Beautiful Backyard Bash

Someday, I'd like to host a pretty little party in our yard at night to celebrate and for the fun of decorating in dramatic and lovely ways with simple touches. That simply must include a delightful luminaria pathway, tree lanterns, and more.

A fabulous pasta bar buffet and bouquets of the tallest bread sticks I can find...

Simple and glittery table seating...

My husband is so gifted at lighting the backyard with random table lamps to add more warmth and interest to an evening gathering. I'd ask him to help create more ambiance.

And at the end of the evening, though our urban backyard would not have room, launching sky lanterns with friends would be a fun finale!

Maybe we could all walk a few blocks to the park and fill the night sky with magic!

My Kind of Jewelry

This is beautiful, by Nina Bagley, I believe. I don't think it is for sale, but I'm sure I couldn't afford it anyway. I like the words hammered in the silver. I love the phrase. The cloudy smoothed beach glass is beautiful. The twisted wire is so rustic.

Oh! And the compass! It simply triggers my wanderlust. Sigh.

Snow Angel Joys

I made many a snow angel back in the day. Now I live in Southern California, so opportunities are few and far between. I did make snow angels with grown-up friends from college in March a few years ago, while visiting in New Jersey. I think I'd call it snow angel therapy. Getting down in the snow, resting on my back, staring into the cold, blue, wintery sky, making a sweeping motion with my hands and legs, and touching a childhood memory deep in my heart -- all combine to make for a playful release of the stress of adulthood, if even for just a moment. Love it! Never too old, I hope!

An activity just right for flakes like me!

Passion to Push in the Face of Misery

My brother-in-law took this photo. For me, it symbolizes determination in discipline, and commitment to passion in the face of misery and discomfort. Inspiring! Makes my demanding tasks look a bit easier.

Muppet Motivation

I just really want to ride my bike more often and with more confidence! It has been so long since I've been for a ride, I'm a bit wobbly, nervous, and unfamiliar with the why and when of gears. When I was a confident rider, helmets were not required, so that tells you it is a few years ago.

Today, I derive inspiration from some of my favorite characters. If these guys can take a cycle for a cruise in the park, so can I!

And I simply must cling to the goodness in life, when it gets overwhelming to ride well, build up endurance, stay out of traffic, and seek out hill-free trails. A cupcake is a good reward for effort!

Puppies

Even the word brings me joy. Once in a while, I just need a few tiny black noses to brighten the day. A photo will do in a pinch.

More About Naturally Flavored H2O

In follow-up to the previous blog post, let me add some other favorites. Of course, there is the traditional lemon water.

I also enjoy strawberry water from time to time. I have even put frozen strawberries in my bottle of water I take with me when I leave home. It chills the water like ice, and gives the water a delightfully light, sweet flavor. Though I must warn you, dear reader, a soaked strawberry looks a bit like a floating alien by day's end.

And finally, I think I'll experiment with watermelon water, if that isn't too redundant or repetitive. I may even use my melon ball scoop to freeze some little chunks of the summer fruit, and try that in my to-go-water.

And, yes, it is in the 90's today. When hot weather strikes, cool drinks seem to get my attention.

Freshness in a Glass

I love cucumber water! In my quest to eat well and to retrain myself away from syrupy, sugary drinks, and to add variety, I was reminded today of the freshness of cucumber water. The mild, clean, hint of cucumber flavor adds to the quench of every sip. I must remember to have an icy glass more often!

And, no, you don't squeeze a cucumber to get cucumber water. Simply drop a few slices in the water, and there you have it. Does it also count for a serving of vegetables? Probably not, but nice try.