{Music}

Yesterday I attended a classical concert with my husband and another couple. The performers are a married couple (pianist and violinist) who are amazingly talented musicians and whom we were fortunate to have as farm customers for a few years until they moved to another community. Of course, when we saw they would be performing in our area again, we were excited to see them.

Despite the fact that I studied violin as a child, I'm completely lost when it comes to most classical music. And I'm one of those people who needs to hear a piece more than once in order to really enjoy it. I'm just not very musically inclined; one reason I stopped playing.

For this concert, I decided I needed to be prepared. I spent some time researching the music they would play, found performances of those pieces on YouTube, and then created a playlist of those videos. During quiet times  at work, I would listen to the videos to familiarize myself with the piece. I even did a bit of research on the composers and the pieces and it really helped me to enjoy the concert. Our local symphony will be performing in March and I'm going to do the same since this helped me so much.

This is one of the pieces we heard yesterday - beautiful and simple - but very challenging for the performers and the listeners. Enjoy!

{Mornings}

Somewhere on Instagram, I ran across this meme (sorry, don't know whom to credit):

And it got me thinking. One surprising thing about myself is that I've started to enjoy getting up early, and I mean early - even on weekends! I’ve always loved my sleep - in a craved it like a drug sort of way. But a couple of years ago, I was having trouble sleeping because I had a lot on my mind. Rather than tossing and turning, I started just getting up, sometimes as early as 3:30 am. Once my struggles had passed and I didn't toss and turn at night, I realized I loved those early morning hours where I had space to think, write, read, and indulge in some comforting rituals. Now I look forward to the early mornings!

I've also read a few productivity books that talk about being an early riser - how it sets you up for success in your day. I never thought I'd say this, but I would never want to go back to the days of sleeping until the last possible second, then rushing to get ready and out the door. Who needs that! It's funny that when I was younger, one of the perks of working full time at home would be getting to sleep until that last minute then showing up at my desk in my pjs. At this stage in my life, knowing what I know now, I would never do that. In fact, if I don't have at least an hour and a half of quiet time before starting my work day, I feel cheated somehow. I highly recommend giving this practice a try.

{A Simple Trick}

I'm back - still hanging in there and working on better direction and organization for this blog.

In the meantime, since "simple" is the blog's first name, I will share simple tips and tricks that I run across in my daily travels.

I love the simplicity of a duvet and cover. Not like Americans do it - using it to replace a comforter and still using a top sheet - but like they do in France where it replaces the top sheet. Problem is, I haven't gotten to the point of using duvets this way because the covers would then require regular washing (as with sheets).  Until now, I didn't have the skill set to stuff the duvet back into the cover. I love how easy it looks in this video:

{A Simple Sunday}

I'm still working on my commitment to resume blogging this year - but haven't gotten into the flow of it yet nor has my overall plan crystallized in my mind yet. One reason is that I'm a bit rusty; another is that I've been distracted by home issues - hot water system failing and having to be replaced; outside water line freezing due to critters stealing the insulation to make nests; celebrating my granddaughter's birthday and Christmas, plus having weekend guests.

This certainly didn't motivate me this morning:

Yes, that's correct. At one point our outside thermometer registered minus six degrees! My ideal temperature is about 80 degrees hotter. Not a fan of winter - even in Florida or Southern California! Summer all the way for me so I'm counting down the days.

In addition, we had some heating issues today so I spent a good part of the day bundled up under my electric throw, reading a fun book I just discovered: Paris for One by Jojo Moyes. I'm halfway into it but thoroughly enjoyed the first story.

I did miss one day of my 30 days of yoga challenge because I had company all day yesterday and didn't get to bed until midnight. Even though it's only a 12 minute session, I definitely didn't feel like doing it at that point. Will resume today and hope that yesterday will be the only gap in this month's challenge.

Have a good week!

{A New Year, A New You}

Happy New Year! It's exciting to know there are 365 fresh new days awaiting us this year. So many of us make resolutions and set goals that we enthusiastically embrace the first week or so of the year. Then we slack off, eventually giving up and calling ourselves failures. One of the problems is that we dream too big and take on more than we can realistically do without burning out. What we need is to have a slow start and then build from there.

One habit I've let die over the last couple of years is my yoga practice. Oh every now and then I'll roll out my mat and pop in one of my DVDs but it only lasts a couple of days. Then I miss a day and later find excuses for why I don't have time to do it. This year I'm determined to return to my practice. The thing is, when I think of even a 30 minute session, it just seems like I can't (or won't?) find the time in my day. But I found something that will help ease me back into this healthy habit.

Last month I discovered a 30 day yoga challenge that only takes about 10 minutes a day - a great way to jump start my practice. The series can be found on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcjgXQkHWH453km2BpJqYHzmkUkkjH5IB) and you can sign up on the website (www.doyouyoga.com).

I started today and am excited to work through the 30 day program. Seriously, it's only 10 minutes a day - how could I not do it? I invite you to join me on this journey. Watch the trailer to see if this is for you:

{A Return}

It looks like I fell of the edge of the earth. Life was funny this year and my good intentions ended up being shelved.

I have so missed blogging - and the wonderful community that surrounds it! I feel as if I have been in hibernation for a year and I am now ready to emerge.

This year has been a busy one for me:

• I've been occupied with my second year of full-time work at a nonprofit organization. The first year was extremely stressful; the second was spent getting my "legs" and building confidence. I've also had to create an entire new routine so that none of the balls in my personal and professional lives got dropped. Quite a challenge!
• My hubby and I started doing weekly adventures, day trips in our area where we've discovered some interesting and amazing things. We're  history buffs so it has been a blessing for both of us. We spent far too much time focusing on serious things, like building our business over the last few years, so this year has been fun!
• I was able to visit France (and Paris!) yet again - my fourth trip! I saw Chagall's ceiling in the Garnier opera house, visited Monet's water lilies, and toured the chateaus in the Loire Valley - total bliss!

The fourth quarter is my most favorite time of year - a time when I look forward to a fresh slate and so many plans! Part of my planning is to update my morning routine and to select what I call  my "devotionals" - daily inspirational reading. These are the books I've chosen to travel with in 2018:

I still have my morning basket as well, although I'm trying to streamline it some (still work to do!):

After reading The Desire Map a couple of years ago, I started using a word or words to guide me throughout the year. This year it was refine. For the coming year, I've decided to keep that word as it was a good guide and to add three more words:  savor, focus, and bloom. 

I am so excited about using this space again and looking forward to 2018!

{What I'm Doing}

This time of year, one of my favorite things to do is to set up my "nest" ("nid" in French). That is where I curl up on my sofa and either spend time on  my morning routine or relax for the evening with a good book and a glass of wine or cup of tea.

For my morning routine, I settle in with a basket that contains my journal, my morning devotional books, my planner, my personal/household notebook, my pencil pouch, and some other items, and light a soy candle.

In the evening, I take a shower, slip into something comfortable, curl up on the sofa with my evening beverage, and pick up where I left off in my current book.

 Yesterday, I bought a heated throw to make my winter nesting even more comfy and luxurious. Oh bliss! I'm so cold natured and have tried a variety of strategies to keep warm in the wintertime - everything from microwavable packs that I make, to Ugg boots that stay on my feet most of my waking hours. Despite these steps and also keeping our house pretty warm, I still suffer from the cold. But this has all changed. I'm already in love with my throw and don't know how I survived without one. It's perfect for this time of year. Bring on the snow days and subfreezing temperatures - I'm ready!

{What I'm Eating}

Look carefully  you'll see the minus before the 2 - brrrrrr!

One thing I really miss in the winter is fresh vegetables. You see, I live on a farm where we grow our own delicious, chemical-free produce, and I try to stick to literally farm-to-table as much as possible. Unfortunately, in the past, our climate here in Virginia has often prevented us from having something growing in the garden year round. One cold snap and even the winter gardens are killed off.

I really love eating salads so this is the time of year when I have to resort to buying from the grocery store. All that has changed, as this year we have an unheated greenhouse (also called a hoop house) and fresh food is growing in it! Even with the severe weather of this week - a snow storm with record lows - our indoor garden survived. I was able to make a huge salad today, with fresh-from-the-garden mixed baby lettuce. Yum! (Sorry, no picture. I'm bad like that but hope to get better.)

{What I'm Doing}

Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to learn French. My cousin had a couple of phrase books when we were growing up and we attempted to learn a few words when we were both in elementary school. In the sixth grade, my school decided to offer an introductory language class and the students were to vote on which language. I lobbied heavily for French and I held my hand the highest when it was time to vote. And French it was! In middle school (it was called junior high back then) and high school, I studied French. Alas, I never reached fluency. I was able to read and write quite well, but my ear for the language was terrible, as was my ability to actually speak it. As the years passed, I only retained a smattering of vocabulary.

On my first trip to France, many years after my last classroom lesson, I was a deer in the headlights. I could read signs but rarely understood anything beyond "Merci" and "Bonjour." A few years ago I started going to a tutor - a Moroccan woman who lived in France and attended university there. It was a bit of a drive to her house so after a few months, I abandoned the lessons.

A few weeks prior to my trip to France this past summer, I decided to brush up on my French a bit with the app "Duolingo." Just those few minutes of practice every night really helped and I was elated when I was able to put together a few sentences here and there - and be understood - during my visit.

I've gotten serious about daily practice now. I'm on a 15 day streak - it should be a 46 day streak but I was robbed when I was traveling and for some reason my session didn't register and my 30 days streak was broken. Regardless of the loss, I adore the app (it won the iphone app of the year award last year) and my comprehension has improved tremendously. I'm looking forward to using my French in the field...

When I go back to France this summer!

Stay tuned for more details!

{What I'm Reading}

Source

Often, the statement should be "What am I not reading" since I always seem to have multiple books going at once.  This year, I've decided to be a bit more focused about my reading. Usually, since I have access to so many books and audio-books (both physical and digital), I tend to be random and haphazard with my reading.

This is what 2017 should look like for me:

Morning Reading

I like to have 2-3 devotional-type books that I read every morning throughout the year as part of my ever-evolving morning routine. This year my books are:

• Tranquilologie: A DIY Guide to Everyday Tranquility by Kimberly Wilson
• The Intellectual Devotional:  Modern Culture by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim
• Eat Pretty Every Day: 365 Daily Inspirations for Nourishing Beauty, Inside and Out by Jolene Hart

Evening Reading

I've committed to reading at least 4 books each month (although I always read far more than that). I've decided to read one book in each of the following categories in order to keep me from falling into my default mode where I only read suspense/mystery books. (I fell into this habit a couple of years ago when I needed a break from the negative and serious matters of the world.) The categories are:

• Suspense/Mystery
• Chick Lit or Other Novel
• Self-Improvement, Biography or Oher Non-Fiction
• History or Culture

You can see that I've made sure I have plenty of escapism as well as food to feed my brain. Throughout the year, I'll share the books that make the biggest impact on me.

À bientôt!

{A New Start}

Happy New Year!

Source

It has been a while. I didn't intend to stay away so long - my apologies to my readers. But I retreated to a chrysalis and hopefully am now emerging as a butterfly.

I took the later half of 2016 to reflect, to organize, to grow. And now I'm back. I don't have a complete plan - yet - but I'm a fresh new butterfly and I'm trying to get used to my wings. I'm looking forward to where I will fly in 2017!

Reflection

In a thrifted outfit at a work event

For over a year now, I've been trying to buy used items whenever possible, including clothes, and I've pretty much stuck to this goal. These are some of the exceptions that I've found to buying used clothes:

• Pants. I rarely find any, especially jeans, that fit my needs so this year I bought 3 pair of new jeans
• Underwear. Nope, I'm not going there
• Shoes. At first I thought I' have to buy shoes new since I wear a hard-to-find size. However, I did buy a few pair that were clean and like new - and comfortable. I also bought a new pair of knee-high boots to wear with jeans (I got these on ebay - does that count as used?) and a pair of amazingly comfortable dress sandals that I bought to wear for walking on our vacation (this turned out to be a smart move as I walked miles in them without a single blister)

Otherwise, I ended up purchasing an entire work and casual wardrobe from thrift and consignment stores this year. I did make a few mistakes, but for the amount spent, I'm not crying about wasted money.

I'm keeping my commitment to used as it's a winning proposition - acquiring nice but very inexpensive clothes, nixing support of sweatshop labor, and keeping clothes out of landfill.

Have a great day!

More

Busy getting ready for an out-of-town work event, so I thought I'd share some interior photos of the chateau in Arc-en-Barrois where I spent the night last month. Keep in mind, a total of only eight people were staying there during my visit (this includes me and my husband). One of the highlights of my trip! (I'll share more photos later.)

Entry 

Duke's Hall

Bar

France

After 12 years, I was finally able to return to France this past summer! My first two trips were nice and I enjoyed the sites and culture, but didn't have time to savor my time as I would have liked to. I had two children with me both times and, as a mother, I was focused on their happiness and well being. This time it was just me and my husband for two blissful weeks!

One of the highlights of the trip? Discovering this chateau in Arc en Barrois on AirBnB and spending an amazing night there:

While it's not for everyone (there are no services there and the town is extremely small), we enjoyed the grandeur and solitude as we were only two of eight people staying there - and we only briefly saw two of them! A evening in the study, just off the library, sipping local wine and reading? Bliss!

More about my trip another time!

A Good Beginning

Source

Looking to start the day on a positive note? A Harvard professor recommends stretching for a few minutes before you get out of bed in the morning. You can learn more here.

Hiatus

So, for my one or two readers out there, I'm back from an unscheduled two month blogging hiatus! It was completely unplanned. Life just happened and next thing I knew it was already autumn.

I took the first real vacation I've had in 12 years and went to France! More about that later.

During my blogging break, I tried to focus on things that are simple and beautiful. Out went Facebook (or most of it) and any draining activities and people. One reason I have all but abandoned Facebook is because as "friends" shared ugly and negative posts, I simply told Facebook I didn't want to see those types of things. Before I knew it, my feed rarely had posts from people I actually knew! So I started limited my reading (and rare commenting) to groups I belong to that are only focused on the positive.

After reading a bit about positivity and gratitude, I now know that what you focus tends to be what you find in life. And that's what I want to share with and spread to my readers. Tune in for more later!

Inspiring Quote

"When the flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."

~Alexander Den Heijer

Neglect

I didn't mean to go so long without posting! Life just became busy and I kept putting off tending to my blog. I went out of town for four days so between preparing for the trip, being on the trip, then returning from the trip, I ended up with little time to even think about my blog.

This Sunday I'll be taking some me time - time to plan, organize, prepare - and making space to blog will something I'll be considering. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of Fabs - don't you wish you could be that relaxed and confident?

Inspirational Thought

 “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

~George Eliot

Sunset

I haven't been posting lately because I've been enjoying walks in the evening, sunsets, good food, etc. This is my favorite time of the year. Although we have amazing sunsets every evening, this was an especially beautiful sunset: