When things are stressful, it can be hard to rouse enough energy for a big creative project but something as simple as cutting and gluing can bring a surprising amount of meditative comfort. It taps into that childhood joy of just playing with paper and loving what you love.

If you have magazines, used books, clippings or other fun creative stash, why not make yourself a glue book (also known as a picture book)? It’s simply a matter of gathering and gluing things that you enjoy into a journal or a sketchbook. No rules. Just fun.

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

If you are a musical lover, there’s a treat coming for you on The Show Must Go On. Each Friday they will be sharing an Andrew Lloyd Weber musical for free for 48 hours. For a little while longer you can see a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. My sisters and I grew up on the movie version of this musical and can sing it start to finish!

Here’s how the presenters describe this version…

Jesus Christ Superstar (2012): Director Laurence Connor presents this contemporary re-imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s legendary rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The world renowned phenomenon portrays the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Filmed as an arena rock opera, the performance features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Tim Minchin as the role of Judas Iscariot; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as King Herod; and Ben Forster, to take on the title role of Jesus. 

You can be notified of the next installment by subscribing to the The Show Must Go On channel and clicking on the bell, which activates notifications.

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

I want to share with you today a passage that has stayed deep in my heart since I first read it, one I reference in many of my classes, an essential teaching from Pema Chödrön that will serve us so beautifully now.

“When I was about six years old I received an essential teaching from an old woman sitting in the sun. I was walking by her house one day feeling lonely, unloved, and mad, kicking anything I could find. Laughing, she said to me, “Little girl, don’t you go letting life harden your heart.”

Right there, I received this pith instruction: we can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and  make us kinder and more open to what scares us. We always have this choice.”

Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

 

My beautiful friend Jen Lee has created a short, sensitive and always inspiring series called Morning, Sunshine. She is a smart, sensitive creative soul and someone I always look to for deep and gentle wisdom. Spending time with her is always a wonderful way to ope your heart and find your ground.

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

My mom was a strong believer in sound healing. If she were here during this time, I know that Beautiful Chorus recording would be something she would be listening to on repeat.

And it’s not just for listening. These short, simple, repeatable mantras are easy for you to sing to yourself throughout the day. This morning I played this on Spotify while I fed the cats and found myself continuing to sing the I Love My Life mantra as I went about my day.

Remember, all the arts are for all of us. Give yourself the gift of song today.

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

One of the joys of springtime is opening up our windows and hearing the birds. Their sounds are so familiar. I’ve been listening to them for a lifetime and yet, sometimes I don’t know the bird that is singing a particular song.  When I realized that, it felt so strange, like not knowing the face of a dear friend.

The BirdNET app has helped me do some identification. This morning, I opened the window and, along with the cats, listened to the birds. I recorded their songs into the app and was able to discover who was singing in the backyard. First, a robin. What amazing range this beauty has. I feel like I have heard her every day of my life. And then the mourning doves. I have seen them, at times, on our roof and now I know for sure they are still here. And lastly, the cardinal. They are such beauties and it still seems rare to get a sighting. Now that I know their sound, I can tell they are here, even if I can’t see them.

Are you listening to the birds? Who sings in your neighbourhood? I’d love to know. If you’re not sure, perhaps the BirdNet app will be a treat for you too.

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.

Well, if you’ve been around here for any time at all, you know I have a soft spot for kittens. Perhaps it started when we rescued our three from a tough situation (More likely, that’s just when I went public!)

I feel like kittens have rescued me too. During my mom’s battle with cancer, I would sit at the computer while she slept and watch kittens on a live cam, especially Foster Dad John of the Critter Room. The first round was the Spice Kittens. Here’s an example.

Sometimes it was hours of quiet sleeping babies or sometimes it was lively, like this mama with the kitty crazies.

Kittens on Instagram

These days I get my kitten entertainment on Instagram. Over this past year, I have been particularly captivated by Kitten Faces. Not only are the kittens always delightful but Barb is a brilliant and funny foster mom. I learn from and am inspired and entertained by her every day. In the relatively short time I’ve been watching, she’s saved several kitten lives. Right now she’s fostering a mom who won’t let her close and her three sweet babies.

I have to also share that @foster_kittens has a particularly adorbs set of fosters right now. Seriously. They are irresistible!

On the New Moon, I began a new blog series: 40 Days of Beauty, Goodness & Love, little moments of light to get us through a difficult time. If you get solace, peace and inspiration from this, please share with others who need the same.
PS In the video below, be sure to put on subtitles.