Holidays are inching closer!

This is just a friendly reminder that CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

We started our shopping a few weeks ago, and did some more yesterday. We're sharing a lot of simple things, and I plan on making quite a few gifts too.

So here is your reminder that if you plan on making any of your gifts this year, better get started! There is a wealth of information and ideas out there, but here are a few if you're still stumped:

1. Jam and/or other preserves
2. Vanilla extract
3. Scarves/mittens/hats/anything knit or crocheted
4. Hand decorated picture frames
5. Premixed cookie/cake/baked good mixes, just the dry ingredients, with a tag for cooking instructions and which wet ingredients to add.

If you have any other ideas, or any other gifts that you have made previous years or that you plan on making this year or any upcoming years, feel free to share!

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Speechless

Maybe it's the weather, and maybe it's just me, but it seems like it's getting harder to express yourself. Walls are closing in and looks are given for the smallest of variances from the norm.

But what is the norm? And why can't it change?

Should those with creativity be forced to live in a world and mindset that does not permit use of their talents? Sometimes it seems like dreaming of becoming something or someone that doesn't bring in a huge salary is looked down on. Why should everything be about making lots of money? Is it so hard to believe that you can be satisfied with your life without being a millionaire?

It boggles my brain, as I find my consciousness awakening from within my own mind, that people are so distracted that they don't realize they're being herded.

Each and every person has the capability to help make the world less stressful, more satisfying and more relaxing than before.

To do so is unbelievably simple, yet unbelivably challenging at the same time. Each person, if/when they awaken to themselves, needs only to stop talking. Stop talking without thinking about what you're saying. You don't need to be in contact with hundreds of people at the same time, because doing so only perpetrates the image that you need to be in contact with people to be successful and feel content.

It's a hard fact, but you don't. To be content with your life and the people around you, you first need to be content with yourself.

This is why I am advocating and repeating and underlining the fact that you need to do things for yourself, and you need to do them consciously. Because your subconscious mind, normally, just wants to go with the flow. Well, right now the river is flowing in such a way that will not improve the quality of life for anyone.

So don't be afraid to push against the crowd, you may discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Finding inspiration

What inspires you? For me, it can be reading articles, or just sitting outside.

Lately, I'm having a hard time finding inspiration. Maybe because of some stress and frustration at home, but it's becoming harder to focus on creation.

I find myself reading a lot of articles and working towards expanding my knowledge, and yet at the same time I have difficulty putting my thoughts into words. I can't really even consider it writer's block, because it's happening in general conversation as well.

Listening is a skill that has always come easily for me. The ability to listen without interrupting, and hear more than just the words being said, but the meaning and intonation beneath them as well is a skill that I've discovered many people don't possess. In light of this, I try and spread it further, and expand my understanding level.

I enjoy listening to people, hearing them talk about things that they find important. Sometimes I have a hard time because a person's beliefs or thoughts are different from my own, but I remind myself that each person has their own perspective. Your perspective on any given subject will likely be at least minutely different from mine, and at most completely opposite, and that's okay.
But finding the words to express the feelings and thoughts inside my own mind has always been a struggle, and lately I have been trying to break out of my shell somewhat and express myself. Only the words in my vocabulary just don't quite express the meaning I'm trying to share.

Perhaps my emotions are far to different, or perhaps most people just use words that are "close enough" to how they feel. I'm not sure, but I'd like to find out.
To find within myself the feelings that I have, I try to focus and relax. I tend to fight against feelings, particularly negative ones, and in doing that I restrict my ability to feel emotions fully. My mind will automatically shut off and void out any emotions that I would guard against, and so I find it very difficult to break out of that.
I have been writing down thoughts when I feel them, but it's not a regular thing. I definitely recommend it, because it helps to discover the feeling as it happens, instead of trying to remember it. You might find yourself with a whole new perspective on your own emotions, which may help you to understand yourself. Finding your true emotions is essential when trying to determine your purpose, and that's what I am trying to do.
Follow me on this road, and let me know what thoughts you have. Share with me, and I will share back. Relationships are built based on truth and openness, so here is my statement of openness. Give love, and receive love in return. Life is a wonderful experience, so go out and experience it. Find your inspiration, and follow it. Challenge your walls and restrictions, and push through.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween to me is a day to dress up in something you wouldn't normally wear. Now, I don't take it to the degree, and dress like a hooker or anything. I'll just throw together a really off the wall outfit.

It's fun, and it doesn't cost me anything because I just use whatever I already have in unusual combinations.

My daughter this year is going as a bride. She is wearing her flower girl dress (which was white or off-white, not sure which) and my veil from when I got married in August and a bundle of pink plastic flowers I got as a Christmas gift from her two years ago.

So cute! I can't wait to post a picture of it.

What are you doing for Halloween? Do you dress up? Do you go out, or do you stay in? Tell me all your gorey secrets (pun intentional).

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Brown-bag it!

So since I now have a desk job, and come home significantly less stressed every day, brown-bagging my lunch and snacks should be easy. It is a cheap way to eat, and it's also way healthier. Not to mention the fact that it's way easier to avoid as much waste as possible.

Except that I'm running low on ideas. We rarely have leftovers, since we make pretty much enough to feed everyone.

Right now, I take one container (cottage cheese size) of veggies, and one container (same size) of fruit. I have been bring along extra plums, since they're super ripe and we have a whole basket of them to eat. I bring a bagel, or bread, and put peanut butter on it.

It's kind of boring. I need ideas.

Anyone have any quick and easy ideas? I was thinking of possibly making a huge batch of pasta salad to keep in the fridge for quick lunches, since I love pasta salad, but I don't have any good sauce recipes.

Help me out here people! Please!

Thanks in advance!

Simply Me