ADVICE FROM A TREE

Advice from a tree that sits on a trail in Torrey Pines State Park:

Stand tall and Proud

Go out on a limb

Remember your roots

Be content with your natural beauty

Enjoy the view

LOOK UP AND OUT

Whether you are home for the day doing chores, are sick in bed, or the weather does not permit you to leave, take a minute and walk up to one of your windows. Look out into the world and what is going on around you. Stop, look and listen. Think about your life. Breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling smooth breaths. It is amazing how much is going on around you when you take the time to notice.  

If you have a day that you are out in your community, go to your favorite location or the highest peak you can find. Look out at the beautiful view and breathe.  

GRANDMA'S KNITTED BAG

Grandma's Bag with special notes from my childhood inside

Almost everyone has a mom or grandmother who has made something handmade.  My mom’s mom made wonderful quilts, blankets, table cloths, and clothes, whether sewn by hand, machine, crocheted or knitted.

I keep a lot of what she made stored safely and only use them once in a while. But one item, which she made me when I was in elementary school, I keep special items inside. A knitted drawstring bag.

Every once in a while I will open it up and look at what it has kept safe for years. The funniest are old hand-written notes from some of my childhood girl and boy friends in the fifth grade.

This bag did not cost a lot of money to make and, I will admit, it is not the most beautiful in color choice or design.  But my grandmother made it specially for me, so I think of her every time I open it and appreciate it.

BIRTHDAY TIME

Almost everybody loves to celebrate their birthday.

When we are young, we can not wait for our next birthday, because they lead to exciting milestones like getting a drivers license, voting in an election and legally drinking.  As we get older, the milestones are fewer, and we do not mind if these birthdays slow down. But I say: why hide from them? Let’s celebrate them! 

My family celebrates birthdays, not just on the day, but as a season.  We love birthday cards. It does not matter if a birthday card is hand made, bought at a store, is small or large.  Everyone in our family starts a few weeks ahead collecting and making these cards for the upcoming birthday person or pet.  This friend or family member’s birthday may last three weeks or so, even if they do not live with you or near you. You can send the cards in the mail ahead of time.  If you want to give these cards to the person at one time, you can label them with consecutive dates so they know when to open them.  This makes everyone’s birthday an event.  When they open the cards, their home or where they are staying becomes filled with birthday spirit.  With this, no presents are needed, just your simple thoughts and love given to them, not only for their birthday, but now their birthday season.

WALKING HOME

Today, not a lot of kids get to walk to or from school. Our world has changed and many parents do not feel comfortable giving their children free reign of the neighborhood. Also, with districts dictating where each child will go to school, they are often not within walking distance. For me this is sad, because many of my favorite childhood memories are of walking home from school.

The distance between my school and home was just right.  In the middle of my walk was a small shopping center that had the most delicious family run bakery.  Each morning this bakery made all its cakes and baked goods. The people who worked there were so nice to us kids. When they had leftover frosting in their piping bags from decorating their cakes, they would keep it refrigerated and when we walked home past their windows, the baker would wave my friends and I in for one of the yummy frosting treats. We would be sure to say thank you and then be on our way home, squirting the butter cream frosting into our mouths. It was such a treat and I will never forget it.

If your children are lucky enough to walk places, or even if you take them, make sure they do not miss those little spots that have simple treats.  If they walk from your home to a friend’s house, maybe you can make the simple treat and send it with them. My favorite simple treats are cookies, cupcakes, and popcorn.

ENJOY THE WORLD AROUND YOU

I live by the beach and one of my favorite things to do is drive by the beautiful coastline on my way to or from home. I always appreciate the people I see as I drive by; people parked in their cars, people standing on the shoreline, people sitting on sidewalk benches, enjoying their lunch or just a break from their day. I watch how they enjoy the breathtaking view and clean air, as I do the same. Some people tan or run into the water, taking the initiative to be in the environment and not just of it.

If you do not live by the beach, find a hiking trail or path and see where it may lead you.  As you walk and enjoy your surroundings, look for something small and special you can take home from our Earth.  That way you have something to remind you of your outing. You can also go a step further and make your special item into a piece of art. You may have chosen a shell, a rock, a pine cone, sand... Anything can be transformed! The idea is to take a special place, a special time and make it into something simple.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE SURPRISES?

For years I’ve made our household a welcoming environment for friends, family and fun. I’ve always wanted kids to feel comfortable when they come over. I would bake yummy, homemade snacks, and sometimes would have the kids help me make them.

I also created an area for arts and crafts. It’s so important for kids to use their creativity, exercising their brains to make what ever they choose and not just what they are “supposed to make.” We had crayons, paper, markers, chalkboards with different colored chalk, and a lot of play dough.  As the kids got older, I transitioned the art supplies to be more mature and sophisticated, like pastels, oil paints, beads, etc.

We would have un-birthday parties, as they do in Alice in Wonderland, celebrating with fun party paper goods, like hats and whistles.

The most fun for me was to have a prize drawer. I emptied a drawer in my kitchen and constantly stocked and restocked it with items that were simple and inexpensive. I still do it to this day, taking inventory to make sure no one will ever be disappointed. I stuff it with everything from candy to small plastic toys, little games and even bubble pop plastic that you find in boxes that are shipped so the items don’t break. Kids pull this bubble wrap out of the drawer and begin jumping on it, popping away the individual bubbles in between giggles. Is there anything more satisfying?

All the kids in my life and neighborhood know where this drawer is.  The minute they stop into our home, that is where they are headed. Its such a joy to watch them—I want them to love the simple things!

ALL THE FIRSTS

Almost all moms and dads get that first year baby book as a present at their baby shower. The one where you document all the first times of everything. There is a place for pictures, the first haircut, which even has a spot for that first lock of hair. These books are wonderful to go back and look through, remembering all the firsts. And where did the time go...?

The second book of firsts for my first born

All the extra things I collected stuffed into the pages of the book of firsts

At the end of that first year, I decided to continue this baby book throughout my girls' lives. I went to the store and bought a few blank journals. I started just after the end of their first year and began writing a new journal every month. I kept them in a spot that was safe, but where I would be reminded that they were there and to write in them. Each time I wrote, I dated the page. I wrote whatever they were doing in their life at that time. I wrote in a positive, fun way, but once in a while, if something occurred that was sad, I included it.

A look inside the pages of the second book of firsts and a picture my first born drew

I also stored their important school items and certificates folded into the pages of these books. As the book filled, I labeled its back the year and a number depending on how many I had written in that year. Then I wrapped them in a bag and put them away in their baby storage box. They are now grown adults and I still keep a journal for each of them.

As my girls have aged and time has flown, I haven't gotten the chance to write in them as much as I wish, but I still do make it a point, every few months or so. One day they will be able to go back and recount their entire childhood. It was easy to do, giving simple memories and will be fun for generations to follow. For me this is priceless. 

FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH

One of most favorite, simplest things ever, is the children's book, Harold and The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. This book is the most adorable book. Harold gets to tell his own story using his purple crayon. In essence, he gets to write his own life. He is in control of what he wants and what he is doing. I believe this message is so important, not only  to children in our world, but adults as well. With work and imagination, you can do and create anything. You are in power and it is your life.

In the past, I have given this book to many new parents to read and enjoy with their new babies as they grow older. I believe its lesson is powerful and important and it is told in a most simple way.

GIVE BEFORE YOU GET

Every once in a while I go to different home decor stores and do what I like to call "hunting". I walk through, see the newest home goods that are out, and maybe even holiday items. 

I also hunt at clothing stores for the newest fashions. I don't actually buy anything at that time, I just think about what I could add or take out of my wardrobe.

While at home, I look at my wardrobe and think about the clothes that don't fit so well anymore, look a bit old, or are just out of fashion. I put them in a bag and give them to a local charity. Maybe a homeless shelter or safe house for those who have had a hard time or who may have had to leave their homes in a rush. Doing so keeps my closet at a minimum, which I love because it keeps it simple and clutter free.

SMALL SHOPS

We get so busy driving through our neighborhoods, we rarely slow down to enjoy them. We rush to go to the big malls or large retail stores for the one stop shopping convenience. What we forget, is sometimes small gems are hidden out of sight.

Recently, I was going to an appointment in my local shopping area, or as locals call it, the village. I parked my car and was walking down the sidewalk to my destination and caught a shimmer out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and noticed the cutest display window. It was fun and so inviting. I made a note to stop in that little store on my way back to my car.

And so I did.

As I walked through its doors, I felt like I entered another realm of life. Every inch of this stores space was filled with fun, exciting, different little gifts. It was adorable. I stopped as I entered and just enjoyed being there. There was a feeling of giving, friends, families, parties, love and happiness, all in this little store. I was greeted by a young woman who later told me she owned the store.I picked up a few things that I knew I could use as gifts for family and friends. She helped me put them on the end of the counter close to her register. She giggled and stated, "My mom told me I should get some baskets and stack them at the door so people can put what they choose to buy in them." I told her that was a great idea and continued to shop and pick up a few more things.

They were all small items but special things you may not find in those big malls or stores. I paid for my new prizes and told her I would be back. I had the best time, taking a break out of the big world and walking into this special place.

And I even got holiday shopping done.

Look around the area you live in and find a special place. Step in and disappear for a while into a peaceful happiness. I am making hunting for these places a new hobby. 

SMILE

Remember, just smile. It speaks in any language and they say its worth a thousand words. It shows your inner soul and who you really are. It will always be the one thing people remember you by, if you smile, you can't help but be happy.

My mom always said "Smile and the whole world smiles with you".

A SINGLE ROSE

A simple thing I like to do to add a bit of joy to my week is buy a single flower to put in my home. My favorite is a white rose, but you can choose your favorite. 

If you do not have a bud vase, you can cut the flower where the stem meets the bud and float it in a bowl. This is a simple and easy way to bring a little light and love into your home.

If you do not want to go out and buy a flower, you can borrow one from your garden or a nearby field.

ENJOY THE LIGHT

A candle bought by my daughters for my birthday

Everyday doing and using simple things or going to a simple place will help you find and keep happiness. No matter how you feel physically or emotionally, do something everyday to make yourself and others happy. This creates positive energy that will surround you with strength and an environment of love. It will also help you make a good memory out of a hard situation.

One of my simple things is to light a candle throughout the year, with every changing season or holiday. Buy a candle for your home and pick a color or scent that goes with that time of year. As they burn, enjoy the light it gives you. When you shop for your candles and use them, you will find yourself in a peaceful mindset and it will make you happy.

JOY ~ BLISS ~ GLEE

My mom always told me that you have to make yourself happy, no matter where you are in your life.

I carry this idea with me always. I instilled it in my children, husband, friends and family, and now I am ready to spread this precious advice to all of you. 

In every stage of my life I have strived to be happy. My family and I celebrate everyday, whether it is a day of illness or a day of play. 

As we get older, we run into situations in our life that are very challenging and it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Through my personal experiences, with family, friends and my career as a nurse, I have used the most simple things to keep happiness alive during even the most upsetting times. 

Somehow, throughout my life, I have always ended up helping people. Helping people, to me, is a form of true happiness. This is ultimately why I have decided to start this process of reaching out. Reaching out to anyone who may need or want my help in creating joy from the simple things in life.

I hope, if nothing more, that from these stories you will be reminded to stay positive, stay cheerful, and make the best of even the worst situations. 

The most priceless advice I could have ever gotten or could ever give is to be happy. I am looking forward to sharing my personal stories and advice to help guide you through the hard times in life.

My mom, me and my sister at a San Diego Children's Hospital Fundraiser in the 90's