Marigolds and Mother Nature

Wow - I just wrote my first full-circle entry. I started the list one way and ended it in the same manner with a bunch of "stuff" in between.  It's almost like a Seinfeld episode. 

1. Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful without looking for it. This is a word I live in and thoroughly enjoy those serendipitous moments in life.
2. "And do not even sweat anything.  You are like family and we take care of family and those we love and care about." This was said to me today and made me tear up. I appreciate my friends so much.
3. This past spring I was so excited to plant some seeds and grow flowers outside of my office window.  They did pretty well until it got REALLY hot outside. Unfortunately they all died off after I had a couple of sunflowers brighten my days and then whither away.  Today I stepped outside and was so pleasantly surprised. The plants that I thought had died had survived and thrived without any help from me - only the help from Mother Nature. The seeds found their ways to the cracks between the tiles and took root.  Nature never ceases to surprise me with its ability to persevere.  I take this as a testament to the human spirit. No matter how bleak things may become, over time you'll survive and under the right conditions, you'll thrive. Seeing these flowers made my day and hopefully this picture of them will make yours.
4. I took about a week off from running and ran today.   I felt pretty good and motivated to do my long run on Thursday.  Long meaning 20 minute run. I love how the endorphins make me feel. 
5. Some days I feel like I am a freshman in college. You know.. not having a clue what I want to do with my life career wise. While they feel unsure of their path they take classes in the hopes to discover it. In my case, I'm working just because that's what I'm supposed to do until I discover my "path".  It's not a bad thing. Sometimes that's just what you have to do. I'm okay with not knowing what I want to do because I know what I love to do. Make sense?  Probably not...  bottom line - I love being creative and artsy and I'll keep pluggin' away until I experience a serendipitous moment. :0)

Saturday In the Park...

Today started off a little, hmmm... different. Let's just leave it at that. However, I visited the National Arboretum this morning and I'm now wondering why I had never been before! Even though it's autumn, it was still a beautiful place to be. The sunlight on the leaves and other plants were fantastic.  I can't wait to upload the images.

1. Taking a friend's suggestion and visiting the National Arboretum was a great idea.  I found this tall plant with feather like fronds and photographed it a few dozen times. AH-MAZING images!
2. Although I am tired, I still managed to do a lot today. What's my motivation?  Being creative. I made the covers for two new cereal box journals.  I am getting much better at making them.
3. Today I decided to try making cakes in mason jars.  I made my own buttercream frosting too! YUM! Cake Pops are next - with the homemade frosting!
4. I listened to Mary J. Blige's song, "Empty Prayers" at least a dozen more times today. It's such a powerful song. I love it.  It's my new favorite song. Good ol' song binging! "I try my best to keep you here - but it's hard to hold a shadow."
5. I made another sale today on Etsy!  YAY!!!

Oh the Horror (and the Zombies)!

1. I think I've finally figured out how to make these sketchbooks using re-purposed cereal boxes.  I even added a flap with a clasp tonight! By the time I make one more I should have it totally figured out. Woo HOo!
2. I looked outside of the kitchen window and spotted a hummingbird hovering around one of the flowers in the front yard.  Pretty cool! This is the second one I've seen in the yard in the last month.  I guess they like what's in the yard. :0)
3. Today I found another show that I am excited for, The Walking Dead.  This show is a good mix of creepy, sci-fi and drama.  I like how each episode leaves you wanting more.  Reminds me of how the show LOST made me feel. I'm also excited to start watching American Horror Story - Jessica Lange plays "creepy" really well. Oh, and they sure say the word, "shit" a lot!
4. Scored a great deal on an item at Super Target - I love shopping the clearance racks. I also love Super Target in general.
5. Peace and quiet.  That's what I will have for the next few days and I will love every minute of it.