as they stopped and collected at a red light, we noticed the masses, capped off with a row of police officers on their bikes.
Curiosity getting the best of me, I asked one cyclist what was going on.
"Oh, it's Critical Mass!" she said, nonchalantly.
This one was going to be tricky.
"Not sure what that is," I replied. "Is it a biking group?"
"Nope. We gather at Spadina and Bloor on the last Friday of every month and cycle around the city," she said. "It's for anyone."
"Oh that sounds like fun!" I replied.
The lady gave me a half smile that I didn't think too much of at the time, and rode off as the light changed.
When I got home, I Googled.
And what do you know? Critical Mass is actually a form of protest, showcasing how unfriendly the city is when it comes to cyclists.
It does take place on the last Friday of every month, as she mentioned... but it happens in about 300 cities across the world.It baffled me. I've lived in this city for half my life and have NEVER encountered Critical Mass before.
It excited me on one hand... but on another, it broke my heart.
Do I really not know Toronto as well as I'd like to?
xo
SC
Photo courtesy of TorontoCranks
Friday, 24 July 2009
Fresh Friday
Today marks the end of a really long week. Aside from it being a busy time at work, it's been extended by the fact that I haven't been able to sleep longer than four hours for the past few nights. Not quite sure why this is the case. I'm thankful it's Friday.
I spent some time this morning scanning through images for a little weekend inspiration. It's supposed to be wet and muggy (weather-wise) until Monday, but I figured there's other ways to bring colour into our lives without depending so much on the summer sunshine. Here's what I came up with.
Book & Patio Love:
One of my favourite things to do in rainy weather (more than in sunshine, surprisingly) is to grab a warm beverage and a good book, and park myself on a lounge chair on my balcony. The soothing sounds of the rain pitter-pattering on the concrete floor, while the natural sounds coming from the ravine next door do much to soothe my soul. Weekend rain in daylight gives me a chance to be quiet. And if I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can momentarily transport myself away from the city lights and sounds to a quieter seaside... my place of comfort.
Fresh Cut Flowers:
I spent some time this morning scanning through images for a little weekend inspiration. It's supposed to be wet and muggy (weather-wise) until Monday, but I figured there's other ways to bring colour into our lives without depending so much on the summer sunshine. Here's what I came up with.
Book & Patio Love:
One of my favourite things to do in rainy weather (more than in sunshine, surprisingly) is to grab a warm beverage and a good book, and park myself on a lounge chair on my balcony. The soothing sounds of the rain pitter-pattering on the concrete floor, while the natural sounds coming from the ravine next door do much to soothe my soul. Weekend rain in daylight gives me a chance to be quiet. And if I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can momentarily transport myself away from the city lights and sounds to a quieter seaside... my place of comfort.Fresh Cut Flowers:
Flowers are a cheap and easy way to bring some colour into your life. We're always giving other people flowers for occasions, but I think it's nice to treat yourself once in a while with your favourite blooms. You're special too and you deserve a treat! Tulips, carnations and seasonal flowers are plentiful and economical. Pick a few in your favourite shades and place them around your house. I guarantee your mood will be lifted as you walk by and catch the bursts of colour.
Music Therapy:
Find music that makes you the happiest and crank it up. Don't have a set playlist and aren't a fan of the FM mixes? Check out the radio section on your iTunes. You'll find a variety of lists from genres spanning the entire globe. I like to sail away to smooth Brazilian jazz and African rhythms. Chores around the house seem more fun when I'm bopping to Puerto Rican reggaeton! Yes, I'm a child of the globe and you can be too! It's a ton of fun.
So with that, I hope you all go on and enjoy your weekend, whether you stay in or venture out.
xo
SC
Music Therapy:
Find music that makes you the happiest and crank it up. Don't have a set playlist and aren't a fan of the FM mixes? Check out the radio section on your iTunes. You'll find a variety of lists from genres spanning the entire globe. I like to sail away to smooth Brazilian jazz and African rhythms. Chores around the house seem more fun when I'm bopping to Puerto Rican reggaeton! Yes, I'm a child of the globe and you can be too! It's a ton of fun.So with that, I hope you all go on and enjoy your weekend, whether you stay in or venture out.
xo
SC
Monday, 29 June 2009
Gimme a Switch!
Or a knob. Or something that can control the part of the brain that feels. Not physically feels -- I'm talking about the emotions.
Those lovey dovey, sappy, gooey, sad, nervous, lusting, longing, wishful, hopeful emotions.
Shouldn't there be some sort of switch?
Turn 'ON' when it feels good.
Turn 'HIGHER' when you want more.
Turn 'OFF' when it's so wrong.
Turn 'LESS' when you've had enough.
I don't know how people do it. How do some people manage to disconnect themselves from one part of their experiences to the next? Truly, if any of you know how, please share.
xo
SC
Those lovey dovey, sappy, gooey, sad, nervous, lusting, longing, wishful, hopeful emotions.
Shouldn't there be some sort of switch?
Turn 'ON' when it feels good.
Turn 'HIGHER' when you want more.
Turn 'OFF' when it's so wrong.
Turn 'LESS' when you've had enough.
I don't know how people do it. How do some people manage to disconnect themselves from one part of their experiences to the next? Truly, if any of you know how, please share.
xo
SC
Thursday, 25 June 2009
It's the only thing that there's just too little of!
I'm going through yet another spell where I lack inspiration. It doesn't happen often but when it does, I get so frustrated!
It's during times like these that I go back and read over some of my past entries... and then I feel grateful to have this blog.
People are going to remember June 25, 2009 for 3 things, quite possibly:
- A.M. Death of Farah Fawcett
- P.M. Death of Michael Jackson
And finally,
- What they were doing when they found out each of the other two things had happened.
I suppose you don't really forget when these things happen, right?
They kind of stand as cornerstones or flags throughout your life. 10 years from now you'll be talking to someone and catch yourself saying, "I remember the day Michael Jackson died... it was the number one trending topic on Twitter." The person you're talking to will probably admit to adding to the trend, or call you "oldskool".
Strange times we live in.
There's an app for everything from shopping to serenity. All with the click of a button.
And with each passing day, though the apps are supposed to bring people in the world closer together, we're losing touch with our kind. We're lonelier than ever...
xo
SC
It's during times like these that I go back and read over some of my past entries... and then I feel grateful to have this blog.
People are going to remember June 25, 2009 for 3 things, quite possibly:
- A.M. Death of Farah Fawcett
- P.M. Death of Michael Jackson
And finally,
- What they were doing when they found out each of the other two things had happened.
I suppose you don't really forget when these things happen, right?
They kind of stand as cornerstones or flags throughout your life. 10 years from now you'll be talking to someone and catch yourself saying, "I remember the day Michael Jackson died... it was the number one trending topic on Twitter." The person you're talking to will probably admit to adding to the trend, or call you "oldskool".
Strange times we live in.
There's an app for everything from shopping to serenity. All with the click of a button.
And with each passing day, though the apps are supposed to bring people in the world closer together, we're losing touch with our kind. We're lonelier than ever...
We all need a hug...
A touch more than words can say...
Love not through the apps...
A touch more than words can say...
Love not through the apps...
xo
SC
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Recent Favourite Things
These are some photos I've taken over the past year, showcasing things and moments I'm proud and thankful to have been part of. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed living through them.
xo
SC
xo
SC
Monday, 7 July 2008
"She'll be waiting in Kingston Town..."
I love this feeling!It's the moment when you come out of something, after days and weeks of feeling as though there's no way you'll jump out from the abyss.
I really feel that everything happens for a reason.
I also realize that sometimes it takes being completely disconnected from a situation in order to be fully perceptive about it.
Honestly, I can't stress how often this happens to me! I find myself in a situation which at that given moment seems like perfection. Then, in the days that follow, it becomes frayed and does not match up to the feelings and experiences from said moment.
Then, I feel the need to make excuses and compensate... often imagining that I'm the source of that displacement.
I realize now, that I should always trust my instincts. They've never failed me till today. I need to stop blaming and second guessing myself when things don't go as I imagine. Sometimes, a situation really "is what it is" and people really "are who they are."
I need to stop trying to make allowances for people's behaviour. I don't think it helps me or anyone else.
I love figuring things like this out for myself. Now all I have to do is remember this in the off chance that I find myself in another situation like this.
xo
SC
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