Monday Mischief: A River of Inspiration...

This is where I spent my weekend:

[::via Freewine's photostream on Flickr]

Unfortunately, my digital camera died and I had to use one of those ancient wind-up disposable cameras, so I must wait to get them developed...like the olden days, no? I have been reading Emerson this past week, and was inspired to pay closer attention and really soak in the surroundings while out on the river. It was just so beautiful. My girlfriends and I were discussing why it is, despite the heat, bugs, and vast potential for injuring ourselves [which one of us did...and had to get a tetanus shot!] we have such a great time out there. I was reminded of an Emerson quote: "I expand and live in the warm day like corn and melons." It's sort of a funny quote, but I think it sums up the simplicity of what a day spent in nature does for the expansion of your soul. That's how I feel on a hot summer day, anyway!

To continue my project from last week, here are some more ways to bring a bit of beauty and everyday-passion into your life during the week ahead:



• Spend an hour, an evening, or an entire day in natural surroundings -- be conscious of all the details, all the ways it makes you feel in comparison with an average day spent at home, at work, or indoors.
• Buy yourself a delicate new teacup and a fancy tea to keep at your desk at work -- have tea time in the afternoon [by yourself...or ask a friend to join]. This is my new favorite tea -- it's insanely healthy and delicious!
• Order something out of your comfort zone the next time you go to a restaurant [maybe I'll order something with bell peppers...which I hate...maybe].
• Read some poetry...really! Try reading something you disliked when you were younger. I used to think that Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Christina Rossetti were boring when I studied them in grade school. But as I've grown older, I realize how fantastic they are!
• Give yourself a facial: steam, scrub, mask, the whole nine yards.
• Buy a fun coloring book and crayons and color with someone you love...here is one of my favorites.

Make just a few moments this week intensely beautiful!