My Happiness Project

I recently read a book called The Happiness Project. Dear Daughter-in-law told me about this book and after reading it, I am curious about the journey for my own happiness project.

The first chapter leads to uncluttering one's life. Living a simpler way. I am horrible at organization and decluttering and I know this prevents me from getting to a better place. Gretchen Rubin, the best-selling author, suggests Unclutterer for help in getting rid of the clutter. I pledge to spend the month of July making peace with the excess in my life and get rid of what I don't need, love or use. My first area to clear will be the laundry room--it's probably the easiest room for me to begin with. The Unclutterer suggests looking at inspiring images of laundry rooms via a Google search of these images. After looking at a few of my favorites, I have a good idea of how I want mine to look. Before and after photos of my laundry room project will be posted within the next week. I am so excited!! I never thought I'd be excited about decluttering and making my laundry room spiffy.
What color should I paint my laundry room? 

A Chat with Mr. Crow

Once upon a chilly June morning, Mr. Eagle was having a chat with Mr. Crow.  Mr. Eagle, hungry, was asking Mr. Crow if he knew of any newcomers to the neighborhood.  Mr. Crow said he did not know.

As Mr. Eagle was chatting amiably with Mr. Crow, a gaggle of geese were approaching from the rear.

Do you suppose Mr. Crow did indeed know?  I surely thought there would be a show.

 Mr. and Mrs. Goose and their five youngsters were not happy with Mr. Eagle venturing upon their territory.  They had recently claimed this land for themselves and weren't about to share with the likes of this predator.  With Mr. Crow on one side and Mr. and Mrs. Goose and their five youngsters on the other side, Mr. Eagle soon realized he was outnumbered.  There was not to be a show.  Wouldn't you know.

 Mr. Eagle flapped his mighty wings and with his tail feathers between his taloned legs,  he departed as he arrived--in one fell swoop.  I bet we haven't seen the last of Mr. Eagle.....

 

Mr. and Mrs. Goose and their five youngsters then enjoyed a family swim in Lake Julia.

Rainy Day Cures

 I believe....

 Rainy days need Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's

 Piano Trio in A-, Op. 50

Part 2: Tema con variazioni-10. Variazione 9:  Andante Flebile, ma non tanto

 And a nice cup of Earl Grey Tea

 And a quick siesta, no?

"To unpathed waters, undreamed shores." William Shakepeare

The Log Home

on

Lake Julia

I have so many ideas for creating a lovely garden and outdoor rooms to escape to at Lake Julia.  I planted Peonies last year and I'm super excited to see them this spring.  I will share photos of them, 

I promise!

However, being I'm still in the Desert Southwest for a few more days,  here

are a couple shots of my

Pomegranates-to-be. 

They shall bear fruit by Christmastime. 

Until next time.....Peace♥

Labas Everyone

Labas, readers!  That's Lithuanian for hello.   Just a tidbit of something new.

What I Did Today

I woke up very early--4am to be exact, my lovely labrador decided I needed to wake UP!  Alright already, I'm getting up.

I played with my new blog, Whispering Willows.  I love playing with all the different gadgets--adding one here, taking something else out--until it's just right.   All the while, sipping a cup of French Press coffee with cream, thank you.  I should have gone for a run, but I was too tired for that.

I had lunch with Youngest Son, then stopped for a coffee with him before my cello lesson, which was delayed slightly, giving me time to stop at a beauty store for my new favorite parfum, Daisy .

My cello lesson was so great.  Mary is the best teacher--amazing!!  I will be on my own until next September, because of our summer hiatus...but she gave me a bunch of things to work on, including Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B Minor--I ❤ this piece.  I got to hear Mischa Maiskey play this in Montreal in March.  It's hard. Challenging. Beautiful. Challenging. Worth it!

Stopped for some groceries at the market and then home, finally. 

"Syttende Mai"

I am of Norwegian heritage and I am regretfully late in posting a nod to the Norwegian's celebration of their Constitution Day.  May 17th is a day of pomp and ceremony with folks dressed in traditional costumes and parades filling the village streets. 
Happy Syttende Mai

Summer Traveler

Today, is the inaugural day of Whispering Willows and  I'm so excited to write my first post for my blog!  I'm a little nervous, too.  What if I make mistakes?  Maybe I won't have much to say?  Maybe my writings won't appeal to readers.  However,  I always have thoughts and I can always write about my thoughts.

Lake Julia

Today, I am preoccupied with our upcoming trip to our summer home on Lake Julia and I'm happy about it, but it requires some give and take on my part.  I am delighted and fortunate to escape the intense summer heat of the desert, but with that, comes being separated from my adorable granddaughter and my kids for a few months.  I shouldn't be too distraught.  My kids and Cam are coming up in June, for a week!  I'll blog about that another day, but I'm so happy they are making the journey.  I just (gleefully) heard today, that middle son decided to come up for a visit after all.
                                                                                                        ❤

Another trip planning hazard for me is packing.  I am not fond packing and I suppose it's because I'm not very good at deciding what I need to bring, really--things I can't live without.  It would seem, by the pile of boxes in the hallway, I can't live without anything.   Hubby boasts that he only has to pack one box.
                                                                                                         ❤
I have boxes for cookbooks~I love cooking in my kitchen at the lake home.

                    I have boxes for my crafts~I love knitting and crocheting and painting bisque.

I have boxes of shampoos and grooming aids for my dogs~I have four:  that's sixteen legs, four tails and sixty-four claws and a lot of fur. ❤

Kate, Ivy and Bolero

    I have boxes for my music~I play cello❤.

The final hazard of this trip is me driving.  I can't do it, because I fall asleep and I'm a danger behind the wheel...so this time I'm riding with hubby and three of the four dogs.  Youngest son is traveling in his vehicle with Maddie-the-Lab.

I will leave my car here..in the garage..in the heat...I hope it survives.

Until the next time...