Your daily truth from Brave Living... Dear Honorable Soul, Did you know that one of the keys to a happy and peaceful life is to do your best to leave a mark of goodness wherever you go? Here's a tip to big and little pieces of random and beautiful happiness: -Whenever you can, if it is in your power, leave people, places, and situations better than you found them. -Do your best when you are working, whether or not you are publicly rewarded for it (the best rewards are the internal ones, when you can feel so good about your work). -Be kind and as generous as possible to others, whether or not they notice or appreciate it -Make your surroundings more beautiful than you found them, whether or not it is your responsibility. This is especially helpful and wonderful if your brain wants to do the opposite because you have been hurt by someone or something. It heals your whole soul if what your brain really wants to do is 'stick it to' someone, but YOU choose to joyfully give. The very best thing you can ever, ever do for your heart and your soul is to leave people, places, and situations better than you found them, even if those things did they best they could to leave you in a not-so-desirable position. YOU have the power to turn it all around and make it beautiful again. You are so very, very loved! xoxo www.bravegirlsclub.com

Hear the Truth

Dear Beloved Soul,

There are some parts of your life journey that you will end up taking all alone. Sometimes that feels really scary...and often you will feel lonely.

These are the times that will teach you so much, dear one. 

These are the days when you will learn how strong and capable and smart you are. 

These are the times when you can get quiet and hear the truth whispering to you. 

These are the times you will realize you have never been alone at all.

In these times, be brave...sit alone with yourself. You have what it takes to make it through.

You are so very loved.

xoxo


www.bravegirlsclub.com


I understand this message perfectly. I too, need to get quiet and hear the truth that is whispering to me. I learn so much by listening to my heart.

Canning Jars and Pearls Make a Fun Outdoor Light

I attended an outdoor Vintage Show today. They had two of these in their outdoor dining area. I think that the idea is wonderful. There are battery tea lights inside each jar. The faux pearls are christmas decor. I use these year around, find some pearl garlands and let your ideas flow. Put your imagination to use and create something along this line with your own stuff.

1961 McCoy Cookie Jar

I probably have never mentioned that I have a small vintage cookie jar collection. I have not added to it in a long........... time. Why? The prices went too high. I was out junking and found this one, the price? $4 What is it worth on Etsy? Maybe $25.

It is nice and big, perfect, with a large opening......so hubby can get his hand in there.

OK, it now has a new home.

Be A Tremendous Blessing

Dear Fabulous Soul,

Every day you have the chance to be a tremendous blessing to someone else, in ways that you may never even recognize.

Even if you feel like you don't have a lot to give, or that you don't have 
the same kinds of things to give that others have....you have gifts to offer that cannot be found anywhere else.

Share what you know....treat others with kindness....put yourself in another's shoes...turn an unfortunate situation into a wonderful one...thank someone with a thankless job...do your best to really really really SEE another human being and go out of your way to show them that you SEE what they do, who they are and what THEY have to offer.

When you give, no matter what you have to give...your life takes on new meaning....and you can't help but have an incredible day.

Thanks for everything you do, everywhere you go.

You are loved.

xoxo

www.bravegirlsclub.com

I have began the personal process of taking action for this idea. I am seeing something kind to say to every person I contact each day. Just today I noticed an old man pushing a grocery cart, he was smiling and acting very funny with his cart.  I just said - Hi, have a great day. He smiled back and I felt good.

Smoke Season is Here

These wildfires are about 30 miles to my home. There is no danger to us from these. Another fire that burned last summer has been putting out fire and smoke again this summer...that is pretty unusual. There are many very large fires close enough to create a sky of smoke across Oregon. The visibility is poor, the smoke is heavy and oppressive. The everyday temps are in the 90's. I understand that we may get an onshore wind that will push the smoke east. I sure hope it does...I would like some fresh air.

The fire danger is extreme, and of course I am concerned. Wildfires are a horrible situation to find yourself in. 

This is the third summer in a row that the wildfire situation is this bad. What does this mean? That maybe this is the new normal.

Mediterranean-Style Tomatoes

I made this recipe...and it is good. I just took a few pics to post them here.

2018 Brave Girls Symposium

I am just having a little fun with this photo. This is a pic of me, taken just after the final send off event. Clue - We all had sparklers! It was a beautiful event. Good-bye Boise Idaho until 2019. I was gone for a week. It was wonderful!!!

May You Find Peace

The Voice of Your Soul

Dear Searching Soul,

The things that may bring happiness to some, may be the very things that leach all of the energy out of you. It is okay to find your joy in places that may seem strange to others...and it is okay if you do not enjoy the same things that seem to bring happiness to others.

Follow the call of your very own yearnings.

Listen to the voice of your soul.

And as you choose whatever happy means to you...allow others to choose their happy, too.

You are so very loved.

xoxo

from Brave Girls Club

I am getting ready to travel to Boise on Monday. You know to deal. Today, I selected the clothing and things that I want to take with me. I am an over-packer...I just want to have choices...and that cause me to travel heavy. Well, at least I am driving to Boise. I can bring my ukulele, and other things.  It is going to be hot, the mid-90's. Maybe, I should throw in a light jacket...just in case. 

I found a nice place to stay using VRVO. Last time I went to the Brave Girl Symposium I selected the hotel where the event was held. It was very expensive and I was not happy with it. So, I decided to find another choice.

Raspberry Green Tea

The heat wave here has lasted for weeks and it is difficult to live here. The good thing is that we are currently not having smoke in the air.

Crystal Light makes several drink mixes that I love. This one, Raspberry Green Tea, is today's favorite. The small packets are easy to use, and it is low calorie (5 calories).

I use an Aladdin plastic mason jar. It is insulated for cold drinks, keeps drinks cold a bit longer, it has a nice handle, and the best thing is that it does not sweat.

This is not an ad, just my personal recommendation. I also love AC!

Painted Rocks

 

 

This is a fun little crafting idea. When I go to Idaho next week, I am getting some palm sized white granite rocks...perfect for this project.

Gratitude Can Make You Feel Better

Dear Seeking Soul,

There are a few secrets to happy, content living. Most of them are so simple that they don't seem significant at all, but sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Gratitude is one of those small and simple secrets that has the power to change everything.

Spend some time each day letting gratitude fill your soul. Be thankful for every little thing... your breath, your body (no matter how imperfect you think it is), the place you live, water to drink, food to eat, the people you love, things people make for others to enjoy, trees, flowers, birds, and every good thing you can find.

It won't take long to see that being thankful has the power to turn things around... especially when things seem hard and hopeless and grim. 

It may be just the medicine you need.

You are so very loved.

From Brave Girls Club

Happy Girl

I am so happy today. It does not take much....just sent the hubby off on a man trip for 10 days. I told him not to come back early, and if he became grumpy not to come home. 

The thing is, he is not getting younger, and we don't know how long we will live. Maybe he will not be able to do this in the future. Archery hunting is something that he has always loved to do, in fact, he does this instead of going on vacation with our family. The truth is - I don't want to vacation with him...I used to think that I would...now I know better. The constant complaining is too much for my well being. We need to make to most of our time.