The leaves of the oak trees were just beginning to form, those tightly wrapped buds gently announcing that spring may be on her way. The sun shone a bit too bright as I looked out the upstairs window from my bed, heavy with the weight of mono that had lingered for weeks. Grief over a […]
- Faith
- ...
Rediscovering the Lost Art of Noticing
Marshall's Fall Find: Crabapples
Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. -Mary Oliver Last week as I was returning to my house from a walk, I noticed a small bird perched atop our mailbox. A small brown robin, it wasn’t particularly noteworthy. It wasn’t eating or hopping or flying. Just sitting there looking out […]
- Food
- ...
What Is Nourishing Me This Fall
And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves. Virginia Woolf Oh fall, why are you so glowy and cozy AND ALSO so exhausting? Punctuated with warm reds, vibrant oranges and mellow yellows. Scented with spicy chili, warm bread and fresh pressed apple cider. […]
Connecting With Our Creativity: Part 3 – Motivation
I’m going to be real with you friends – this post was originally intended to be about perfectionism and how it can hold us back from fully engaging our creativity. But here’s the thing – I’m just not a perfectionist! Like, AT ALL. Good enough is my mantra. I have too many things I want […]
Connecting With Our Creativity: Part 2 – Imposter Syndrome
I have written 11 books but each time I think, “Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” -Maya Angelou “I am a writer.” Well, I mean, I started a blog. I like to write. I am part of a writing group […]
Connecting With Our Creativity: Part 1 – Defining Creativity
Think left and think right. Think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up, if only you try! -Dr. Seuss I never thought of myself as a “creative” (when did this adjective become a noun by the way??). In my mind, creative people carried bohemian purses with lots of fringe, purchased canvasses […]
- Faith
- ...
I Am (not) The Worst…and Neither Are You
Made in God’s image, humans are invested with a non-negotiable dignity. -David G. Benner Recently I began an email to a friend with the words “I am the worst…..”. Her message had been sitting in my in box for a over a week and I felt bad that it had taken me so long to […]
Double Duty Holiday Shopping 2020
My idea of Christmas, whether old fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. -Bob Hope Disclaimer: There are NO affiliate links in this post. I haven’t yet gotten my act together. Bountiful Days will not make one red cent from your purchases to companies linked in this post. I have a confession. I REALLY […]
Look For The Goodness
“The only way we will love our neighbor as ourselves is by getting to know our neighbors, even in the midst of our differences. And the only way to truly know someone is by being with them.” -Eric Overby Today is Tuesday, November 10 which means we are exactly 7 days past the 2020 elections. […]
The Parent Trap: Comparison
Comparison is the death of joy. -Mark Twain A few weeks ago, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at the home of some dear friends. The oldest son, 14, greeted us at the door with an offer of a beverage. I truly felt cared for with his warm gesture of hospitality. Later I thought, “Where have […]