Desiderata

"Nine times out of ten, you probably aren’t having a full-on nervous breakdown—you just need a cup of tea and a biscuit." — Caitlin Moran Image via wit + delight

Yesterday I sent out an obituary about my beloved late boss to our entire mailing list. I've been responding to everyone's condolences one at a time. They have all been kind, thoughtful and supportive. However, this particular note made me stop.  To surround yourself with beauty and to live a life of beautiful deeds is a precious legacy.  Image via Elephantine

  Great article on Refinery 29 explains how French women attain that effortless, just woke up and aren't I stunning look? From what I've gathered--moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Water, water, water. And my favorite--less showers!!

I never had it I never wanted it I never had your beauty mark Nor did I have your black hair And hazel eyes My early childhood was not as simple As yours set in the country No I did not have a fear of nuns who dressed in black But I do have your taste I had no radio show Nor did I have home-made clothes Home-made curtains of the same material I never had it I never wanted it I never had your beauty mark But I do have your taste And I do have your round face and long hands I think Callas sang a lovely "norma" You prefer Robeson in "Deep River" I may not be so manly But still I know you love me Even if I don't have your beauty mark

Some serious skin on skin action there. Pure beauty and love. Image via  the senses five

Image via wit + delight

  Here are a few yoga breathing excercises you can do (even while you sit at your desk). Breathing for Relaxation  How simple breath work can lead you to a deep state of relaxation. By Claudia Cummins Beginning students often ask for instructions on the "right" way to breathe. Alas, there's no single answer to that question, since the optimal breathing pattern at any given moment depends on the type of practice. Restorative yoga focuses solely on relaxation, though, and emphasizes breathing that creates calm and serene states of being. When you settle into restorative poses, try the following techniques for cultivating breathing patterns that are hallmarks of relaxation and well-being. Move the Belly With the Breath: When we are at ease, the diaphragm is the primary engine of the breath. As we inhale, this domelike muscle descends toward the abdomen, displacing the abdominal muscles and gently swelling the belly. As we exhale, the diaphragm releases back toward t

  Look at this whenever you think you want to cut your hair.

  If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. -J.R.R. Tolkien

When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art. --Paul Cezanne

It's finally raining.

  I never really got into Pinterest, but I suppose it's a decent place to find inspiration for the many interests we all have in life. I just created a yoga pinboard, and I'm really excited to see the insane poses that these advanced yogis can do! Right now, yoga is a huge part of my life. It's a place where my mind can quiet and grow strong, it contributes to my general health, and is quickly becoming one of my greatest passions. I recently joined Laughing Frog Yoga studio in Santa Monica and I really have to say that I'm loving every minute of it. I have an unlimited pass and it really allows me to be flexible with the courses (levels and styles). My favorite class is taught by Catherine Tingey --Slow Flow (Level 1/2). It's the ultimate source for finding your own rhythm, taking your time in each pose, and slowing down after a stressful work day. Catherine really pours into her students and makes them feel welcome, important and necessary to the practice.

(Reblog) "The art of weekend rest" Words & Styling by Julie Pointer Photographs by Laura Dart Location The Barn at Tivoli for Kinfolk There’s no better way to feel refreshed than turning off, heading out and narrowing your focus on one restful activity. The world can be so loud these days. Distractions abound, vying for our attention at every turn. It’s no wonder we so often feel fragmented, pulled in countless directions, stressed, tired, uninspired. Shifting our attention to one sole task has become a discipline, particularly when that thing we want to draw ourselves to is rest. Given how rarely people seem to honestly disconnect these days, we’re starting to consider this ability to carve out respites for ourselves an art form. This kind of rejuvenation demands the whole self—pouring oneself in till there’s no room for worried thoughts, fear of missing out on anything else or even that nagging desire to somehow share how well you’re relaxing with others. Fin

(Reblog) THE IDLER: How to do nothing Words by Nikaela Marie Peters Photograph by Maja Norrman for Kinfolk As people get older, they realize that time is more valuable than money. And finding more time to do absolutely nothing is perhaps exactly what we all need. It’s the stuff of gods and infants—the birthplace of great works of art, philosophy and science. The habit of doing nothing at all is super-important to our individual and cultural well-being, yet it seems to be dying in our digitized age. Far from laziness, proper idleness is the soul’s home base. Before we plan or love or decide or act or storytell, we are idle. Before we learn, we watch. Before we do, we dream. Before we play, we imagine. The idle mind is awake but unconstrained, free to slip untethered from idea to idea or meander from potential theory to potential truth. Thomas Aquinas argued that “it is necessary for the perfection of human society that there should be men who devote their lives to contemplation.” I

                      Go placidly amid the noise and haste,             and remember what peace there may be in silence.             As far as possible without surrender             be on good terms with all persons.             Speak your truth quietly and clearly;             and listen to others,             even the dull and the ignorant;             they too have their story.             Avoid loud and aggressive persons,             they are vexations to the spirit.             If you compare yourself with others,             you may become vain and bitter;             for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.             Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.             Keep interested in your own career, however humble;             it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.             Exercise caution in your business affairs;             for the world is full of trickery.             But let this not blind