The Essence of Beauty

It is the beginning of a new decade. Take time to create and enjoy the essence of beauty that surrounds us, whether it be in nature, design, food or fabrics. I recently traveled to the Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida which holds an extensive collection of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. When you hear that name you immediately think of the exquisite glass Tiffany lamps inspired by nature. Yet, Tiffany was a very diverse artist and designer -- working not only in glass but also in pottery, jewelry, painting, and even contributing to architecture during his lifetime.

Viewing the richness of his artwork, it was clear to me that everything Tiffany created was intended to nurture the soul through beauty. He even opened his home to inspire other artists and maintained an artist foundation. 
This is 2020 and we are in the glory days of the Technology Revolution. Let's not forget that a technological device cannot nurture our senses in the same way. Nothing can replace the tangible beauty of what we see or smell -- such as the beauty of a rose. Surround yourself with things that are beautiful to you and, although it is cliché, "don't forget to stop and smell the roses." There is timeless truth in that phrase for beauty is the best replenisher of the soul. 

Joyous Holiday Wishes

Warmest Holiday and New Year's Wishes to All!

Take Time To Enjoy the Gifted Moments

This holiday, engage with others and your surroundings…without the distraction of electronic noise. Our use of electronic devices is having a dramatic impact on our social interaction, how we think and how we respond to one another. If you will be part of a cross-generational gathering, consider putting out a tray for phone collection as family and friends enter.  And, when you are with your guests, listen and be compassionate.

Everyone will learn from each other.

Enjoy the celebration and these special moments!

With heartfelt thoughts to all,

Ssusan

Thanksgiving: An Invitation to Share A Selfless Act of Kindness

I challenge us all to take time to share a selfless act of kindness with others. Recently, a conversation with a good family friend of mine, David,  who is the chef and owner of an acclaimed sustainable family style Italian restaurant in our greater community, shared with me that he was opening the doors of his restaurant again this year to help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving. This act continues a family tradition that he and his mother started when he was a young man.

This year, he will be feeding the homeless community in the front of the restaurant and has gathered a group of volunteers to help prepare boxes of food for 15,000 families in Guatemala. How thankful and blessed he was to have the opportunity to help others, not only in his own community, but those in need from afar.

As we continued talking, I asked, "What about publicity?" "No, no," he said. "This is not why I have expanded our family Thanksgiving tradition. I really don't want any publicity. I really am doing this to help others."

When our conversation ended, I hung up the phone and quietly thought for a moment. How wonderful it was to hear how this act of heartfelt selfishness would touch the lives of others.  My friend was doing it, opening the doors of his restaurant to family, friends and those in need to celebrate the true essence of the Thanksgiving Season -- with no expectation in return.

His story is an inspiration and a reminder to me that there is always something we can do to be selfless this holiday season.

In the months ahead, I challenge us all to slow down and embrace the act of selflessness.

With heartfelt thoughts to all,
Ssusan

Do Something Different Today

Open your heart to Creativity this month!

As we welcome the Autumn Season, the cool weather offers a needed break from the summer heat and I find myself soul-searching for something different to do. I need to do something to change my daily routine --  to spice it up!

Try to create a new adventure in your day-to-day routine this month.  Whether it's finding time to draw or paint, cook, sew or write in your journal, find a way. Maybe you'll go out of your way to try a new restaurant or pop-int o a coffee shop or a bookshop and browse. Or maybe you carve out a few hours for yourself to just be -- take a stroll, read, just enjoy an afternoon with no structure so that you can tap into your creativity 100%!  You'll feel recharged! 

Let Go and Be Open to Abundance

I often think of the harvesting of grapes to make wine. So many rows of grapes on the vine; so many imperfect grapes discarded to make way for the juiciest fruit. Make room for your potential and know that gaining is a process; abundance is a process. Some days we move forward, and some days we don’t feel like we are moving at all. Know that the momentum is always there.

Time to Reflect

There I was, on a recent trip to Europe, standing in front of a Rembrandt. As I was looking through my photos later that night, this image caught my eye because of the reflection created by the thick layer of glass protecting the painting.

I originally took the photo because I was so taken with the artist's perspective and the subject matter: an older wise man patiently sitting in reflection by an open window. What struck me about the photo later was how it seemed to merge timelines. It was past, present and future all at once. In the other faces, I was seeing who I was, who I am, who I will be. In essence, time -- fleeting time.  I began by appreciating one perspective, and then I began to see so many more.  This is the value of reflection.

Taking the time for reflection in one's daily life allows for the opportunity to pause and sort through observations amidst the chaos and consider multiple interpretations in an effort to create meaning. This deciphering or "meaning" is a form of learning which then goes on to inform ways in which we act, think and live today and in the future, in all types of settings.

Reflection is the gateway between memories and dreams. 

Be still. Think. Take time to reflect.

Independence Your Way!

As the 4th of July approaches, please remember to  take a moment to give thanks to our military and public safety heroes through time for their honor and courage in defending our freedoms and democracy.Celebrate your independence with a little color and creativity. Just look where a little creative thinking got us in 1776! Get outside, draw, paint, cook....Celebrate your freedom. On that note, here's a new spin I took on a Ratatouille recipe! Happy Red, White and Blue!