Saying Thank You...~Day Four~

Thank you sun, for shining.

Thank you sky, for being blue.

Thank you birds, for singing.

Thank you friends, for being you.


Usually I try to be eloquent, polished, sophisticated.

At least in my mind.

Today I want to be childish and free.

The obvious things like sunshine and sky are often the best things in life. And this little poem, although reminiscent of an elementary school English assignment, makes the point.

Be young and open today in your wide-eyed wonder, and say "thank you" with a singing heart.

Out picking dandelions,
Kimberly

Saying Thank You...~Day One~

Dear Wade,

Thank you for bringing me breakfast in bed today. For holding me, and loving me. I have the best husband in the world.

Love,
Kim


Dear Jan,

Thank you for your email message and loving advice. Reading your words was like looking into a warm light shining in darkness. You are such a giving person to reach out to me--someone you don't even know.

Many blessings to you,
Kim

Saying Thank You...

I heard an interview once about a man who wrote a thank you note a day for a whole year. Then he wrote a book about the experience. Not surprisingly the year changed his life for the better.

I can't think of his name, or I would post a link here. If any of you know who I'm referring to, let me know.

Thank you notes, especially hand-written ones are a dying art form in my mind. Everything these days is over the Internet, or texted, or just not said.

For this retreat, let's turn writing a thank you into a calm ritual that brings extra love to the process. Here's my idea...

Retreat Time:

Take some time, put on some nice music, maybe make a good cup of coffee (or tea if that's your thing), choose a favorite pen, and worthy paper. Brainstorm a short list of people in your life for whom you are thankful. Add a few words next to each name reminding you of what they bring to your life.

Now pick one, and thank them.

Pop it in the mail.

Now here's the thing...I don't want you to stress out if you don't have their address, or you don't have a stamp, or any other reason why actually sending this note would cause you anxiety. If you can't mail it for whatever reason, take a few deep breaths, hold it to your heart, and "send" it that way. Just be sure and write it first. Putting pen to paper has an almost magical way of focusing our thoughts with sincerity. If you picture the person in your mind while smiling some love their way, they'll get it. They really will.

One more idea...post your thank yous here. Your words will enter the blogosphere, and even if your intended recipient doesn't read them, many others will.

Thank you to all of you who have read this blog, commented on its contents, and befriended me. I am touched, and lucky beyond imagining.

(((big smile)))

Love, Kimberly

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat~~Day Three

Now isn't that a beautiful thing?


My sink doesn't look this good. I'm not sure it ever did, even when it was new forty years ago. But you've got to see the beauty in this image--this shining, mirror-like, reflection with the drain looking the part of an opulent brooch deserving of a lady-in-waiting.


Maybe that's a stretch, but if you think about it, any surface in your house can be seen as something spectacular with a little imagination. Need a get-away? 


I give you the humble kitchen sink.


Dishes are done.


Time for coffee.


And pie,
Kimberly

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat

When I started this blog, this particular idea came to mind, and I dismissed it.

This can't be a retreat.

But when dirt, grime, and clutter suck the life out of a room, make me crazy, and generally cranky, then getting rid of them and basking in the peaceful glow of cleanliness is a GIFT!!

Story Time:

About a year ago my husband and I pulled to outdated tiles off the ceiling in our bedroom to expose old farmhouse wainscoting. Charming! And filthy.

Weeks went by and I eventually took a mop, covered the bed with old sheets, and started cleaning the ceiling. Water dripped everywhere, my arms ached, my neck hurt, and I only got about a quarter of the ceiling done.

More weeks went by, then months. Then two days ago my husband asked me what one thing bugged me most about our house of many undone projects and messy corners. He thought I would take issue with the mudroom. I immediately mentioned the bedroom ceiling. So we simplified my system by ditching the mop and using a small bucket of hot Pine-sol water and a wash cloth. We brought the step ladder in and worked on one small section at a time. Just ten minutes. By the end of the week, the whole thing will be done.

Almost instant happiness!! :)

Retreat Time:

Pick a corner, a drawer, a grubby section of ceiling and clean it up for ten minutes. Then walk away. That's it. Survey what you've done and claim it as good. Let the feeling of accomplishment sink all the way down to your toes. You deserve it.

Squeaky clean,
Kimberly

p.s. Remember my last post? I have taken my own advice and I am embracing life as a writer. I have entered a contest courtesy of Jennifer Louden. It is a #WritersRetreat in Taos, NM and I encourage you all to check it out, and Jennifer's site. She is amazing. Here is the link  http://ht.ly/4Pwka
Many blessings to you all!!

Week Something~ I've Missed You~

I was at my cousin's wedding reception last weekend. The room was filled with people I hadn't seen in many years, and along with the blissfully happy bride, was her sister's husband Paul.

We used to see Paul, Laura, and their beautiful children once or twice a year, but it's amazing how before you know it, four have ticked by.

That's just too long.

And Paul asked me about this blog..."What happened? You haven't posted in awhile."

There are lots of reasons for this, and I suppose over time I will share them with you, but for now, Paul's kind words have gotten me typing again.

No excuses. I'm back with another retreat.

I am reframing what retreat means to me. I am moving forward with my life, not pulling back, not surrendering. I am actively choosing to pause, not out of fear, or procrastination, but for the celebrations that come in every small moment.
Slow down enough and you'll see them.

Retreat Time:

Is there something, or someone, you've always wanted to be?

An Astronaut
The President
A Singer
A Humanitarian
A Professor

A Writer

Why not let yourself "be" that person for a day. Maybe even a moment. Our imaginations are time machines, and our thoughts can take us wherever we want to go. It's not about running away from the lives we have by immersing ourselves in a dream world. It's about pulling that world desired into our present here and now.

Why not?

Explore.    Lead.    Give voice.    Help.    Learn.    Write.

So good to be back,
K.