I just started a new journey, combining my passions for writing, photography and nature. Please visit my new blog, now in bloom: “Lilacs and Light” to learn more, like the meaning of lilacs in the title.
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Category Archives: Nature
Make a Wish and Dream Big
Dream big.
My Walden Pond…my writer’s view
This is where I did a mini writing retreat last week. I call this lake “My Walden,” because I feel inspired here. My soul drinks in the quiet, the peace, the beauty, like medicine for all the ills of life. Troubles float away and I can find the place within to be still, to listen, to observe and to write.
I hope you find your Walden, too. If not today, then soon. A room of one’s own, no matter where.
Happy Monday my loves~Lisa 💗
Make a wish, Spread your wings, and Fly
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly you cease forever to do it.”
This advice is from J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan…and it works for all of us. Never stop believing in your goal. Or, if you notice that you do stop believing…it’s probably time to find the next goal or chapter in your life.
Because you? You were meant to FLY!
Happy Tuesday, Happy Summer…happy life!
Leave a comment to let us know your summer wishes. Feel free to share this post! ❤
xo~Lisa
ps: I took this photo and I’m pretty happy with the way it all turned out. 🙂
Photo by @english_musings
Honoring our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day
Remembering & honoring all of our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for freedom.
Image courtesy of nextavenue.org
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to all those who celebrate. Have a wonderful day of rest and renewal with your family.
This beautiful illustration is from the classic storybook The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. It captures both the innocence and joy of youth & Springtime.
Find Your Happy Today
My happy is:
In the classroom, connecting with students. 
The “Aha Moments” when that student finally puts it all together.
The struggle that finally leads to success.
A little creek with some big rocks for sitting on and thinking.
The path, the journey, and sometimes the destination.
A cup of coffee with a friend.
Pages of a book, sometimes filled with notes I’ve made.
Smiles of children that are my heart beating outside of my body.
Writing just one word that makes a picture.
Finding beauty along the way.
What’s your happy?
If it makes you happy, go for it.xo~Lisa
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” -Aristotle
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Dalai Lama
10 to Zen: Recipe for a Peaceful Life
Zen: To be at Peace.
10 to Zen. What can you Let Go Of to find your Zen? Here are 10 suggestions from Buddha Heart. For best results, please repeat #10 multiple times a day. Add a dose of sunshine and smiles and you just might mix up the recipe for a Peaceful Life.
I’m not a practitioner of Zen, but this list resonated with me, and I found myself reflecting on its lessons:
#10 is easy for me. I have kids and they keep me laughing. #6…well, that is a work in progress. I tend to think I come from a long line of worriers, and that I’m moving in the right direction on that one. The worry monster still creeps in from time to time.
Let’s be honest, #1 is challenging in a world of social media and facebook posts. We know who traveled to what tropical paradise as it happens, and it usually happens when we are at home with a pile of dirty laundry. It’s the new normal. Shrug that off. Let go of comparing.
My personal recipe: I aim to live by all of these, and I assure you I don’t always succeed. I probably fail multiple times a day, in fact. But I am really guided by #2 & #3. Those lessons have led me to my own little slice of Zen, on those days when I do find it. In my life, each day is a fresh start for being at peace. Sometimes, what I need to be happy with is a peaceful afternoon, a peaceful hour, or a peaceful moment. Just one little moment in those 24 hours when I exhale, look around, and say:
“Life is Beautiful.”
That’s my Zen. Being aware of the good stuff. A smile from my daughter. A hug from my son. The sunshine on my patio. Simplicity. Harmony. Nature. Letting Go.
How about you, do any of these resonate with you, challenge you, or help you stay sane? Let me know, I’d love to hear your personal recipe for living a peaceful life.
xo, Lisa
Books Worth Reading
I’m reading The Book Thief. How about you? What are you reading?
Weekend Wise Words: Think Outside
It’s Friday. Time to unplug and recharge.
Hope you’re able to enjoy some time outside this weekend.
Thinking: Optional. Relaxing: Mandatory.
There are a lot of amazing hiking trails nearby where I go to reconnect and recharge. The great outdoors requires very little of us, other than showing up. I feel a little lighter and stay in the moment a little longer when I’m among the trees & sunshine.
How about you? Does nature help you feel replenished & refreshed? What’s your favorite way to recharge on the weekends?
College Ready 